Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, better known as HAL, obtained the type certificate for its Hindustan-228. This aircraft is based on the Dornier Do 228 and is the first civil aircraft developed in India.
After obtaining the certificate -issued by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)- the low-speed ground tests began. Sajal Prakash, Managing Director of HAL Accessories Complex, said, that this «is an important milestone, as we are witnessing India’s first civil fixed-wing aircraft. This will help strengthen regional air connectivity,» he added.
HAL’s ‘Made in India’ Civil Aircraft Achieves Major Milestone, Carries out Ground Run and Low Speed Taxi Trials.. 1/2 @gopalsutar @DefProdnIndia @SpokespersonMoD @drajaykumar_ias @PTI_News @ANI pic.twitter.com/pywoLk0OR7
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) August 16, 2021
DGCA Director Indranil Chakraborty said the type certification will enable HAL to obtain international approval for the aircraft. The plane meets the latest FAA certification requirements (FAR Part 23, for small aircraft of up to 19 seats).
The Hindustan-228 has been designed for a variety of tasks, including passenger and VIP transport, emergency medical services (EMS) and cloud seeding, aerial surveillance and skydiving.
