IndUS opens nation's first aircraft showroom

IndUS Aviation, a US-based company, has opened an aviation complex here in Bangalore, which it will use to sell its Thorp T-211 general and sports aviation aircraft. IndUS says the complex is India's first ever aircraft showroom.

Through a tie-up with Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited, a small aircraft maker in Bangalore, IndUS will also build aircraft parts here for final assembly in the company's headquarters in Texas, US.

It will also help customers buy personal and business aircraft, aero engines, avionics, aviation parts and materials, and maintenance and support of small aircraft in India, the company's website says.

Ram Pattisapu, an Indian-born US citizen started the company, which will now manufacture, "at extremely competitive prices", two and four-passenger aircraft for flight training and personal use.

For this, IndUS has formed a strong working partnership with Taneja Aerospace. IndUS' manufacturing plant for parts and subassemblies are located "within the facilities of Taneja Aerospace", the website says.

The Thorp T-211, takes the name of its 1946 designer, John Thorp. The original airplane was designed and type certificated in 1946 as the Thorp T11. Upgraded to 100 HP in the 1960s, and designated the T211, it was completely re-engineered, modernised and re-certified by the US Federal Aviation Authority in 1990.

IndUS Aviation acquired the rights to production, tooling and a large inventory of parts and spares, from Thorp Aero, which was manufacturing the aircraft.

Its arrangement with Taneja gives it "tremendous flexibility and marked reduction in costs of production, to deliver highest quality aircraft at the lowest price," IndUS said.