India Ready To Roll Outs Ajts By 2010: Hal, Cool Options

[Tajmahal]

India's own AJTs to take wing by '10 (IMG:http://forum.pakistanidefence.com//style_emoticons/PDFEmotionIconsv10/CLAPING.GIF)

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2004 12:49:52 AM ]
NEW DELHI: Emboldened by the progress attained in the development of the indigenous Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Hindustan Aeronautics has now embarked on another ambitious project — that of building an advanced jet trainer, and it has set the year ‘10 as the deadline for rolling it out.

“To be christened the Hindustan Advance Jet trainer, the Indian AJT, unlike the British Aerospace Hawks, would be a twin-engined trainer built on composites, with a glass cockpit which can also be used for combat role,” HAL chairman NR Mohanty told newspersons here this afternoon.

The HAL chairman, who had earlier in the day presented a dividend cheque of Rs 81 crores for the year ‘04-05 to defence minister Pranab Mukherjee, said that HAL, after making rapid strides in developing the IJT, expected to be inducted into the IAF by ‘07, would be ready to roll out India’s own AJT as the contract for manufacture of Hawks comes to an end in ‘10.

Even though the Centre had decided in early 1980s to induct AJTs for providing second-stage training to the IAF pilots, an agreement to purchase the trainers could be signed with the BAe only early last year.

Under the Rs 6,000-crore deal, concluded between the two sides, the IAF would get 22 Hawks in a flyaway condition, while another 44 are to be built indigenously by HAL under a technology transfer agreement.

Dwelling on the IJT’s, the HAL chairman said that two prototypes of the trainers had completed 99 flights and the IJT would be inducted into the IAF in ‘07. He claimed that the IAF was very impressed by the trainers and had projected a demand for 200 of these.

As for the HJATs, “thirty-nine months after we receive a letter of intent in ‘10, the first of these trainers, powered by an indigenous engine, would be ready for delivery,” Mr Mohanty said.

He also claimed the country’s ambitious LCA project, Tejas, was on schedule and that HAL had given the Israeli aviation major IAI international marketing rights for the Advance Light Helicopters (ALH).

Commenting about the ALHs, another ambitious project of the HAL, he said that, priced at a competitive $6m apiece, the chopper had recently undergone sales trials in Chile and that some had been bought by the Israelis.

Unveiling massive plans for HAL expansion, Mr Mohanty said after setting up a centre of excellence on composites in Nashik, HAL was planning to set up another centre of excellence in machines in Bangalore, which would have a world-class facility. :bow:

He also disclosed that the public sector undertaking had recently bagged a contract for the delivery of 1,000 aircraft doors from the Airbus Industrie consortium, worth over $80m, and another contract worth $5.8m for the manufacture of 5,600 rear rotor helicopter blades from US Bell corporation.

There had been queries for outsourcing from the American aviation giant, Boeing on building aircraft sub-systems, which however, were linked to sales orders from Air India and Indian Airlines.

And, for the first time, the HAL chairman said, a multi-national consortium, planning to develop a 65, 85 and 95-seater passenger aircraft in Russia, had invited HAL to take an investment stake in the project.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/847096.cms

India ready to roll outs AJTs by 2010: HAL

New Delhi, Sept 10. (PTI): India would be ready to roll out its own state-of-art Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) built with futuristic radar-resistant composites and glass cockpits by 2010, according to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman N R Mohanty.

"To be christened Hindustan Advance Jet trainer, the Indian AJT, unlike the British Aerospace Hawks, would be a twin-engined trainer built on composites with glass cockpit which can also be used for combat role" he told a news conference after presenting a dividend cheque of Rs 81 crores for the year 2004-2005 to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

He said the HAL, after making rapid strides in developing an Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), expected to be inducted into the IAF by 2007, would be ready to roll out India's own AJT as the contract for manufacture of Hawks tapers off in 2010.

"39 months after we receive a letter of intent in 2010, the first of these trainers powered by an indigenous engine, would be ready for delivery", the Hal chairman said.

He asserted that the country's ambitious LCA project was on schedule and that HAL had given the Israeli Aviation Major IAI international marketing rights for the Advance Light Helicopters (ALH).

Claiming that the Indian ALH priced at a competitive USD Six Million apiece had tremendous export potential, Mohtany said the chopper had recently undergone sales trial in Chile and that some had been bought outright by the Israeli's.

IAF to induct 200 AJTs

After a gap of over 20 years, India selected the British Aerospace Hawk as its advanced jet trainers.

Under the Rs 6,000 crore deal concluded earlier this year, IAF would get 22 Hawks in flyaway conditions and 44 are to be built indigenously in HAL under technology transfer.

Elaborating on the IJT's, the HAL Chairman said two prototypes of the trainers had completed 99 flights and the IJT would be inducted into the IAF in 2007.

He said IAF was very impressed by the trainers and had projected a demand for 200 of these.

Unveiling massive plans for expansion, Mohanty said after setting up a centre of excellence on composites in Nashik, HAL was planning to set up Centre of excellence in machines in Bangalore, which would be a world class facility.

He said the public sector undertaking had recently bagged a contract for delivery of 1,000 aircraft doors from the Airbus European consortium worth over 80 million dollars and a contract worth 5.8 million dollars for manufacture of 5,600 rear rotor helicopter blades from US Bell corporation.

There had been queries for outsourcing from American aviation giant Boeing on building aircraft sub-systems, which however, were linked to sales orders from Air India and Indian Airlines.

For the first time, the HAL Chairman said a multi-national consortium, planning to develop a 65, 85 and 95-seater passenger aircraft in Russia, had invited HAL to take an investment stake in the project.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/...00409101851.htm

[Tajmahal]

India to develop new jet trainer by the end of the decade (IMG:http://forum.pakistanidefence.com//style_emoticons/PDFEmotionIconsv10/bounce.gif)
Friday September 10 2004 16:54 IST
IANS

NEW DELHI: India's aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to develop a new jet trainer that will double up as a combat aircraft by the turn of the decade.

HAL chairman N R Mohanty on Friday said his organisation, which currently makes a wide array of combat aircraft, could deliver a prototype of the Hindustan Jet Trainer within 39 months of the government clearing the project.

The new trainer, which could be re-configured to serve as a combat aircraft during emergencies, could be used to supplement the 66 Hawk advanced jet trainers (AJTs) that Britain will supply to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a 795 million-pound deal.

"It will be a totally indigenous aircraft with twin engines and a glass cockpit. Up to 70-80 percent of the aircraft will be made up of lightweight composite materials," Mohanty told reporters here.

"In emergencies, the trainer can be used as a combat aircraft."

HAL is currently working with the IAF to firm up the designs for the Hindustan Jet Trainer and the project will then be forwarded to the defence ministry for clearance.

"I can promise the prototype will be ready within 39 months of getting the clearance," Mohanty asserted.

Though several foreign aviation firms had expressed an interest in collaborating with HAL on the new jet, Mohanty said his organisation wanted to keep it a totally indigenous project to cut down reliance on components from other suppliers. :mg:

HAL's success with the Light Combat Aircraft, currently undergoing tests and expected to be inducted in the IAF by the end of the decade, would help in developing the new trainer, he said.

"We are not only looking at the IAF, but we are looking at the potential export market," Mohanty said.

HAL will build 42 of the 66 Hawk AJTs under licence from Britain's BAE Systems between 2008-10, and Mohanty he was hopeful of getting the airworthiness certification for the Hindustan Jet Trainer by 2010-11.

"There will thus be continuity between the production of the Hawks and the new trainer," he said.

The new trainer is likely to be powered by a new engine being developed for the Intermediate Jet Trainer designed by HAL, Mohanty said.

http://www.newindpress.com/newsItems.asp?i...N+E+W+S&rLink=0

[leroy]

add 25 more years to the figure of 2010. Take heed from the L.C.A.

[Tajmahal]

add 25 more years to the figure of 2010. Take heed from the L.C.A.

HAL built the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) only in 2 years after `metal cutting' began. So the AJT will not be a delay. Experience from the LCA and IJT will accelerate the programme.

IJT
(IMG:http://WWW.India-facts.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/S3474-00.jpg)
(IMG:http://WWW.India-facts.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/S3474-03.jpg)

[vikasrehman]

I havent read the article...but this whole thing seems rather strange (IMG:http://forum.pakistanidefence.com//style_emoticons/PDFEmotionIconsv10/wacko.gif)
I mean IAF would receive 66 Hawk AJTs by 2010, which im sure would b further upgraded in future and hence should be able to meet the needs of IAF quite comfortably till around 2020-25.
If so, y the need for an indigenous AJT???
Who would buy this new AJT in 2010 or even 2012/13??? IAF...would there b need of more AJTs along Hawk? Or would it be for export?
Wots the logic here???

[Tajmahal]

I havent read the article...but this whole thing seems rather strange  (IMG:http://forum.pakistanidefence.com//style_emoticons/PDFEmotionIconsv10/wacko.gif)
I mean IAF would receive 66 Hawk AJTs by 2010, which im sure would b further upgraded in future and hence should be able to meet the needs of IAF quite comfortably till around 2020-25.
If so, y the need for an indigenous AJT???
Who would buy this new AJT in 2010 or even 2012/13??? IAF...would there b need of more AJTs along Hawk? Or would it be for export?
Wots the logic here???

If you read the articles you could get your answer. IAF need 200 HAJT (Hindustan Advance Jet Trainer) along with 66 Hawk. India could build more Hawk under licence but indigenous one will be more advanced and dependent on foreign should be reduce in the upcoming decade.

The main advances of the HAJT will its dual use in IAF, AJT as well as combat fighter. It can be used effectively in COIN operations.

[platinum786]

AJT will be India's first real indigneous success.

This was planned out, fully indian and successful.

[Ajgir]

HAL bags orders from Airbus, Bell Helicopters

NEW DELHI: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has bagged major orders from France's Airbus Industrie and Bell Helicopters of the US as part of its efforts to boost exports and profitability.

HAL, which currently makes a wide range of combat aircraft and helicopters for the Indian armed forces, has bagged an $80 million order to make 1,000 doors for Airbus aircraft and a $5.8 million order to make tail rotors for Bell Helicopters, the firm's chairman N R Mohanty said here on Friday.

"The order from Airbus, which was signed about 20 days ago, is the biggest order for us," Mohanty told reporters, adding Bell Helicopters had expressed an interest in outsourcing more components to HAL.

HAL's exports had jumped from Rs 103 crore in 2002-03 to Rs 215 crore in 2003-04 after the organisation decided to make maximum use of its manufacturing capabilities by focusing on manufacturing components for aviation firms around the world.

"There was a time when we didn't have adequate orders and we were being seen only as an overhaul depot of the Indian Air Force. That has now changed," Mohanty said.

Boeing, too, was keen on outsourcing the manufacture of components for its aircraft to HAL, but the issue had been linked to India ordering aircraft for its state-run airlines from the US firm, he said.

"Boeing is very positive about working with us, but the issue has been linked to orders for their aircraft from the aviation ministry."

Airbus and Boeing are competing to supply over 60 aircraft that Air-India and Indian Airlines plan to acquire under their fleet modernisation plans.

By working closely with the private industry, HAL could even step up its own production of aircraft like the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

"We can currently make 24 ALHs every year. We have developed nine packages of sub-assemblies for the helicopter that are made by the private sector. If we want to, we can even step up production of the ALH to 40 a year by working with the private sector," Mohanty said.

"Outsourcing is a thrust area for us. We have developed partnerships with the Indian private sector and we are even deputing our engineers to work with Indian private industry so that they can master the use of technology."

Set up in 1940 as a private concern, HAL was taken over by the Indian government after the country's independence seven years later and placed under the control of the defence ministry.

It has made over 3,300 combat aircraft, mostly under licence, and over 7,000 engines for the armed forces over the past five decades.

Mohanty said that research and development and exports had become thrust areas for HAL in recent years. "One can't be a global player simply making aircraft under licence. That is why research and development has become a thrust area."

Peace

[vikasrehman]

Tajmahal

If you read the articles you could get your answer. IAF need 200 HAJT (Hindustan Advance Jet Trainer) along with 66 Hawk. India could build more Hawk under licence but indigenous one will be more advanced and dependent on foreign should be reduce in the upcoming decade.

The main advances of the HAJT will its dual use in IAF, AJT as well as combat fighter. It can be used effectively in COIN operations.

Come on mate...wot r u talking about?
Fair enough, i dint read the article...but u did-didnt u?
Look wot the article said...
Elaborating on the IJT's, the HAL Chairman said two prototypes of the trainers had completed 99 flights and the IJT would be inducted into the IAF in 2007.

He said IAF was very impressed by the trainers and had projected a demand for 200 of these.
U c Mohanty was talking about IJT, i.e. India needs 200 of these, and not AJT as u suggested or the article implied. In any case, its rather strange to imagine that an AF like India with limited number of squadrons (even if they exapnd in future to 55...which i cant c happening over next 10-15 years as all modern AFs r going for lower numbers of squadron with more advanced yet expensive planes) would need that many AJTs to train its pilots.
As for ur suggestion for dual role, all modern AJTs r quite capable of doing so-even old ones were used-but they have their limits and modern aircombat may not b too suitable for AJTs to get involved in unless of course u have complete air superiority.

[Eagle]

vikasrehman,

The IJT is needed by IAF to replace hundreds of it's old Kiran MK-II trainers which are currently used by IAF for basic and intermediate training. These aging Kiran trainers are going to phase out in coming years, hence a replacement is needed.

Also, I am not very sure if just 66 hawk AJTs would be enough for the world's fourth largest air force. The size of IAF will grow gradually and the requirement will keep increasing. Depending on a foreign supplier for more AJTs will be an expensive option.

I thought it would be an option for HAL to just upgrade it's IJT to AJT but it seems they are going for a twin engined AJT.

HAL has made over 3,300 combat aircraft, mostly under licence, and over 7,000 engines for the armed forces over the past five decades.

Those figures are not so bad.

[goodman]

Certainly not bad at all