Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) unveiled a mock-up of its HJT-36 intermediate trainer at the show. The aircraft is a tandem-seat, single-engined, swept wing design, aimed at replacing the HAL Kiran 2 which will need to be removed from service in 2005, says the Indian manufacturer.
The design, which is at the concept stage, is likely to be powered by a foreign engine. No decision has yet been made, but powerplants like the Rolls-Royce Viper and Turboméca Larzac are likely to be considered.
The Indians say the aircraft will also have hardpoints and a head-up display - the mock-up showed a system built by Sextant Avionique.
While the Indian aerospace industry and air force pursue their aim of replacing the Kiran 2, the show was rife with rumours that the Indian Government is about to select an advanced trainer. About 60 aircraft are likely to be purchased if it goes ahead.
Industry sources believe a shortlist has been drawn up including the British Aerospace Hawk and and the MiG-AT being developed by MAPO. The Dassault/Dasa Alpha Jet has been the only other serious contender in a competition that has run for years. Both the shortlisted aircraft were on display at the show.
The Indian air force has a longstanding requirement for an advanced trainer. Its lack of a modern trainer has been the subject of much criticism for years. A Government Audit Commission report recently cited the lack of an advanced trainer as the primary cause of the Indian air force's increasingly high accident rate.
The MiG-AT is at least seven months away from completing its development programme and only two aircraft are flying. The Hawk has clocked up more than 700 sales to 17 countries and the Rolls-Royce Turboméca Adour turbofan is already built under licence by HAL for the Indian air force's Jaguar strike aircraft fleet. Co-production is likely which ever aircraft is selected.
Source: Flight International
