HAL Edged Out In Trainer Competitions
AIN DEFENSE PERSPECTIVE » APRIL 4, 2014 by NEELAM MATHEWS The Indian Air Force has released an RFI for the acquisition of 106 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainers, in addition to the 75 it ordered in 2012 to replace the HAL HPT-32. (Photo: Pilatus Aircraft) April 3, 2014, 11:54 AM Impatient with delays in inducting the HJT -36 Sitara intermediate jet trainer from government-owned defense manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics ( HAL ), the Indian air force has issued a request for information ( RFI ) for Stage II intermediate jet trainers. The Indian Air Force ( IAF ) requires 85 IJT s, and the cutoff date for RFI response is April 4. Specifications for the lightweight two-seat, single-jet IJT include: ejection seats; tricycle landing gear; a ferry range of at least 1,500 km; 1,000 kg of external load; five hardpoints; the capability to employ a lightweight gun/gun pod wi...