SOURCE: AFI
The Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT-36), recently renamed Yashas by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has undergone a significant transformation, not just in nomenclature but in its core design philosophy. The most striking upgrade is the complete overhaul of its cockpit layout, which now features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with multi-functional displays (MFDs) and a heads-up display (HUD)
. These modern upgrades, showcased alongside the older cockpit layout, reflect HAL’s commitment to enhancing the aircraft’s role as a pivotal platform in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) advanced pilot training programs. Beyond aesthetics, the Yashas integrates cutting-edge avionics and Indian-made Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), addressing obsolescence issues, improving weight management, and reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The IJT-36, initially designed by HAL in the late 1990s to replace the IAF’s ageing Kiran jet trainers, had a cockpit layout that, while functional, reflected the technological constraints of its time. The older configuration relied heavily on analog instruments, with a cluttered array of dials, gauges, and switches. While this setup served its purpose during early trials, it lacked the intuitive interface and situational awareness required for modern pilot training, especially for preparing trainees to transition to advanced fighters like the Tejas, Rafale, and Su-30 MKI.
The new cockpit layout of the IJT-36 Yashas, unveiled recently, marks a paradigm shift. Gone are the analog dials, replaced by a sleek glass cockpit featuring two large multi-functional displays (MFDs) that dominate the instrument panel. These MFDs provide pilots with real-time access to critical flight data—navigation, engine performance, weapon systems, and radar—streamlining information management and reducing cognitive workload. Complementing the MFDs is a modern heads-up display (HUD), which projects essential flight information directly into the pilot’s line of sight, allowing for heads-up operation during high-stress maneuvers. This upgrade brings the Yashas in line with the cockpits of contemporary fighter jets, ensuring that trainee pilots are better prepared for the operational realities of modern aerial combat.
The revamped cockpit is just one facet of the IJT-36 Yashas’s broader transformation. HAL has equipped the aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics, including an advanced flight control system, digital data bus architecture, and enhanced navigation aids. These upgrades improve the aircraft’s handling characteristics and ensure greater precision during complex training maneuvers, such as aerobatics, weapons delivery drills, and simulated combat scenarios.
A key focus of the Yashas program has been addressing the obsolescence of imported components, a challenge that plagued earlier iterations of the IJT. HAL has integrated Indian-made Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), replacing foreign subsystems with domestically developed alternatives. These LRUs not only reduce dependency on imports but also streamline maintenance and reduce lifecycle costs, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. The substitution of imported components has also contributed to improved weight management, a critical factor in the IJT’s development, as earlier prototypes faced issues with excessive weight impacting performance.
The Yashas retains its core design as a subsonic jet trainer, powered by the Russian Saturn AL-55I engine, which delivers 1,900 kg of thrust. With a maximum speed of around 750 km/h and a service ceiling of 9 km, the aircraft is optimized for intermediate-stage training, bridging the gap between basic trainers like the Pilatus PC-7 and advanced jet trainers or frontline fighters. The aircraft’s five hardpoints allow it to carry a variety of external stores, including gun pods, rockets, and practice bombs, enabling realistic weapons training for IAF cadets.
The modern glass cockpit and advanced avionics of the Yashas ensure that trainees are exposed to the same interfaces and systems they will encounter in operational aircraft. The HUD, for instance, mirrors the displays used in frontline fighters, allowing pilots to develop muscle memory for heads-up operations. Similarly, the MFDs enable simulated mission scenarios that replicate real-world combat conditions, enhancing decision-making skills and situational awareness. These features are crucial for reducing the learning curve when transitioning to advanced platforms, ultimately improving the IAF’s operational readiness.
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