SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is planning to start the licensed serial assembly of the AL-55I turbojet engine, a move that coincides with the near-production phase of the HJT-36 Sitara intermediate jet trainer (IJT) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Until now, these engines have been assembled by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), and then shipped to India.
The AL-55I engines, the last two of which were delivered by UEC in 2021, have seen their service life extended to 1,200 flight hours, enhancing their reliability and operability. This development is pivotal for the HJT-36 program, which aims to replace the ageing HJT-16 Kiran jet trainers currently used for Stage II training of IAF pilots.
The HJT-36, or Sitara (‘Star’), is designed to bridge the gap between basic piston trainer aircraft and the complexities of advanced jet trainers. It embodies both the simplicity needed for novice pilots transitioning from propeller aircraft and the sophistication to prepare them for modern combat jets. Despite these advantages, there has been no firm indication from the IAF regarding an official order for the IJT, reflecting the program’s long history of delays and technical challenges.
The developmental journey of the HJT-36 has been fraught with setbacks, particularly concerning its spin characteristics—a critical aspect for any training aircraft. The IAF’s patience has waned, leading to a reconfiguration of its training curriculum. Rookie pilots now undergo basic and intermediate training on the Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II turboprop trainers, followed by advanced and lead-in training on the HAL-built Hawk Mk.132 aircraft. This shift minimizes the reliance on the Kiran, which, while still occasionally used, is on its way out of the training syllabus.
HAL, however, has remained committed to refining the HJT-36. The company has invested in research and development, notably modifying the Limited Series Production (LSP) 4 aircraft based on extensive wind tunnel studies. These modifications are aimed at resolving the aircraft’s spin recovery issues, a key performance metric for any jet trainer.
Currently, HAL is in the midst of spin flight testing, which is one of the most crucial phases in the certification process of an aircraft. The tests are designed to progressively assess how the HJT-36 behaves during spins, with the goal of ensuring that it can safely recover from up to six turn spins in either direction. This is essential for training pilots in handling aircraft in extreme conditions, ensuring they can manage recoveries from unintended spins, a vital skill for any fighter pilot.
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