Description

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Context

The indigenously developed Hansa-3 trainer aircraft has been cleared for use to train aircrew for obtaining pilot licences and the aircraft will now be manufactured in India by the private industry.

About the aircraft

The Hansa-3 is India's first indigenously developed light trainer aircraft designed and developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories in Bangalore.

It was specifically created to meet the needs of Indian flying clubs, offering an ideal platform for Commercial Pilot Licensing training due to its cost-effectiveness and fuel efficiency.

Features of Hansa-3

Two seater, low wing monoplane.

Constructed with composite materials, featuring a lightweight structure.

Equipped with a glass cockpit and a bubble canopy providing a wide panoramic view.

Electrically operated for ease of control.

Advanced electronic fuel injection system that optimizes fuel-air mixture across altitudes.

Trainer Aircraft Used in India

Aircraft Model	Role	Manufacturer	Status
Hansa-3	Ab-initio training	CSIR-NAL	Approved for pilot training; production ongoing
HAL HPT-32 Deepak	Primary trainer	Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)	Retired in 2009 due to safety concerns
Pilatus PC-7 Mk II	Basic trainer	Pilatus Aircraft (Switzerland)	Active; procured to replace HPT-32
HAL HTT-40	Basic trainer	Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)	In development; intended to supplement PC-7
HAL HJT-36 Yashas	Intermediate jet trainer	Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)	Undergoing testing; planned induction in 2026
BAE Systems Hawk	Advanced jet trainer	BAE Systems (UK); licensed production by HAL	Active; used for advanced fighter training