Bangalore: Indigenously designed India's first civilian aircraft Saras, a 14-seater light multi-role transport aircraft being developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bangalore, is slated to take to skies on a maiden flight in September-October, a top NAL official said.

According to NAL Director B Ramachandra Pai, two flying prototypes are being built and they are undergoing various tests.

Saras, which would be mainly used for commuter and executive roles and societal roles like air ambulance, was rolled out in February 2003, NAL officials said.

The 132-crore Saras project is funded by the Technology Development Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The project had been dogged by delays but the success of Saras is expected to be a catalyst in establishing a viable civil aircraft industry in India, officials said.

Speaking to reporters after he gave a talk on "History of Powered Flight" at Bangalore Science Festival, organised by Bangalore Science Forum, on July 14 evening, Pai said budget for developing Saras was a "tight one" and NAL is "just about managing".

"We are looking for additional funding...may be ten per cent (of Rs 132 crore)", he said.

Market survey put the demand for Saras domestically at around 150 in the next few years, he said, adding, the Indian Air Force has indicated an initial requirement for six numbers for training purpose.

NAL would also look at developing a stealth version of Saras in the next few years, he said.

PTI