IJT

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is extending the life of its ageing HJT-16 Kiran basic trainer jet aircraft fleet due to the inordinate delay in the development of an intermediate jet trainer (IJT).

Being developed by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), the HJT-36 Sitara IJT has been delayed by several years.

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said: "HAL, which has been developing the IJT, as a replacement for the Kiran aircraft, has not so far been able to resolve critical wing and airframe design and development issues related to stall and spin.

"The IAF has also initiated action to look for alternate options for the IJT."

"Several Kiran variants are being used by the IAF to conduct intermediate stage of flight training for new pilots."

Several Kiran variants, including Mark I, IA and the more advanced Mark II, are being used by the IAF to conduct intermediate stage of flight training for new pilots.

The Rolls Royce Viper turbojet-powered aircraft is scheduled to complete its technical life in the next two years.

Under development since 1997, HJT-36 Sitara has low swept wings and tandem cockpit. It is designed to provide high-speed training for pilots entering level II training.

Delays due to developmental problems prompted the service to purchase new trainers from abroad.

According to media reports, the Ministry of Defence issued a request for information (RFI) this year to foreign companies for a new jet trainer with a secondary light attack capability.


Image: A HJT-36 intermediate jet trainer prototype in its hangar at HAL, Bangalore. Photo: courtesy of Ajai Shukla.

Defence Technology