In News:

In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous aviation sector, the Hansa-3 trainer aircraft has recently been approved for training aircrew for pilot licences. Notably, the production of this aircraft will now be undertaken by private industry, marking a step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation technology and defence manufacturing.

About Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft

• India’s First Indigenous Flying Trainer: The Hansa-3 is the country’s first indigenously developed light trainer aircraft.
• Developed by: The aircraft was designed and developed by the CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Intended Use: Specifically designed for flying clubs in India, it is well-suited for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) training, owing to its cost-effectiveness and low fuel consumption.

Key Features and Technological Advancements

• Configuration: It is a two-seater, low-wing monoplane, optimized for pilot training missions.
• Engine: Powered by a Rotax Digital Control Engine, known for high efficiency and performance.
• Advanced Airframe: Incorporates Just-In-Time Prepreg (JIPREG) composite lightweight material, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel use.
• Modern Cockpit: Equipped with a glass cockpit and bubble canopy, offering a wide panoramic view — critical for pilot situational awareness.
• Electronic Systems:
  • Electric Flaps for improved handling.
  • Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection System for automatic adjustment of fuel-air mixture across varying altitudes, enhancing performance and fuel economy.

Significance for India

• Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat: The transition to private manufacturing aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening the domestic aerospace ecosystem under the Make in India initiative.
• Reduces Dependency: Reduces reliance on imported aircraft for pilot training, supporting India’s goal of strategic autonomy in aviation technology.
• Skill Development: Enhances the capacity of Indian flying schools and contributes to the growth of the civil aviation sector by producing more trained pilots domestically.

Why in the News?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently shared a satellite image of Deception Island, one of the only places in the world where a ship can sail directly into the centre of an active volcano.

About Deception Island:

• Deception Island is situated within the South Shetland Islands, forming part of an archipelago northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula.
• This volcanic island is notable for its dynamic features and distinct geography.
• Originating from a colossal volcanic eruption, Deception Island's formation resulted in the collapse of its central structure, allowing seawater to inundate the resulting caldera.
• The landscape is characterized by desolate volcanic slopes, steaming beaches, and glaciers adorned with ash layers, creating a unique horseshoe-shaped entrance to the sea via Neptune’s Bellows.
• The island encircles Port Foster, recognized as one of the safest harbours in the Antarctic, offering vessels a rare opportunity to navigate into the heart of an active volcano.
• Among the few places globally where this is possible, Deception Island has experienced over twenty eruptions since the 19th century.
• Notably, the island witnessed three volcanic eruptions from 1967 to 1970, leading to the destruction of Chilean and British stations.
• Presently, Argentina and Spain maintain summer scientific stations on the island.
• Deception Island is safeguarded under the Antarctic Treaty, designating it as a protected area with restricted human visits and minimized environmental impact.