Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils Hansa-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft in Bengaluru

The Hansa-3 (NG) is a two-seat, next-generation trainer aircraft developed indigenously by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru. It was designed as an improved version of the original Hansa series, featuring a modern glass cockpit display, a lightweight all-composite airframe, better aerodynamics, and a bubble canopy to improve visibility. The aircraft is equipped with a Rotax 912 iSc3 engine that is fuel-efficient and has electronically controlled flaps, making it suitable for training pilots in the early stages. Certified in India in 2023 to operate as a flight-training aircraft, the Hansa-3 (NG) helps foster India's aviation ecosystem and reduces dependence on foreign trainers.

Key Features of CSIR-NAL Hansa-3 

• The aircraft is a low-wing, two-seat, all-composite fibreglass and carbon airplane, with low weight, durability and lower maintenance.

• Planned with a modern glass-cockpit digital avionics suite, which improves situational awareness for trainee pilots.

• Energetic Rotax 912 iSc3 engine, which offers efficient operation and reduces the cost of operation.

• Flaps are electrically operated, and the design features a bubble canopy to enhance handling, visibility, and comfort for the pilot.

• The range and endurance of up to 620 nautical miles and 7 hours, as per the offers, are suitable for long-term training missions.

PYQs-Based Exam Dedicated Questions

Expected Question for Hansa-3

1. Hansa-3 (NG) trainer aircraft is developed by which organisation?

A. DRDO
B. HAL
C. CSIR–NAL
D. ISRO

✔ Answer: C. CSIR–NAL
Explanation: Hansa-3 (NG) is an indigenously developed two-seat trainer aircraft built by CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories in Bengaluru.

2. What is the primary use of the Hansa-3 (NG) aircraft?

A. Cargo transport
B. Surveillance
C. Pilot training
D. Passenger service

✔ Answer: C. Pilot training
Explanation: The aircraft is specifically designed as an ab-initio trainer for PPL and CPL pilot training.

3. Hansa-3 (NG) uses which type of engine?

A. PT6 Turboprop
B. Rotax 912 iSc3
C. Shakti Engine
D. Kaveri Engine

✔ Answer: B. Rotax 912 iSc3
Explanation: It uses a fuel-efficient Rotax engine that improves performance and reduces operating costs.

4. Which of the following features is a major upgrade in Hansa-3 (NG)?

A. Analog instrument panel
B. Bubble canopy design
C. Wooden airframe
D. Manual flaps

✔ Answer: B. Bubble canopy design
Explanation: The new bubble canopy provides wider field visibility—important for training pilots.

5. Hansa-3 (NG) is made using which airframe material?

A. Steel
B. Aluminium alloy
C. Composite materials
D. Titanium

✔ Answer: C. Composite materials
Explanation: The aircraft uses lightweight composite materials to reduce weight and improve efficiency.

6. What is the seating capacity of Hansa-3 (NG)?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 4
D. 6

✔ Answer: B. 2
Explanation: It has a two-seat arrangement—one instructor and one trainee.

7. Which of the following describes the cockpit of Hansa-3 (NG)?

A. Fully analog
B. Semi-digital
C. Full glass-cockpit
D. No cockpit display

✔ Answer: C. Full glass-cockpit
Explanation: The aircraft features a digital glass-cockpit display for improved situational awareness.

8. Hansa-3 (NG) was certified for pilot training use in which year?

A. 2020
B. 2021
C. 2023
D. 2025

✔ Answer: C. 2023
Explanation: Regulatory authorities approved it for training operations in 2023.

9. What is the average flight endurance of the Hansa-3 (NG)?

A. 1 hour
B. 3 hours
C. 7 hours
D. 10 hours

✔ Answer: C. 7 hours
Explanation: Its long endurance makes it suitable for extended training sorties.

10. Hansa-3 (NG) is mainly built to help India reduce dependence on which of the following?

A. Foreign trainer aircraft
B. Satellite imports
C. Rocket engines
D. Fighter jets

✔ Answer: A. Foreign trainer aircraft
Explanation: It is part of India’s effort to strengthen indigenous aviation training capabilities.

Conclusion

The Hansa-3 (NG) trainer by Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in Bengaluru marks a significant step in India's aerospace progress. The fully indigenous next-generation aircraft boosts the country's training capacity, reduces reliance on external trainers, and showcases CSIR-NAL's growing expertise in developing modern, affordable aviation technology.