Aircraft
HJT-36 Flight Test Resumption Renews Hope for AL-55 Engine
Having been halted for some while remedies for a spin problem have been devised, the HAL HJT-36 Sitara jet trainer is back in the air again
S3474 was the first of two HJT-36 prototypes. Following a considerable redesign a third aircraft is now flying. (photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
S3474 was the first of two HJT-36 prototypes. Following a considerable redesign a third aircraft is now flying. (photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

Following a three-year break, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has resumed flight tests of the HJT-36 Sitara twin-seat aircraft developed for the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) program. The latter aims to produce a direct replacement for the Indian Air Force Kiran, of which production was terminated in 1989 with nearly 200 built. The resumption took place in late April involving a prototype aircraft serialed S3854. “The flight was flawless and its success is an important step in the IJT program,” reported the manufacturer.