We hardly give much attention to Gliders on this site, mostly because the information on Gliders is scant and there is a very little record of the Gliders used on the military side, mostly by the National Cadet Corps over the years.
Now a rare Arudhra Glider is being offered for Sale – by Pranav Arora. He acquired them via a surplus auction desiring to preserve them.
Pranav shares the following:
I would like you to help me find a taker for this beautiful HAL 1984 twin seater Ardhra Glider(Sailplane) . As per my knowledge, it’s extremely difficult to find a better example in a better condition.
The aircraft was commissioned with 1 (Manipur) Air Squadron, NCC and was stationed at Imphal for most of it’s life. Has been sitting inside the Hangar for the last 20yrs now.
I bought this aircraft in 2019 through a Govt. Auction (not a cut to pieces/scrap auction/the aircraft can be legally displayed anywhere), and have spent considerable time, money and energy on it. However back then I had a space and plan for it. After the covid lockdown and various other events and a 3.5yr stalemate involving the auctioneer, IAF, NCC and AAI, I am finally getting the delivery of this glider this coming week.
However I don’t have the intended space for it available anymore. I would be glad to find a home for it through your page. I am open to sale, collaboration or exchange for a vintage/classic vehicle.
The glider requires minor restoration for display, I will be glad to be a part of the restoration effort as well. I can also help with the logistics and installation part.
The details of the aircraft-
1984 HAL Ardhra glider (sailplane)
Twin seat cockpit
Airframe construction – wood/metal/dacron
Crew: 2
Length: 8.61 m (28 ft 3 in)
Wingspan: 16.5 m (54 ft 2 in)
Height: 2.464 m (8 ft 1 in)
Wing area: 21.83 m2 (235.0 sq ft)
Aspect ratio: 12.5
Airfoil: Wortmann FX-61-184
Empty weight: 328 kg (723 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 508 kg (1,120 lb)My ideal space for this would be a hall with a high ceiling to suspend it from the ceiling for its full grandeur.
Interested person can contact me at +91 79824 00229 (whatsapp)
So there you have it folks, do any of you have some spare change lying round? More importantly, do you have the SPACE to store it and display it? Please do get in touch with Pranav and save an important piece of India’s aviation heritage.
Many visitors have a question – How can i get an aircraft for display, well here is one, and in full Indian Air Force Colors..!
