Article Posted on : - May 06, 2009

An IJT aircraft trainer of HAL. A File Photo.

KOLLAM (BNS): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will start flight tests of a new Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) - HJT-36 equipped with Russian AL-55 I engines in May.

According to media reports, The IAF’s Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment would conduct the tests to evaluate the airplane’s induction into the force.

The IJT will have a state-of-the-art cockpit, override and failure simulation from the rear instructor cockpit, a sortie debrief facility, a modern and modular fuel-efficient engine, a light alloy airframe structure with a total life close to 10,000 hours, zero-zero ejection seats, designed to facilitate easy maintenance, and capability to carry 1,000 kg of armament load for training, as per the reports.

IAF has already placed an order for 12 IJT trainers with the HAL. The jet trainer will replace the obsolete Kiran aircraft.

The HAL HJT-16 Kiran is a two-seat basic jet trainer built by HAL and used by the IAF for intermediate training for pilots. The Kiran was designed to meet an IAF requirement for a basic jet trainer. The HJT-36 will replace the HJT-16 Kiran in its role as a trainer (Stage-2) in the IAF.