HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft
| Company type | Joint development project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Headquarters | India |
| Products | Regional airliner (turboprop and jet configurations) |
| Parent | National Aerospace Laboratories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |
The HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA), also known as the Indian Regional Jet (IRJ), is a regional airliner currently being developed by India's National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and planned for production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This aircraft will be available in turboprop or jet configurations, accommodating between 80 and 100 passengers. The initial model, designated RTA-70, is designed to seat 80 to 90 travelers and aims to be priced approximately 20% lower than comparable international aircraft.
As of 2021, the design phase for the 90-seat variant was underway, with commercial service anticipated by 2026.
Development
The collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) began in 2007 with the creation of a 70-seat regional aircraft concept. NAL engaged with engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney Canada and General Electric from the United States to evaluate propulsion options. The RTA-70, developed by NAL, is intended for short-haul routes and positioned to compete directly with Avions de Transport Régional (ATR), a prominent French-Italian turboprop manufacturer with significant presence in the Indian market.
In 2010, during the Indian Aviation exhibition held in Hyderabad, a prototype cabin layout was showcased alongside additional technical details about the aircraft.
On 23 December 2010, the Indian government advised NAL to investigate turbofan engine alternatives for the RTA-70, considering jet propulsion as a strategic advancement toward developing higher-tier aircraft.
By September 2019, NAL was collaborating closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology regarding the 70-seater project. Following preliminary endorsements from relevant ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office, an initial design phase was projected to last around 18 months before obtaining formal government authorization for further development stages.
In February 2021, NAL obtained approval to proceed with designing and developing a larger 90-seat regional airliner, aiming for entry into service by 2026.
On 26 December 2024, announcements confirmed intentions to form a Special-Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company involving both public and private sector participants. This entity will oversee the creation of India’s first commuter aircraft featuring a range of 600–700 kilometers. Established under Section 8 of the Companies Act, the SPV will determine whether to advance the existing RTA-90 project or initiate an entirely new design. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has requested clearance from the Finance Ministry for this venture. Initially operating without funding for five years, the SPV will receive financial support upon reaching specified milestones. Subsequently, either a single firm or a joint venture will be selected to manufacture the aircraft under SPV supervision. This effort aligns with objectives set forth in the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam of 2024. Meanwhile, NAL continues development of the RTA-90 model intended for HAL’s production facilities.
Design
The aircraft is engineered to achieve acquisition and operational expenses approximately 25% lower than current turboprop regional planes, alongside maintenance costs reduced by half.
Configured to accommodate 70 passengers, it offers an operational range of about 1,350 nautical miles (2,500 kilometers) with takeoff and landing capabilities on runways as short as 900 meters (2,950 feet). The airframe spans a length of 28.6 meters and features a wingspan measuring 29.4 meters. It is designed to operate at altitudes up to 30,000 feet, cruise at speeds near 300 knots, and meet Stage 4 noise regulations.
The interior cabin supports four-abreast seating within dimensions of 3.01 meters in width and 3.35 meters in height. The cargo compartment provides a volume capacity of approximately 25 cubic meters (880 cubic feet).
NAL is investigating use of composite materials for the airframe combined with two advanced turboprop engines. Notable technological elements include an indigenous fly-by-wire flight control system, open distributed modular avionics architecture, automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast navigation capabilities, and modern cockpit display systems.