NAL NM5

File:The first flight of C-NM5 on sep 1,2011.jpg

NM5 or C-NM5 is an Indian multi-role, multi-mission aircraft being jointly developed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and Mahindra Aerospace.{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/nal-roll-out-civil-aircraft-805 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118044219/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/nal-roll-out-civil-aircraft-805 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 18, 2010 |title=NAL to roll out civil aircraft |publisher=Deccan Chronicle |date=2009-02-12 |accessdate=2010-11-23}} It is a 5-seater civil aircraft and an extension of the Hansa project.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/NALdisplay.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-12-17 |archive-date=2011-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303205216/http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/NALdisplay.pdf |url-status=dead }} The NM5 was entirely designed and developed by NAL and Mahindra Aerospace on a 50:50 partnership basis.{{Cite web |url=http://nal-ir.nal.res.in/4203/01/4._Design_issues_in_NAL%27s_civil_aircraft_programmes_-_Dr._K.Y._Narayan.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2022-02-15 |archive-date=2013-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226072810/http://nal-ir.nal.res.in/4203/01/4._Design_issues_in_NAL%27s_civil_aircraft_programmes_-_Dr._K.Y._Narayan.pdf |url-status=dead }} The NM5 can be used as a trainer, for transporting cargo, medical evacuation, tourism, VIP travel and for training pilots.

General Aviation aircraft programme

This new 4/5 passenger General Aviation aircraft programme was launched as a part of the 10th FYP network programme. Following the successful certification of HANSA-3, NAL proposed the development of a 5-seater general aviation aircraft to be carried out during the 10th Plan. However the proposal was approved only in May 2005 and thus spilled over into the 11th Plan. Work on preliminary design of the aircraft commenced in October 2006.{{Cn|date=January 2024}}

=Private Public Partnership=

This programme is unique in the sense that NAL has started work for creation of an airplane, in equal partnership with a private production agency cum development partner, M/s Mahindra Plexion Technologies Private Ltd., a unit of the reputed Mahindra & Mahindra industrial house. NAL signed an MoU with M/s Mahindra Plexion Pvt Ltd (MP) to jointly develop the 5 seater general aviation aircraft, NM5 and to undertake its production and marketing.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/dr07.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-12-17 |archive-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530044745/http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/dr07.pdf |url-status=dead }} It is one of the recent public-private partnership programmes in aircraft design for NAL and in the civil aviation sector in India.{{Cn|date=January 2024}}

Public Appearance

At the Indian Civil Aviation Airshow (2008) held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad between 15–18 October 2008, the 5 seat NM5 aircraft (general aviation aircraft) attracted a lot of interest in business visitors and the general public.{{cite web |url=http://www.cmmacs.ernet.in/nal/pages/ipoct08.htm |title=News and Events, NAL, Bangalore |publisher=Cmmacs.ernet.in |accessdate=2010-11-23 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081209022712/http://www.cmmacs.ernet.in/nal/pages/ipoct08.htm |archive-date=2008-12-09 |url-status=dead }} The NM5 was exhibited during Aero India for people to see. The NM5 and the Saras models were the biggest attractions in seventh edition in the 160 square metre Indian stall at the Aero India was held from February 11–15, 2009.http://www.nal.res.in/pages/ipfeb09.htm, http://www.nal.res.in/pages/ne.htm

Prototype

The engine, propeller and certified seats of the aircraft have been imported also the raw material like aluminium alloy sheets and hardware such as, nuts, bolts, washers and rivets. Prototypes of NM-5 are ready and the certification will take a year.{{cite news| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Transportation/Airlines-/-Aviation/MM-buys-two-Aussie-aerospace-cos/articleshow/5341817.cms | work=The Times Of India | title=M&M buys two Aussie aerospace cos | date=2009-12-16}} The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is expected to certify the aircraft by December next year. The first prototype of the 5-seater civil aircraft made its maiden flight on 1 September 2011 at GippsAero's flight testing facilities near Melbourne, Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.mahindra.com/News/Press-Releases/1315985243 |title= Press Release, News, Mahindra |date= |accessdate=2011-09-14}}

Price

An NM-5 is expected to be priced around $400,000; between Rs 1.2 crore and Rs 1.4 crore. M&M intended to start sale of aircraft by the middle of the year 2010. However, besides the prototype no further planes were made. According to the Australian CASA website, only one NM5 appears to have been registered in 2011, VH XNM. There are no certification details listed for the aircraft. [https://www.regosearch.com/aircraft/au/XNM]

European EASA has no mention of a type certificate for the aircraft.{{Cn|date=January 2024}}..

Specifications

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/c-nm5-civil-aircraft/|

|prime units?=imp

|genhide=

|crew=one

|capacity=four passengers

|length m=8.8

|length ft=

|length in=

|span m=10.8

|span ft=

|span in=

|height m=3.1

|height ft=

|height in=

|wing area sqm=16

|wing area sqft=

|empty weight kg=945

|empty weight lb=

|gross weight kg=

|max takeoff weight lb=

|max takeoff weight kg= 1525

|fuel capacity=

|eng1 number=1

|eng1 name=Lycoming IO-540 K1A5

|eng1 type=naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six engine

|eng1 kw=

|eng1 hp=300

|prop blade number=3

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=296

|range km=1,296

|range note=for 320kg payload

|ceiling m=4,527

|ceiling ft=

|climb rate ms=

|climb rate ftmin=

|more performance=

|avionics=

}}

References

NM5