Indian car manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra could produce its first aircraft by 2010 if a proposed joint venture with the government goes ahead, writes Siva Govindasamy.
Subsidiary Mahindra Plexion Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding with National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) at Aero India in February. Joint development and design work on the five-seat aircraft is likely to begin at NAL facilities by mid-2007.
According to preliminary plans, the aircraft would be targeted at the commerical air taxi, cargo and medical evacuation markets with a maximum speed of 150kt (280km/h) and a range of 1,000km (700nm).
Industry sources say the project is expected to cost around Rp700 million ($16 million) in the initial stage. Costs will be shared equally. The developmental phase is scheduled to last three years, followed by certification to US Federal Aviation Regulation FAR 23 standards.
Subsidiary Mahindra Plexion Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding with National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) at Aero India in February. Joint development and design work on the five-seat aircraft is likely to begin at NAL facilities by mid-2007.
According to preliminary plans, the aircraft would be targeted at the commerical air taxi, cargo and medical evacuation markets with a maximum speed of 150kt (280km/h) and a range of 1,000km (700nm).
Industry sources say the project is expected to cost around Rp700 million ($16 million) in the initial stage. Costs will be shared equally. The developmental phase is scheduled to last three years, followed by certification to US Federal Aviation Regulation FAR 23 standards.
Source: Flight International
