Seaplane Service
Source: TH
Context: The demonstration flight of Andhra Pradesh’s first seaplane service is all set to take off from Punnami Ghat, near the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, and land at a jetty in Srisailam in Nandyal district.
About Seaplane:
- What it is: A seaplane is a fixed-wing aircraft designed for takeoff and landing on water.
- Working principle: Utilizes buoyancy provided by water for takeoff and landing; incorporates propellers or jet engines for propulsion.
- Types:
- Flying boats: Feature a hull that floats on water and do not operate on land.
- Floatplanes: Equipped with pontoons (floats) attached beneath the fuselage.
About India’s Seaplane Project:
- Objective: Enhance regional air connectivity and promote tourism through water-based aviation under the RCS-UDAN scheme.
- India’s First Seaplane Project in India:
- Launched in Gujarat (2020) connecting Sabarmati Riverfront (Ahmedabad) to Statue of Unity (Kevadia).
NOTE: High operating costs and difficulties in maintaining a foreign-registered aircraft led to the suspension of seaplane services in Gujarat since 2023.
- Proposed Seaplane Routes under UDAN:
- Gujarat: Shatrunjay Dam to Ambaji and Sabarmati Riverfront to Statue of Unity.
- Andhra Pradesh: Vijayawada (Prakasam Barrage) to Srisailam.
- Assam: Guwahati Riverfront to Umrangso Reservoir and Shillong.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Jal Hans project connecting Agatti, Kavaratti, and Minicoy.
- Telangana: Nagarjuna Sagar to Vijayawada and Hyderabad.
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