Hot-weather trials with AL-55I engine, will be a turning point for the project. Photos courtesy: HAL Corporate Office
The Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) Sitara of HAL will enter a significant phase with the hot weather trials scheduled to begin at Jaisalmer soon. The aircraft (PT-I) is on its way to Jaisalmer from Bidar Air Force Station on April 19.
"It will be for the first time that the IJT will undertake the hot weather trials with the AL-55I engine and the tests will continue this quarter with PT-2 too set to join the trials later," top sources told tarmak007.
"It will be for the first time that the IJT will undertake the hot weather trials with the AL-55I engine and the tests will continue this quarter with PT-2 too set to join the trials later," top sources told tarmak007.
The IJT flew with the Russian-made AL-55I engine in May 2009 and all the flight tests for certification were completed by February 2010. "Thirty-one (31) flights with new engine were conducted," a top HAL official said.
During the Jaisalmer trials, various functional parameters of the aircraft will be tested and monitored, including cockpit condition, avionics, load performance, instrumentation and engine temperature. "These parameters will be compared against the sea trials as well," the official added.
HAL, on its part, has kept an Avro aircraft aside to support the trials, to be undertaken by HAL's chief test pilot (fixed wing) Sqn Ldr (Redt) Baldev Singh.
The IAF is desperately in need of the IJTs for their Stage-II training as a replacement for Kiran. HAL has in its kitty the LSP order for 12 aircraft and the IAF has shown keen interest to buy more (~70 plus) in future.
The IAF is desperately in need of the IJTs for their Stage-II training as a replacement for Kiran. HAL has in its kitty the LSP order for 12 aircraft and the IAF has shown keen interest to buy more (~70 plus) in future.
