SOURCE: AFI
A disagreement has emerged between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) regarding the future of the aging Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Avro turboprop transport aircraft. Originally designed by British manufacturer Avro and later license-produced by HAL, the IAF seeks to retire the fleet, while HAL insists on modernizing and extending their operational life by two decades.
The IAF has already selected the Airbus C295 as a replacement for the Avro and has categorically rejected HAL’s proposed upgrade plans. The IAF’s primary rationale for phasing out the Avro is its technological obsolescence. However, HAL argues that the airframes, particularly the last 20 Series 2M aircraft built with a large freight door, have barely utilized 30% of their intended lifespan. HAL emphasizes that the Avro was designed for the demanding airline industry, granting it significant remaining airframe life.
A key factor contributing to the Avro’s low airframe utilization within the IAF is its primary role: troop and VVIP transport. The lack of a rear ramp door has severely limited its utility as a logistical transport aircraft, a role fulfilled by other aircraft like the An-32 and the incoming C295. HAL itself has utilized its own Avro aircraft for transporting senior executives and VVIPs between its facilities.
HAL proposes a comprehensive upgrade program for the Avro, including new turboprop engines with FADEC systems and a modernized cockpit with advanced avionics and electronics. This modernization aims to address the technological obsolescence cited by the IAF. HAL plans to upgrade its own Avro as a demonstration platform.
Despite HAL’s proposed upgrades, the IAF remains unconvinced. Even with modernization, the Avro’s utility remains limited to troop and VVIP transport due to the absence of a rear ramp. This limitation prevents the aircraft from fulfilling the logistical transport role crucial for modern air forces, a capability offered by the C295.
The HS 748 Avro has played a role as a technology demonstrator, serving as a testbed for LCA Tejas avionics like radar and electronics, and for a rotor dome-based indigenous airborne early warning aircraft. However, the 1999 crash of the AWACS testbed, resulting in the loss of eight scientists and aircrew, has raised concerns about the platform’s safety for such critical roles.
The current situation presents a significant challenge. HAL needs to identify viable roles for the upgraded HS 748 Avro that would be acceptable to the IAF. Without a compelling new mission profile, the Avro fleet is likely to be retired as planned, despite HAL’s efforts to keep it flying. A serious brainstorming effort is required to determine whether the Avro can find a renewed purpose within the Indian military or if its long service is finally coming to an end.