HAL Basant
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited · India · first flew 1972 · light aircraft
The HAL Basant is an Indian-designed high-wing light aircraft built for agricultural work, aerial survey, and liaison duties.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Hopper or pod for crop-dusting under fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Indian agricultural and liaison high-wing monoplane
- Hopper or pod for crop-dusting under fuselage
- Fixed undercarriage with large low-pressure tyres
A conventional braced high-wing monoplane of modest dimensions; its Indian manufacture and agricultural equipment distinguish it from similar Western types.
Specifications
- The HAL Basant has a length of 9 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to meet Indian requirements for a locally produced agricultural aircraft, the Basant first flew in 1972 and saw limited production for government operators.
Variants
A single basic variant was produced, with options for different spray and dusting equipment.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Indian government agricultural agencies and state flying services; not exported.
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