SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to make waves at Aero India 2025 by presenting the revamped Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT-36) “Sitara” Neo Star, which has undergone significant upgrades, particularly in its avionics suite. According to idrw.org, the aircraft will not only be displayed with an eye-catching new color scheme but also feature cutting-edge technology to meet modern training requirements.
The “Sitara” Neo Star has been fitted with the latest avionics, ensuring that it keeps pace with current technological advancements in aviation training. This upgrade includes advanced navigation systems, digital flight controls, and enhanced communication capabilities, all aimed at providing a more realistic combat training experience.
The aircraft, as seen in recent images, sports a vibrant and modern paint job, symbolizing a fresh start and commitment to progress in HAL’s training aircraft lineage. The IJT-36 project, initiated in the early 2000s, has had a tumultuous history. Initially, it faced significant hurdles, particularly with its airframe design, which led to failures in critical spin trials. This was a major setback, causing delays and doubts about the project’s viability.
However, recent years have seen HAL, in collaboration with international partners, address these issues. The modifications to the airframe have finally cleared the spin trial requirements, marking a significant milestone towards certification. idrw.org reported that the IJT-36 “Sitara” Neo Star is on the cusp of final certification. The focus now is on testing the newly upgraded avionics to ensure they meet all the operational demands before the aircraft transitions to user trials.
Once successful user trials are done with, HAL expects the aircraft to enter full-scale production by 2028. This timeline is contingent on the completion of these trials and the final nod from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The “Sitara” Neo Star is pivotal for bridging the gap between basic pilot training and advanced combat aircraft operations. Its successful induction will mean a significant boost to the IAF’s training capabilities, ensuring pilots are better prepared for modern air combat.
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