India's IJT Trainer Takes Flight: Production Looms After Successful Redesign

BENGALURU, INDIA – India's ambitious Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) program, a cornerstone of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) development portfolio, shows renewed promise.

According to sources with knowledge of the project, the IJT could soon enter production after significant design changes and extensive system upgrades.

Extensive Overhaul Addresses Performance Concerns​

The IJT program, a critical step in modernizing the Indian Air Force's (IAF) training fleet, is on track to complete developmental trials following a major redesign.

Significant modifications include a redesigned tail section, addressing problematic stall and spin characteristics, and vital upgrades to avionics systems. These changes aim to rectify crucial issues that had plagued the aircraft since its initial development.

Overcoming Past Setbacks​

From 2016 to 2019, the IJT program was grounded due to safety concerns. A significant challenge was the aircraft's inability to perform six-turn spins in each direction, an essential maneuver for pilot training.

This limitation led to the comprehensive redesign and subsequent re-testing. Nearly 200 sorties over the past five years have been dedicated to validating the modifications and ensuring the aircraft's revised systems perform safely and effectively.

Replacing an Aging Fleet​

The successful development of the IJT is imperative for the IAF. It will serve as the replacement for the country's aging Kiran Mk I and Mk II trainers, which are nearing retirement by 2025.

A modernized fleet of IJTs offers a crucial platform for the IAF to train pilots on advanced systems, preparing them for the rigors of modern aerial combat.

A Milestone for Indigenous Development​

The IJT program has faced numerous delays and setbacks throughout its prolonged development.

If the redesigned IJT successfully completes its trials and enters production, it will represent a landmark achievement for India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

NAL is not like HAL. it is a Lab. It does a lot of good work, most of its work goes under the radar. The indigenous content of tejas has gone up by 20% it organisations like NAL which indigenise the components to be mass peoduced by private players.

Some example of "Good work" by NAL would be greatly appreciated.

 

[beencensured]

the reason why RTA90 has stalled is that 2 billion dollars is needed to create prototypes. Commercial airliners are extremely expensive to build. Govt has to think hard before giving that kind of money. It is even grater than AMCA prototype cost. Dont make assumptions about flawed designs etc. There is no proof of anything like that.

things have changed regarding bureaucracy. Their is much greater emphasis on domestic production, much more money is being spent on domestic r&d this business of giving unrealistic targets is over. In past 5 years many dead and decaying projects like hansa and saras have been revived with proper funding and direction. These will bear fruit in next 5 years. Just wait.

Actually, it is about the same cost, but commercial airline could possibly make more profit and save in cost as composite tech of India is good that we can get a lighter aircraft using less fuel.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

the reason why RTA90 has stalled is that 2 billion dollars is needed to create prototypes. Commercial airliners are extremely expensive to build. Govt has to think hard before giving that kind of money. It is even grater than AMCA prototype cost. Dont make assumptions about flawed designs etc. There is no proof of anything like that.

things have changed regarding bureaucracy. Their is much greater emphasis on domestic production, much more money is being spent on domestic r&d this business of giving unrealistic targets is over. In past 5 years many dead and decaying projects like hansa and saras have been revived with proper funding and direction. These will bear fruit in next 5 years. Just wait.

I don't need to make assumptions when their own performance speaks for yheir incapability. The RTA90 was a non starter from get go. The Sara's was to serve as proof of capabilities fir NAL to take up RTA. It was fairly simple, unpressurized aircraft, yet even there they flunked.

Government during periodic review of the project, was given a timelibe that made little sense amd fortunately a practical cost vs benefits analysis revealed it was untenable.

Bro nothing just nothing is possible in 5 years. Especially when u r dealing with something as complex as civil airliners.

 

[Sandeep]

They had to take help from Argentine Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) to rectify all the issues. However its too little too late. Been saying all the time all technologies have a obsolescence date and thus after so many years IAF seems to have lost interest in pursuing this project anymore,

Factually incorrect. They hired a private consultant who recommended the changes and it was done. As for the technology on the jet and its capabilities then they have been modernised. Also the IAF haven’t lost interest as they actively participated in developing it and if there was no reason for it then they would have just cancelled the project.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Factually incorrect. They hired a private consultant who recommended the changes and it was done. As for the technology on the jet and its capabilities then they have been modernised. Also the IAF haven’t lost interest as they actively participated in developing it and if there was no reason for it then they would have just cancelled the project.

They consulted FAdeA, there was a news about this way back in around 2017 as well. That's the big reason modified trainer now closely resembles Pampa trainer.

 

[Harry Singh]

Wake me up when it actually flies in about 5 years time