HAL's supersonic HLFT-42 trainer jet facing delays due to lack of clarity from IAF

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is hitting some turbulence with its ambitious project, the HLFT-42 supersonic trainer jet. The "Next Gen Supersonic Trainer" was unveiled in 2023 with the promise of revolutionizing pilot training for India's advanced fighter jets, even boasting capabilities as a light combat jet. But the dream is hitting a reality check as delays mount due to a lack of clarity from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and concerns over the project's financial viability.

The HLFT-42 was designed to be a multi-purpose powerhouse, with a 16.5-ton Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) and a hefty 4.5-ton weapon payload. It was meant to prepare pilots for 4th and 5th generation fighter jets while also being capable of combat missions. But all this potential is stuck in limbo as HAL and the IAF haven't been able to finalize the aircraft's configuration or even decide on the engine.

This lack of direction is raising financial red flags. Without knowing how many units the IAF will actually buy, HAL is facing uncertainty about whether the project will be worth the investment. This is leading to delays and questions about whether HAL can even afford to keep the project going.

HAL is still determined to get the HLFT-42 off the ground, using their own funds and parts from existing Tejas programs to build a prototype. However, the lack of a final engine decision continues to be a major roadblock. HAL is aiming for a more powerful engine than the F-414 used in the Tejas MkII, but the specifics remain a mystery.

The delays caused by the IAF's indecision and the financial concerns are causing some to question whether HAL is even prioritizing the project. Even if these issues are resolved soon, the most optimistic prediction for a rollout is in the early 2030s.

The future of the HLFT-42 is hanging in the balance. Until the IAF provides clearer direction and the financial concerns are addressed, India's dream of a next-generation supersonic trainer jet remains grounded.

 

[Anant]

read here

https://indiandefence.quora.com/HF-73-The-Lost-Opportunity

Suranjan Das - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

And nowhere in your sources is it mentioned that the Marut Cdr. Das was flying was carrying some new engine. No, a simple search and cross-referencing online will tell you he was flying a Marut with a modified Orpheus engine set, which included a mechanism for reheating to increase engine thrust, since the Marut was considered underpowered for its time.

 

[The Presence]

That’s why one shouldn’t comment on things beyond their understanding.

A Kaveri engine flying on an Il76 ended up catching fire in 2011 in Russia. I have posted multiple links of that here in the past. You can go and google it if you want to.

Didn't find anything. Give me your links.

 

[Sentoki]

The HLFT-42 is already turning out to be a disappointment and a paper tiger even before it rolls out. Even from the unveiling HAL has not demonstrated clarity on what the objectives are for the HLFT-42.

1. Is it a trainer or an air superiority figther? If it is a trainer, why was the display model and rollout advertising BVR missiles on all hard points?
2. If it is a trainer, why is HAL so worried about MTOW and it being higher than MK1a?
3. For a trainer, why do you need an engine more powerful that GE-F414? For reference, the Boeing/Saab T7 will have an F404 engine with a peak thrust of 77KN, which is right in line with the Kaveri AB version. The Hongdu L15 uses two 28KN AL222 engines and comfortably reaches Mach 1.3. So i dont understand the obsession for a more powerful engine than our current frontline fighter (Mk1A). The only logical reason could be that, because this is a conventional all metal plane compared to the Tejas, the dry weight is higher and so they need a more powerful engine to have a higher MTOW than Mk1A. Which brings me back to the first question again; is it a trainer or a air superiority fighther/interceptor?
4. HLFT42 can be a great proving grounds for the Kaveri engine. I know many will say, you don't put an unproven engine in a new plane. You can use F404 engines for technology demonstrators & prototypes to continue development of all other LRU's and then swap with Kaveri when it is time to go into production. This will also give GTRE the time to test the Kaveri engine for its reliability on other twin engine fighters like the Mig-29.
5. If HAL absolutely wants a high powered engine, why not the RD33 MK engine? It is rated for 88KN peak thrust with similar dry weight to the the F414 engine. Thrust level is between the 404 & 414. Service life has been increased to 4000 hours. HAL already has got the license and capability to produce these engines in the Koraput facility. They just signed an agreement to make these engines for the MIG-29s. Overall seems like a no brainer and a readily available solution.
6. At the unveil, HAL seemed to suggest that, they are going forward with this project with or without IAF because IAF never actually mentioned a need for a trainer. HAL made comments that since LRU's are borrowed from Mk1A, the development time and cost will be lower. Now, they can't seem to get this project off the ground without IAF commitment, which is contrary to their initial statements.

 

[RG]

HAL must develop this platform as a cheaper option, it should be flexible enough to adapt any engine from F414 to AL-31FP, that will be produced in India. Low cost and number is a quality too.