NAL Saras

Saras
NAL Saras taking off
General information
TypeBusiness jet / Military transport aircraft
National originIndia
ManufacturerHindustan Aeronautics Limited
DesignerNational Aerospace Laboratories
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
StatusIn production (Mk1)
Primary usersIndian Air Force (intended)
Indian Army (intended)
Number built2 prototypes
History
First flightMk1 - 29 May 2004
Mk2 (~2025, planned)

The NAL Saras (lit.'Crane') is the first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in the light transport aircraft category as designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

In January 2016, it was reported that the project had been cancelled. But in February 2017, the project was revived. In February 2019, India's Ministry of Finance approved 6,000 crore (US$710 million) for the production of the airliner.