Slovenian light aircraft manufacturer, Pipistrel delivered the first batch of two Virus SW 80 carbon-fibre microlight aircraft to India for...
Slovenian light aircraft manufacturer, Pipistrel delivered the first batch of two Virus SW 80 carbon-fibre microlight aircraft to India for pilot training.
The delivery is part of the 194 microlights ordered by Indian Defense Ministry to equip Indian Air Force, Navy and National Cadet Corps (NCC) in October 2015.
The semi-knocked down aircraft were delivered to Hindan Airbase, New Delhi in mid-July. The first assembled aircraft took-off on 19 July piloted by Capt Vijay Thakur and Wg Cdr Ashok Kumar of IAF.
Locally called 'Garud', the two-seat trainer is capable of take-off and landing on prepared as well as semi-prepared surfaces.
The aircraft is powered by an 80 HP Rotax 912 UL2 aviation certified engine and can reach a maximum speed of more than 220 km/h, fly for more than 3 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 6000 meters.
Safety features include a Ballistic Parachute Rescue System, which can lower the aircraft to ground safely, Energy Attenuation Seats and a Kevlar reinforced cockpit cell.
Contract stipulates to complete delivery of all the aircraft within a period of thirty months after the first delivery.
Currently Pipistrel is training Indian instructors and mechanics to maintain and fly the aircraft.The first batch of Engineers and technicians successfully completed their training on 22 July 2016.
The delivery is part of the 194 microlights ordered by Indian Defense Ministry to equip Indian Air Force, Navy and National Cadet Corps (NCC) in October 2015.
The semi-knocked down aircraft were delivered to Hindan Airbase, New Delhi in mid-July. The first assembled aircraft took-off on 19 July piloted by Capt Vijay Thakur and Wg Cdr Ashok Kumar of IAF.
Locally called 'Garud', the two-seat trainer is capable of take-off and landing on prepared as well as semi-prepared surfaces.
The aircraft is powered by an 80 HP Rotax 912 UL2 aviation certified engine and can reach a maximum speed of more than 220 km/h, fly for more than 3 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 6000 meters.
Safety features include a Ballistic Parachute Rescue System, which can lower the aircraft to ground safely, Energy Attenuation Seats and a Kevlar reinforced cockpit cell.
Contract stipulates to complete delivery of all the aircraft within a period of thirty months after the first delivery.
Currently Pipistrel is training Indian instructors and mechanics to maintain and fly the aircraft.The first batch of Engineers and technicians successfully completed their training on 22 July 2016.
