Current Context: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of six Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 10th March 2023.The contract is worth Rs 667 crore and will boost IAF's operational capability in remote areas.
- The Dornier-228 aircraft is a twin-engine turboprop plane that can carry up to 19 passengers or 2.1 tonnes of cargo. It can also be used for maritime surveillance, pollution control, aerial survey and medical evacuation.
- The aircraft is manufactured by HAL under licence from RUAG Aerospace of Switzerland. HAL has already supplied 125 Dornier-228 aircraft to various defence and civil agencies in India and abroad.
- It takes about 18 months to manufacture one Dornier-228 aircraft. However, this may vary depending on the production capacity and demand. For example, Alliance Air took delivery of its first Made in India Dornier 228 aircraft in April 2022, which was manufactured by HAL under licence from RUAG Aerospace of Switzerland.
- It is a twin-engine turboprop plane that can carry up to 19 passengers or 2.1 tonnes of cargo.
- It has short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, meaning it can operate from rough runways and in hot climates.
- It can also be used for maritime surveillance, pollution control, aerial survey and medical evacuation.
- It has a cruise speed of 413 km/h, a range of 396 km with full payload or 2,363 km with minimum payload, and a service ceiling of 7,620 m.
Question:
Q.1 What role was Dornier-228 aircraft used for by IAF before signing this contract?
a. Fighter Role
b. Bomber Role
c. Route Transport Role and communication duties
d. Airborne Early Warning Role
