Flight testing has resumed for India's National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL)Saras twin-pusher turboprop utility aircraft after a landing mishap temporarily halted the programme.
The aircraft had a hydraulic problem on its third test flight that resulted in it veering off the runway on landing, according to NAL director Dr V R Pai. The aircraft's maiden flight took place on 29 May.
So far there have been three flights with flaps fixed at 10¡, reaching a maximum 8,000ft (2,340m) and 145kt (270km/h). During the first two flights, the landing gear was left extended, but on the third it was retracted. The aim was to check general handling, stability, and control and system functionality. Pai says this was successful.
At the end of the third flight, which Pai says was "uneventful", the aircraft touched down normally, but soon after the nosewheel was lowered the aircraft swerved one way and then the other until one of the main wheels went off the runway edge. The aircraft was eventually steered back on to the runway and halted.
After an inspection, "some minor improvements were made in the nose wheel steering and rudder circuits, and the aircraft is now ready to resume its flight testing", says Pai.
Source: Flight International
