News and Events, NAL, Bangalore

NAL’s All Composite 2-seater trainer HANSA aircraft (VT-HOD) took active part and successfully flew at the Australian International Air Show: 2007 at Avalon near Melbourne. The Air Show was held during 20 – 25 March 2007 and HANSA flew on all trade days exhibiting its skills in front of a global audience at the Avalon airport. This is the first time that the HANSA participated in an International Air show outside the country.

In addition to the static and flight display of HANSA, posters on NAL technologies, and models of NAL’s SARAS, HANSA and the now – under development 4/5 seater General Aviation Aircraft were displayed at the joint NAL-RMIT(Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) stall in the exhibition during the Air Show. Also on display was the composite Main Landing Gear for the HANSA developed by Sir Lawrence Wackett Aerospace Centre of RMIT University.

NAL’s participation in the air show gave an opportunity to the concerned authorities and operators in Australia to see the aircraft and its flight performance. It also gave an opportunity to the concerned industries / customers to interact on possible manufacture and marketing of HANSA in Australia. This opportunity was also utilised for a detailed discussion with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia) on the steps towards possible certification of HANSA in Australia. An approach in this direction with a time frame of 6 months has been agreed to by both sides and action has been initiated.

The HANSA Aircraft which was exported in semi-knocked down condition was re-assembled at Gippsland Aeronautics (GA is an Australian Company located at Latrobe Valley in the state of Victoria,150 km from Melbourne, that is engaged in designing and manufacturing commercial aircraft from first principles). NAL’s pilot AVM(Retd.)A.S. Lamba, a veteran of flying as a Test Pilot for over 40 years, conducted demonstration flights in the Airshow. The HANSA aircraft performed very well and was appreciated by all.

A number of pilots, who were given demonstration rides, appreciated the pleasant features of the aircraft. To name a few, Captain David Wheatland, Demonstration and Display Pilot, Gippsland Aeronautics says “I personally enjoyed the opportunity to fly the HANSA-3 and explore its very pleasant handling characteristics during the period of the recent Australian International Airshow at Avalon in Victoria. The aircraft is very satisfying to fly in the circuit pattern and is positive to respond to proportionate control inputs. It is suitably equipped for VFR by night and day and exhibits excellent response and handling characteristics. It is forgiving of mishandling, has very good low speed ability and is rewarding to pilots who use appropriate and proportionate handling skills”. He further added: “I am sure that there is a future for the HANSA-3 as a first-rate basic training aircraft to meet the challenges of India’s anticipated demand for skilled aircrews in the coming years”.

Another Pilot, Capt. Alan Campbell, Chief Flying Instructor, Gippsland Aeronautics records as saying “The HANSA-3 would be unusual as an ab initio trainer in Australia due to its turbo-charged Rotax and constant speed propeller. This is mainly because the majority of flight schools in Australia cater in some measure for private recreational pilots who look for simple aircraft systems. First impression from looking at the HANSA-3 is that the relatively high aspect ratio wing, tapering back to the tips, will give the aeroplane good performance from modest power output, and good glide performance, with nice handling as a bonus. Entry to the cockpit is easier than it may appear, and very comfortable once inside. Controls fall easily to hand. At close to MTOW the HANSA’s take-off and climb performance, while modest, is certainly better than expected, and well within the norm for a trainer. Handling is a delight, with light and well co-ordinated controls, and it takes some discipline to remember that the aeroplane is not aerobatic. Visibility all round is excellent, and the Rotax is smooth and quiet, so that a day’s work in the HANSA-3 would not be any too stressful. All round, a very pleasant and useful aircraft for training pilots.”

Other pilots who had familiarisation flights are Capt. Jerry, Flight Instructor and CFI of Latrobe Valley Regional Flying Club besides quite a few enthusiastic pilots.

The market survey indicates that there will be a good market for two seater trainer aircraft in Australia. Given that a number of Australian flying clubs and aviation enthusiasts, are looking to buy aircraft of this class, NAL is hoping that it can profitably market HANSA in Australia after its certification in that country. Priced at around 70 Lakhs, HANSA is significantly cheaper than any other aircraft of its class.

NAL’s participation in the Air Show was facilitated and coordinated by Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Aerospace Design Technology, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne. It was the initiatives taken by Dr. A.R. Upadhya, Director, NAL and Dr. Arvind K. Sinha, Director, Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre that resulted in this participation. The extensive coordination on the Australian side by Dr. Sinha and on the Indian side by Dr. K. Yegna Narayan, Head, C-CADD, Mr. R. Rangarajan, Project Director (HANSA), Mr. M.S. Chidananda, Project Director (SARAS) made this participation very fruitful.

An eight member technical team lead by Shri R. Rangarajan from NAL ensured that the aircraft was always available in the ready-to-fly condition. The assembly and test flights of HANSA aircraft was carried out at M/s. Gippsland Aeronautics, with their full cooperation.

Among the VIPs who visited NAL stall were His Excellency Shri P.P. Shukla, Indian High Commissioner in Australia, Capt. Sudharshan Shrikande (IN), Defence Advisor, High Commission of India in Canberra, Australia and Dr. Belmonte, Chairman, Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre and Pro Vice-Chancellor, RMIT University. They evinced keen interest in NAL’s aircraft programmes. A framework for agreement between NAL, RMIT and Mahindra Plexion Technologies Pvt. Ltd., to jointly work on Civil Aviation Programmes was exchanged in the presence of the High Commissioner. On the business side, there were a number of trade visitors who enquired about details of HANSA & SARAS aircraft.

The persons who wanted further intensive business interactions, especially on HANSA aircraft include:

Managing Director
Sydney Flight Training Centre
Bankstown Airport, New South Wales, Australia.

Chief Flying Instructor
Australian Aerobatic Club
Bolwarra Heights
New South Wales, Australia

In conclusion, Australian International Airshow: 2007 provided an excellent opportunity to showcase NAL’s capabilities and its HANSA aircraft, and from the discussions that NAL team had with various visitors it would appear that there is a certain measure of confidence and expectations of tremendous growth in aerospace in India contributing to international collaborations.

Inauguration of Computer Controlled Vibration Test Facility at Structures Division

After nearly 25 years, Structures Division could come out with an upgradation for a state-of-art Computer Controlled Vibration Test Facility (CCVTF). The newly acquired LDS V875 CCVTF was inaugurated by Dr A R Upadhya, Director at the simple inaugural function at Structures Division on 27 May 2007.

In his welcome address, Dr S Viswanath, Head, Structures Division brought out the need for such a facility to cater to civil aircraft and other development programmes of the laboratory. He also highlighted the utility of the system in dynamic qualification of non-aerospace systems like automobile components, electronic equipments etc. He also listed out a number of users who seek NAL's expertise in this area and the facility.

Dr A R Upadhya after declaring open of the CCVTF, recalled how Structures Division has in the past addressed problems of structural dynamics. He stressed the need for qualifying the newly developed LRU's according to relevant standards and complimented the Scientists of Structures Division in taking the initiative in setting up the facility. Dr. Upadhya declared that the CCVTF as a facility is open for developmental activities of all the divisions in NAL.

A dependable colleague, a good tax advisor, a deep commitment to culture and traditions, an effective organizer, an active co-operator, a passionate sportman and always prepared to lend a helping hand. A winsome smile with an infectious optimism radiating happiness and cheer all around. Last but not the least a very committed worker. This is Mr S Gopala who has hung his gloves on 31 May 2007.

Knowing Gopala very well, we know he is not the one to relax. He will certainly venture out into larger platforms and avenues to serve and find happiness. All the very best to you dear Gopal. We wish you joy, happiness, peace, good health and prosperity in your retired life.

A SBI ATM counter was inaugurated at the NAL Belur campus by Dr A R Updahya, Director, NAL on 30 May 2007.

Prof Rajani Joshi from lIT-Bombay presented a very informative talk titled 'Next Generation Healthcare Paradigms and Information Technology' at KTMD Seminar Hall on 14 May 2007. The talk focused on the latest research in the field of clinical diagnosis and treatment using concepts from Ayurveda and Yagya therapy. Prof Joshi mentioned all human beings share 99.9 % of human genome sequences and all the physical variations among human beings are in fact attributable to this remaining 0.1% of the genome. She said common gene in two individuals may cause a disease in one but not in the other depending on the phenotype of the person. Prof Joshi explained that an equivalent of the concept of human phenotype could be found in Ayurveda in the form of prakriti, which is defined by the Vat - Pitta - Kaf (the three doshas) structure. According to her each person has a different level of each dosha. So the efforts are on to classify human phenotypes using the Tridosha structure. Only when such a mapping is complete would it be possible to identify how genes would work in a particular individual, and therapy based upon gene modifications be possible.

Prof Joshi then discussed how modern research labs are trying to measure the pulse (Nadis) which are the channels of flow of blood. Experienced Ayurvedic doctors can identify the complete tridosha system of an individual based on the pulse.

The latter part of the talk dealt with her research at Brahmavarchas Research Institute, Haridwar on Yagya therapy. Prof Joshi mentioned that modern medical science is now convinced that inhalation is the most effective means of drug injection in human body. It has also been found that the medicines inhaled through yagya fumes are very potent for treatment and stay in blood for long periods of time.

The National Technology day is observed on the 11 May 2007 as a calendared event every year to

commemorate and celebrate India's nuclear prowess. It was on this day, 11 May 1998 that India announced to the world its entry into the select nuclear club by having conducted the nuclear test at Pokhran. This year it was celebrated with Air Commodore Dr M Matheswaran VM, PhD, Commandant, ASTE, Bangalore delivering the Technology Day keynote address on the subject Technology Dimension and National Power.

The celebration commenced with Dr A R Upadhya, Director, NAL formally welcoming the gathering. In his address he brought forth the significance of celebrating the National Technology Day and took us through a broad survey of Shakti experiments, successful launch of Trishul missile and also the flight of NAL's HANSA-3 on 11 May 1998. Dr A R Upadhya also underlined and impressed on the gathering, the importance of the Technology Development programme undertaken and manifold success achieved by the laboratory. He also brought about the paradox of having achieved the highest technological achievements on one side and stark poverty on the other and emphasized that only through technology can this gap be narrowed.

Dr A R Upadhya introduced the chief guest. Air Commodore M Matheswaran was commissioned in the flying branch as a fighter pilot in 1975. During his career spanning over three decades, he has had the distinction of having flown various types of fighter, transport aircrafts and helicopters, having logged 3100 h of flying hours. He was awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (VM) by the President of India in 1997.

Air Commodore M Matheswaran in his illuminating exposition on 'Technology Dimension and National Power', brought about clear linkages between technology and power of a nation. He went on to elucidate how in the eyes of international community India is being taken seriously post Pokharan. The core of his address was his comparison of Toffler's theory of the era of Agriculture, Industrial and Knowledge based economies. He also made it clear that in the hegemony cycle in the life of nations it is very important to strategize on the military, economic, technological and political strength as well as weakness. He was very emphatic that the nation to sustain its strategic and political dominance should identify its core technological strength and be focused to master the evolving technologies. It was his surmise that by the year 2020 India will be scientifically proficient. He aptly concluded his speech by quoting Dr. Manmohan Singh, IDSA 40th Anniversary Speech, 2005. "Our security policy in the emerging global order must be based on three pillars. First, strengthen India economically and technologically. Second, to develop adequate defence capability making optimal use of modern science and technology... . Finally, develop partnerships in the strategic, economic and technological spheres, to enlarge our policy choices and developmental options."

The function compered by Dr M N Sathyanarayan, Jt. Head, KTMD, ended with a well articulated vote of thanks by Dr M R Nayak, Advisor, M&A.

The audience were taken back in time to the Vedic period with a saffron clad Swamiji in the

afternoon of the Technology day.

Sri Ramakrishnanda Saraswathy Swamiji of Sri Vidya Peetam, Rishikesh and Founder of Vedic and Scientific Research Foundation, Pune, spoke on “Scientific Applications of Vedas”. Swamiji explained in detail how Vedic rituals and mantras can be scientifically used to solve the problems of mankind. He mentioned about the experimental methods used by Vedic and Scientific Research Foundation to study the Vedic ‘manthras’ and ‘yagnas’ .

It was a rare treat to the audience when Swamiji chanted two mantras identified for the cure of heart disease and hypertension.

He pointed out that the base of the various Yagnas and Homas were totally in tune with reason and logic of science.

The programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr M N Satyanaraya, Joint Head, KTMD.

Mr Badrinath passed away on 14 May 2007. He joined CSIR 38 years ago and was with NAL for the last four years at the Photography Unit of KTMD. He was a very friendly gentleman, and always greeted people with a warm smile. Unfortunately a couple of years ago he fell ill and he had to undergo kidney transplantation in 2004. The illness did not deter him from discharging his official duties with utmost sincerity. The testimony of this was seen when he was asked to do the PT2 flight video coverage he readily agreed without the slightest hesitation. Here was a man with the right attitude putting work on top priority and not his personal problems - a rare quality indeed!. NAL will miss him, KTMD in particular. He leaves behind his wife and a son. We at NAL pray for the bereaved family to give them strength in this hour of grief.

The long awaited first flight of second SARAS prototype aircraft PT2 took place on Wednesday, 18 April 2007. The PT2 aircraft is powered by two PWC PT6A-67A engines of 1200 SHP each (compared to 850 SHP engine on PT1). The PT2 maiden flight was flown by Wg. Cdr. R S Makker, CTT-SARAS, Wg. Cdr. Arun Malik, Test Pilot-SARAS and Wg. Cdr. M S Ramamohan, FTE-SARAS of ASTE. The flight was successful and all the aircraft and engine parameters were normal. The total flight duration was about 45 min. The maximum altitude and speed reached were about 9000 ft. and 150 knots respectively. The take-off weight was close to 6100 kg.

The SARAS project team had been working very hard since mid 2006 to realise this event. The aircraft integration team had worked day and night without break to make the aircraft ready for the first flight. The actual countdown for the first flight of PT2 started on 23 March 2007 when the first low speed taxi trial was started after obtaining a clearance from the SARAS Flight Readiness and Review Board (FRRB) and the DGCA. Prior to this, about 16 engine ground runs had been carried out by the flight crew at NAL / ASTE. In all, 11 taxi trials were conducted before the first flight. Out of these 4 were low speed trials, 4 were high speed trials and finally, 3 more faultless SOP taxi trails were carried out successfully. The FRRB of SARAS PT2 conducted two full fledged meetings and two other small meetings before clearing the aircraft for the first flight. The DGCA officials took part in all these meetings and eventually, a go ahead was given for the first flight of PT2 on 17 April 2007.

There was an air of expectation among the SARAS team members on the ASTE tarmac on 18 April 2007 including the Director of NAL Dr. A R Upadhya. Air Cmde. M Matheswaran, VM, Commandant, ASTE, Air Marshal P. Rajkumar (Retd.), Chairman, FRRB, Prof. R Narasimha and Dr. T S Prahlad, Dr. B R Pai, Former Directors of NAL, DGCA officials and senior NAL staff members were also present on the occasion. The first flight test was directed by Wg. Cdr. P Ashoka (Retd.). Exactly at 8.35 AM on that day, the flight crew entered the cockpit and carried out successfully all the pre-flight checks and the aircraft taxiied out of ASTE at 9.00 AM. The flight took-off at 9.05 AM after clearance by the ATC. The flight crew had conducted a detailed briefing for the first flight at ASTE on 17 April 2007. As there was enough fuel on board the flight crew extended the flight duration and carried out additional checks of the aircraft handling qualities and landed back at 9.50 AM.

The aircraft and the flight crew were warmly applauded on their return to the ASTE after the flight. Suddenly, a bottle of champagne appeared from nowhere and the occasion was celebrated with great jubilation. The SARAS flight crew and other team members were seen congratulating each other and patting on each other’s back. The first flight of PT2 is an important milestone in the SARAS aircraft development programme. There are many more such milestones that have are to be reached before certification of the aircraft. This is also an important event in the civil aircraft development programme of NAL.

The 116th Bharath Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar's birthday celebration was organized at the S R Valluri Auditorium on 27 April 2007.

As a precursor to the main event, a special programme was arranged for the meritorious SC/ST students and awardees to visit the various facilities of NAL on the 25-26 April 2007.

The B R Ambedkar's birthday celebration was set in motion, with a melodious invocation by Mr Shivanna. Dr A R Upadhya, Director, NAL welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address Dr A R Upadhya said Dr B R Ambedkar faced a lot of hardships but finally rose to become an exemplary scholar, statesman and revolutionary leader. He said Dr Ambedkar's life and contributions truly serves as a role model and inspiration for all of us. Dr A R Upadhya introduced the chief guest, Dr Ruth Manorama, Member, National Commission on Population, Steering Committee of Women in the Planning Commission of India, Govt. of India, and mentioned briefly about her achievements, her participations in different forums at the national and international level and her being the recipient of the prestigious Right Livelihood Award 2006.

Dr Manorama lit the traditional lamp and garlanded Dr B R Ambedkar's portrait in the presence of dignitaries on the dais. Dr Manorama a strong women's rights activist and a champion of the unorganized sector of labour was the perfect choice to deliver this year's lecture on Dr B R Ambedkar's life and Mission and its relevance in today's context. Dr Manorama spoke about Dr Ambedkar numerous roles chiefly as a social reformer, fighting for equal rights irrespective of caste, religion, sex and language. She touched upon the Poona pact, entered between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar, which enabled the oppressed class to be stakeholders in free India. Dr Manorama highlighted Dr B R Ambedkar's contribution in the field of law, sociology, economics, education, etc. She said his thoughts; acts and deeds emancipated a large percentage of the oppressed class and women folk. She concluded her lecture stating Dr B R Ambedkar will live as far as India lives.

Awards were distributed to the meritorious SC/ ST students. Dr M N Sathyanaraya Jt. Head KTMD competently anchored the programme. The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr R Rajendran.

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