NAL NM5

NM5 is a multi-role, multi-mission aircraft being jointly developed by National Aerospace Laboratories(NAL) and Mahindra Aerospace Pvt Ltd.^[1] It is a 5-seater civil aircraft and an extension of the Hansa project.^[2] The NM5 has been entirely designed and developed by NAL and Mahindra Aerospace on a 50:50 partnership basis.^[3] The NM5 can be used as a trainer, for transporting cargo, medical evacuation, tourism, VIP travel and for training pilots.^[1]

General Aviation aircraft programme

This new 4/5 passenger General Aviation aircraft programme was launched as a part of the 10th FYP network programme. Following the successful certification of HANSA-3, NAL proposed the development of a 5-seater general aviation aircraft to be carried out during the 10th plan.^[3] However the proposal was approved only in May 2005 and thus spilled over into the 11th plan also. Work on preliminary design of the aircraft commenced in October 2006.

First Ever Equal Private Public Partnership

This programme is groundbreaking in nature as NAL worked for the first time, in equal partnership with a private company, M/s Mahindra Plexion Technologies Private Ltd., a unit of the reputed Mahindra & Mahindra industrial house. NAL signed an MoU with M/s Mahindra Plexion Pvt Ltd (MP) to jointly develop the 5 seater general aviation aircraft, NM5 (Figure 5) and to undertake its production and marketing.^[4] This represents the first major public-private partnership programme in aircraft design in NAL and in the civil aviation sector in India.

Public Appearance

At the Indian Civil Aviation Airshow (2008) held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad between 15–18 October 2008, the 5 seat NM5 aircraft (general aviation aircraft) attracted a lot of interest in business visitors and the general public.^[5] The NM5 was exhibited during Aero India for people to see. The NM5 and the Saras models were the biggest attractions in seventh edition in the 160 square metre Indian stall at the Aero India was held from February 11–15, 2009.^[6] t

Prototype

The engine, propeller and certified seats of the aircraft have been imported as the raw material like aluminium alloy sheets and hardware such as, nuts, bolts, washers and rivets.^[1] Prototypes of NM-5 are ready and the certification will take a year.^[7] The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is expected to certify the aircraft by December next year.^[1] First flight of NM-5 is expected by end of 2009.^[8] The first prototype of the 5-seater civil aircraft may be ready to take to the skies in December 2009.^[1]

Price

An NM-5 is expected to be priced around $400,000;^[7] between Rs 1.2 crore and Rs 1.4 crore. M&M intends to start sale of aircraft by the middle of the year 2010.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} February 12th, 2009 By Our Correspondent (2009-02-12). "NAL to roll out civil aircraft | Deccan Chronicle | 2009-02-12". Deccan Chronicle. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/nal-roll-out-civil-aircraft-805. Retrieved 2010-11-23. 
2. ^ http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/NALdisplay.pdf
3. ^ ^{a b} http://74.125.153.132/search?q=cache:bDlvX1LU4ksJ:nal-ir.nal.res.in/4203/01/4._Design_issues_in_NAL's_civil_aircraft_programmes_-_Dr._K.Y._Narayan.pdf+multi+mission+general+aviation+aircraft+nm5&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in
4. ^ http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/dr07.pdf
5. ^ "News and Events, NAL, Bangalore". Cmmacs.ernet.in. http://www.cmmacs.ernet.in/nal/pages/ipoct08.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-23. 
6. ^ http://www.nal.res.in/pages/ipfeb09.htm, http://www.nal.res.in/pages/ne.htm
7. ^ ^{a b} The Times Of India. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Transportation/Airlines-/-Aviation/MM-buys-two-Aussie-aerospace-cos/articleshow/5341817.cms. 
8. ^ "News and Events, NAL, Bangalore". Nal.res.in. http://www.nal.res.in/pages/ipjan09.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-23.