SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) offical has told that the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) HJT-36, known as the Sitara, is on track to enter full production by 2028. This update comes after a series of rigorous trials and modifications aimed at meeting the stringent requirements set by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Speaking to idrw.org, a HAL official confirmed that most user-mandated tests, including critical spin and stall trials, have been successfully conducted.
The journey to this point has been fraught with technical challenges, particularly with the aircraft’s spin characteristics. Initially deemed “unfit” for service by IAF officials due to these issues in 2017, HAL has since undertaken significant design modifications.
In collaboration with UK aerospace major BAE Systems, HAL made changes to the aircraft’s rear and tail sections. These modifications were intended to address the spin recovery problems that had plagued earlier versions of the IJT-36.
The revised design was put through extensive mathematical modelling and wind tunnel tests to ensure aerodynamic stability and safe stall and spin recovery. These assessments were crucial in validating the changes before moving forward with production.
Alongside the structural changes, HAL updated the avionics suite of the IJT-36, which necessitated a new certification process. This upgrade aimed to bring the aircraft up to modern standards for pilot training, ensuring it could effectively bridge the gap between basic and advanced jet training.
The IAF has a requirement for 85 IJTs to replace its ageing fleet of HJT-16 Kiran trainers, which are now nearing the end of their service life. The HJT-36 is designed to offer a more advanced training platform with capabilities that match contemporary combat aircraft, thus preparing pilots for the complexities of modern aerial warfare.
Currently, the IJT-36 is in the phase of limited series production, which allows for further refinement based on real-world operational feedback before full-scale production begins.
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