Transport Aircraft for IAF

[Rakesh]

Guru log, does a 19 seater plane warranty 2 member flying crew? Shouldn't pilot be enough to take up all the responsibilities of flying such a small capacity plane?

Yes. Most transport & civilian aircraft require at minimum two pilots. Not ideal or responsible to put the lives of 19 people in one person’s hands.

[bala]

What's the reason NAL being entrusted with making the aircraft itself rather than let HAL do it? Surely their expertise in making new components and even design of aircrafts could be good, but while keeping that, the advantage of various modern manufacturing techniques and technologies that must have been incorporated by the likes of HAL and other private players is absent with NAL. I do feel that there is a need to cut down the responsibility of NAL to design and research on new technology and while working alongside HAL and other private players to get the manufacturing of the same done at a faster phase.

So far, NAL has not produced any aircraft which is used pervasively in Indian skies. They have a small aircraft but no demand for that. Saras keeps popping up now and then but where is it in terms of actual flying/usage. HAL has many products - trainer aircraft, helos, LCA and they manufacture Su30MKI. India's biggest hole is engines. GTRE is another NAL like entity, which is yet to give India its fighter jet engine.

A reorg is required. R&D is one aspect of aircraft development. HAL has more knowledge of working systems. A mission mode charter is required to get various types of planes including transporters. Maybe NAL, GTRE, IIT, IISc, DMRL (dealing with materials for aerospace) etc are clubbed under single R&D with a mandate to move the needle in new areas. They can co-opt private entities to work on such R&D. HAL is the official entity with project oversight of all new aircraft products including engines for aircrafts. Herein private players for supplying aircraft components are required.

[bala]

Yes. Most transport & civilian aircraft require at minimum two pilots. Not ideal or responsible to put the lives of 19 people in one person’s hands.

I have been on a single engine commercial craft (6 passengers) which covered a short distance within a videshi state. The single pilot took our luggage and loaded them into the craft and once seated / in flight passed drinks in cans while on auto-pilot.

[Rakesh]

I have been on a single engine commercial craft (6 passengers) which covered a short distance within a videshi state. The single pilot took our luggage and loaded them into the craft and once seated / in flight passed drinks in cans while on auto-pilot.

You like to live life on the dangerous side

There is a cost / risk assessment to everything. The Honda Jet - can be flown by a single pilot - if needed. The automation on board permits that. But as a general rule of thumb, in a medium to large aircraft is better served by two pilots.

[RCase]

I have been on a single engine commercial craft (6 passengers) which covered a short distance within a videshi state. The single pilot took our luggage and loaded them into the craft and once seated / in flight passed drinks in cans while on auto-pilot.

You like to live life on the dangerous side

There is a cost / risk assessment to everything. The Honda Jet - can be flown by a single pilot - if needed. The automation on board permits that. But as a general rule of thumb, in a medium to large aircraft is better served by two pilots.

A quick search on Google:

Yes, U.S. airlines do fly small commercial flights with a single pilot, particularly on regional routes using small turboprop or light jet aircraft like the Cessna 208 Caravan, where FAA regulations and aircraft certification allow for it, though this is debated by unions and regulations are strict, with most large jet airline operations requiring two pilots.

Aircraft Size: The primary factor is the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) and manufacturer certification; aircraft under 12,500 lbs and smaller jets like some Citations can be single-pilot.

Regional/Commuter Airlines: Carriers like Cape Air (though potentially transitioning) often use single-pilot crews for short hops to smaller communities.

Private/Business Aviation: Light jets used for private charter frequently fly with just one pilot.

[uddu]

A400 back in the contest, giving competition to C390.

Indian Defence Updates: New Hypersonic ALCM, 155mm Ramjet Test, S-400 Assembly, QRSAM Deal, Drone Lab

Germany offering 85 percent localization and Engine MRO within India for A400.
Work on C-295 Maritime variant started by Tata+Airbus and DRDO

[Rakesh]

A quick search on Google:

Thank You.

[Rakesh]

A400 back in the contest, giving competition to C390.

Germany offering 85 percent localization and Engine MRO within India for A400.
Work on C-295 Maritime variant started by Tata+Airbus and DRDO

A-400M will win if rapid transport of the Zorawar light tank is an absolute must.

C-295 maritime variant was set in stone and will grow in numbers, especially since Boeing is playing hardball in cost negotiations with regards to the third batch of P-8Is.

[Tanaji]

A400 and C390 are almost different class of aircraft. The former has more carrying capacity and is a turboprop. The latter I think has better range.

IAF should have gotten more C17s when the going was good but thats obviously crazy talk …

[Rakesh]

This is what happens when you have a RFI that has a weight capacity of 18 - 30 tons. Quick transport of Zorawar is the make-or-break issue here. If there was no Zorawar tank, the C-390 will be the clear winner.

[Tanaji]

Wait , it gets better… the order for Zorawar for which the RFP is based has a grant order of 56 and weighs 25 tons.

The Sprut which the DGMF is lusting for is 20 tons…

[uddu]

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/2014906560913539117
@hvtiaf_bharat
Complete Passenger Aircraft
MADE-IN-INDIA
A Welcome First Step.
More to Join.

[Khalsa]

Which aircraft is this ?

[uddu]

Which aircraft is this ?

Looks Saras MK2. 15 will be purchased by IAF as well.
https://www.nal.res.in/sites/default/fi ... ochure.pdf
India to test its first domestically made passenger aircraft Saras MK2
India’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights with the development of the Saras Mk2, a cutting-edge indigenous civil aircraft designed to modernize regional air travel.

As an upgraded version of the original Saras aircraft, the 19-seater twin-turboprop is set to undergo its first test flight in December 2027, marking a major milestone in India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology. As reported by Hindu.

What is the Saras Mk2?

Developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), the Saras Mk2 is a pressurized, fuel-efficient aircraft designed to replace outdated models like the Beechcraft 1900D, Dornier 228, and Embraer EMB 110.

Unlike its 14-seater predecessor, the Mk2 is optimized for both civilian and military use, offering superior performance and cost efficiency.

Key Features of Saras Mk2

-19-seater capacity with a pressurized cabin for passenger comfort
-Lower fuel consumption & operating costs compared to legacy aircraft
-Higher cruise speed and better performance in hot-and-high airfields
-Advanced avionics (Genesis systems + NAL’s in-house computer platforms)
-Indigenous systems including Brake Management & Environmental Control

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AjayshreeSamby3/status/20 ... 17090?s=20 --->

RFP for Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) will be out soon according to Lockheed Martin representatives.

C-130J-30 offered to India will come with increased range for which a kit has been developed and is undergoing certification.

Aircraft will be based on open architecture to allow IAF and Indian industry integrate Indigenous systems to the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin Eyes C-130J Assembly Line In India

Lockheed Martin Eyes C-130J Assembly Line in India Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' Robert Toth tells Parikshit Luthra why this is significant for the company's India strategy, global operation & more.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/gujarat_plus_/status/2016 ... 07455?s=20 ---> India’s First 'Made in Vadodara' Military Aircraft Is Coming.

First C-295 aircraft rollout expected by September 2026.
Built at the Tata-Airbus assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Milestone: First military plane made by a private Indian company.
These planes will replace the Air Force’s old Avro fleet.
The facility will be a hub for assembly, testing, and maintenance.
Total 56 planes: 16 delivered from Spain and 40 being built right here in India.
MoD plans 15 more C-295s: 9 for the Indian Navy and 6 for the Coast Guard.
These planes use high-tech radars and cameras to keep our oceans safe.

[Khalsa]

Bring it on
A much needed shot in the arm for the IAF short tactical fleet.

[Cybaru]

https://x.com/gujarat_plus_/status/2016 ... 07455?s=20 ---> India’s First 'Made in Vadodara' Military Aircraft Is Coming.

I think another 100 show up when its time to retire AN-32s.

[uddu]

Russia to Offer Upgraded Il-76MD-90AE Aircraft with ToT for India Amid Potential IAF Cargo Capacity Revisions in MTA Tender
https://defence.in/threads/russia-to-of ... der.16966/
21 Feb 2026

Equipped with four new-generation PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, the aircraft boasts improved fuel efficiency and a maximum payload capacity bumped up to 60 tons. By offering local assembly and manufacturing rights, Russia's pitch aligns seamlessly with the Indian government's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Should the IAF expand the MTA's payload requirements, a ToT-backed Il-76MD-90AE would allow India to build domestic aerospace expertise while securing a familiar, heavy-lift backbone for its future transport fleet.

[Manish_Sharma]

New IL-76 with brand new engines has 60 ton payload over 4,000 kilometers. Service ceiling of 40,000 feet.

IL-76MD-90AE Military transport aircraft

The Il-76MD-90AE modification is a major overhaul of the well-proven Il-76MD military transport aircraft. The main designation of the aircraft is to transport and airdrop military and civil bulky cargoes, military equipment, including tanks and personnel. Maximum payload of the aircraft is 60 tons, it is equipped with modern, reliable engines with FADEC-type digital control system. The Il-76MD-90AE fully complies with the current ICAO requirements and can be operated around the world without restrictions.

[Rakesh]

Airbus: the A400M program on passage again
https://www.latribune.fr/article/defens ... -en-sursis
21 Feb 2026

In the absence of new orders for the A400M, Airbus will be forced to close its assembly line in Seville, Spain, at the end of 2028. The manufacturer needs a production rate of eight aircraft per year.

[Rakesh]

Embraer moves full throttle in pursuit of IAF contract, ties up with Hindalco after Adani
https://theprint.in/defence/embraer-mov ... i/2859463/
20 Feb 2026

IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.

[Rakesh]

Embraer Ramps Up C-390 India Push With Mahindra MRO Partnership
https://aviationweek.com/defense/multi- ... artnership
19 Feb 2026

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/anandmahindra/status/2024 ... 15609?s=20 ---> To ensure that these impressive aircraft remains ever valuable and reliable for the IAF.

[Rakesh]

Brazil's Embraer and Mahindra deepen ties to boost C‑390 aircraft capabilities in India
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/in ... 548890.cms
19 Feb 2026

[Tanaji]

I have yet to understand the logic of this competition that allows C130J, C390 and Il-76D to compete as a same class.

The Il76 lifts 46T, C390 around 23 and C130J about 21T
The Il76 is 4 x (really old) turbofan, C390 is 2x modern turbofan and C130 is 4 x turbo props
Ferry ranges go from 4000 to 6000 kms…
Il76 is unlikely to be sanctioned , C130J is at the whims of OM while the engines of C390 are under OM whims as well…

How in the world are any of these comparable?

[Rakesh]

KC-390 Millennium: Embraer pitches NATO's new favourite for IAF's 80 aircraft deal eyes India as production hub
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/def ... 673721.cms
22 Feb 2026

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/2025811 ... 47363?s=20 ---> Embraer C-390 pitch for IAF MTA contract.

[uddu]

Mostly 48 C-390 and remaining 12 A-400M/New IL-76

12+48 MTA Approved for India

[Rakesh]

IAF to Get 60 New Transport Planes; DRDO Combat Drone Project Approved
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/iaf- ... -153742184
03 Mar 2026

DPB clears 60 medium transport aircraft for IAF under Buy & Make scheme. Embraer C-390 and Lockheed in race; DRDO combat drone project also approved.

[Rakesh]

Mostly 48 C-390 and remaining 12 A-400M/New IL-76

Please ensure that the YouTube video link works, when posting videos. I have edited your post.

Please also place posts in the correct thread. The tanker transport thread is solely for MRTT discussion. I moved your post to this thread.

[Rakesh]

Brazil, US, Russia planes to be in race for mega IAF tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 303214234/
03 March 2026