<p> The Defence Ministry on Monday signed a Rs 105-crore deal with a Slovenian firm to buy 194 microlight aircraft to train the youngsters in the National Cadet Corp (NCC) and promote adventure flying activities in Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Pipistrel’s Virus SW 80 Garud won the tender floated in 2011, beating 10 other competitors. The final defence ministry approval came in July 2015.<br /><br />As per the contract, the manufacturer Pipistrel will deliver the microlight aircraft in 30 months’ time. Pipistrel will also supply spare engines, parts and provide 10 years of product support.<br /><br />While the NCC would receive 110 microlight for training air wing cadets, IAF would get 72 and Navy 12 microlights. <br /><br />The NCC’s proposal was pending for the last 10 years.<br /><br />In 2007, two IAF pilots - Wing Commanders Rahul Monga and Anil Kumar - circumnavigated the world in 80 days in a micro-light, creating a record. They flew over 16 countries and touched 81 destinations.<br /><br />Their micro-light aircraft covered a distance of 40,497 km over varied terrain.<br />The Slovenian company claims that its Virus SW 80 is the most economic high speed cruiser and is definitely the fastest high-wing plane in its category.<br /><br />The 300 kg aircraft is powered by 80 HP aviation certified engine and can reach a maximum speed of more than 220 km/hour, fly for a minimum of three hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 6,000 metres.<br /><br />“Since the aircraft will be used exclusively for training of Flight Safety and Air Wing Cadets, it has been equipped with a special ballistic parachute rescue system that saves the entire aircraft and both pilots in the case of accident,” Pipistrel’s chief executive officer Ivo Boscarol said.</p>
<p> The Defence Ministry on Monday signed a Rs 105-crore deal with a Slovenian firm to buy 194 microlight aircraft to train the youngsters in the National Cadet Corp (NCC) and promote adventure flying activities in Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Pipistrel’s Virus SW 80 Garud won the tender floated in 2011, beating 10 other competitors. The final defence ministry approval came in July 2015.<br /><br />As per the contract, the manufacturer Pipistrel will deliver the microlight aircraft in 30 months’ time. Pipistrel will also supply spare engines, parts and provide 10 years of product support.<br /><br />While the NCC would receive 110 microlight for training air wing cadets, IAF would get 72 and Navy 12 microlights. <br /><br />The NCC’s proposal was pending for the last 10 years.<br /><br />In 2007, two IAF pilots - Wing Commanders Rahul Monga and Anil Kumar - circumnavigated the world in 80 days in a micro-light, creating a record. They flew over 16 countries and touched 81 destinations.<br /><br />Their micro-light aircraft covered a distance of 40,497 km over varied terrain.<br />The Slovenian company claims that its Virus SW 80 is the most economic high speed cruiser and is definitely the fastest high-wing plane in its category.<br /><br />The 300 kg aircraft is powered by 80 HP aviation certified engine and can reach a maximum speed of more than 220 km/hour, fly for a minimum of three hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 6,000 metres.<br /><br />“Since the aircraft will be used exclusively for training of Flight Safety and Air Wing Cadets, it has been equipped with a special ballistic parachute rescue system that saves the entire aircraft and both pilots in the case of accident,” Pipistrel’s chief executive officer Ivo Boscarol said.</p>