HAL HJT-36 Yashas

HAL started design work on an intermediate jet trainer in 1997. The concept was developed as a successor to HAL's earlier trainer, the HJT-16 Kiran, introduced in 1968. In 1999, following reviews by the Indian Air Force, the Government of India awarded HAL a contract for the development, testing, and certification of two prototype IJT aircraft at the cost of {{INRConvert|180|c|lk=on|year=1999}}. The completion of the contract was scheduled in July 2004.

• File:S3466 HAL HJT-36 Sitra (8413512389).jpg ]]The first and second prototypes of the HJT-36, labeled PT-1 and PT-2, serialed S3474 and S3466, flew on 7 March 2003 and in March 2004, respectively.{{cite web |title=HJT-36 Flight Test Resumption Renews Hope for AL-55 Engine | AIN |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-05-01/hjt-36-flight-test-resumption-renews-hope-al-55-engine}}
• In April 2005, the project cost was revised to {{INRConvert|467|c|lk=on|year=2005}} and timeline for Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) was expected in 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively.
• In April 2005, some delays were expected as the SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac engine was to be replaced by NPO Saturn AL-55I (16.9 kN) for higher thrust requirements.
• In February 2006, the Ministry of Defence submitted a proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for procurement of 12 IJT Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft from HAL. The clearance and the contract from the Indian Air Force was received in March 2006 at a cost of {{INRConvert|486|c|lk=off|year=2006}}. Deliveries, originally scheduled between March 2008 and March 2010, was further revised to 2011-12. Later, a CAG report flagged that LSP orders are to be placed after IOC certification from CEMILAC, however, this was not followed in case of IJT project. It was then expected that the order of 73 Serial Production (SP) aircraft was to be done after conducting operations of LSP aircraft and certain required modifications to designs.{{Cite web |title=CHAPTER II: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE |url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2014/Union_Compliance_Defence_Air_force_Navy_34_2014_Chapter_2.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802083951/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2014/Union_Compliance_Defence_Air_force_Navy_34_2014_Chapter_2.pdf |archive-date=2 August 2024 |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=cag.gov.in/en}}
• On 8 February 2007, IJT prototype PT-1 overshot the runway at Yelehanka AFS during the inauguration of Aero India after its tyres burst during take-off.{{Cite news |date=2007-02-08 |title=IJT overshoots runway at Aero India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/ijt-overshoots-runway-at-aero-india/story-yUJfZ4leQqFgQJkGrEpXRM.html |access-date=2024-01-09 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Jet-trainer-overshoots-runway-at-aero-show/article14717982.ece|title=Jet trainer overshoots runway at aero show|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 February 2007|via=www.thehindu.com}}{{Cite news |date=2007-02-08 |title=Trainer jet goes off runway at B'lore air show |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/trainer-jet-goes-off-runway-at-b-lore-air-show-107020800026_1.html |access-date=2024-01-09 |work=Business Standard}}
• In November 2008, Air HQ initiated a proposal to for supply of 73 SP IJT aircraft from HAL.
• On 4 February 2009, PT-2 met with an accident just before the Aero India event due to landing gear failure while landing during a routine test flight.{{Cite web |title=Long Road Ahead For HAL’s HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer |url=https://www.mobilityoutlook.com/features/long-road-ahead-for-hals-hjt36-sitara-intermediate-jet-trainer/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Mobility Outlook}}{{Cite web |title=Aero India 2009 News: Crashes, delays hit Indian participation at Aero India |url=https://indianaviationnews.net/aeroindia2009/2009/02/crashes-delays-hit-indian-participation.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |language=en}}
• Following the crashes and delays, in March 2009, the IOC and FOC dates were shifted to 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively.
• The first AL-55I engine was received from Russia on 28 December 2008, 2 years later than committed, and was installed on PT-1.{{Cite news |date=2008-12-28 |title=Russian engines coming today for intermediate jet trainer |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Russian-engines-coming-today-for-intermediate-jet-trainer/article15369375.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110044249/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Russian-engines-coming-today-for-intermediate-jet-trainer/article15369375.ece |archive-date=2025-01-10 |access-date=2022-01-07 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} Following ground taxiing trials, flight tests with the new engine started on 9 May 2009.{{cite web|title=IJT|url=http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/IJT_a000076001.aspx|access-date=7 January 2022|website=Deagel}}{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/14/stories/2009051454651800.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516185954/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/14/stories/2009051454651800.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=16 May 2009 |title=HAL's intermediate jet trainer HJT-36 makes maiden flight with Russian engine |date=14 May 2009 |access-date=12 July 2010 | work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India }}

• File:IJT Prototype in hangar.jpg|alt=|right]]In March 2010, the Air Force placed an order for 73 HJT-36 trainers for serial production at a cost of {{INRConvert|6180|c|lk=off|year=2010}}, again before the completion of IOC certification and deliveries of LSP aircraft. Clearance for the contract was approved by the CCS in February. As per MoD, the LSP aircraft order would be completed by 2011-12 and the timeline for delivery of 73 SP aircraft was between 2013 and 2017. As per delivery timeline, 6 aircraft would have to be delivered in 2013, followed by 24 aircraft in 2014 An advance payment of {{INRConvert|926.15|c|lk=off|year=2010}} was done.
• The first flight test for the limited series aircraft occurred in January 2010,{{cite web|last1=Krishnan|first1=Anantha|title=India Thought Leaders: HAL Chairman Sets Firm Agenda For Aggressive Export Sales|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/india-thought-leaders-hal-chairman-sets-firm-agenda-aggressive-export-sales|website=aviationweek.com|language=en|date=28 May 2010|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=23 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123200754/http://aviationweek.com/awin/india-thought-leaders-hal-chairman-sets-firm-agenda-aggressive-export-sales|url-status=dead}} and initial operational capability was expected by July 2011.{{cite news| url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/indigenous-jet-trainer-to-get-initial-clearance-by-july/articleshow/7468968.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Indigenous jet trainer to get initial clearance by July | date=10 February 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1378/hal3.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726113538/http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1378/hal3.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 July 2011|title=Vayu aerospace article}}
• On 28 April 2011, the first prototype (S3466) crashed in near Hosur during routine test flight in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Both the pilots, Group Captain Anant Mathur of HAL and co-pilot Wing Commander Patra of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), ejected safely. The aircraft was lost in the accident.{{Cite web |last=Eshel |first=Tamir |date=2011-04-29 |title=HJT-36 ‘Sitara’ Lost in an Accident - Defense Update: |url=https://defense-update.com/20110429_hjt-36_lost.html#google_vignette |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Indian Air Force Aircraft Data |url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/aircraft/S-3466 |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Bharat Rakshak |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |title=India’s Troubled Jet Trainer Gets Facelift, New Name {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/light-attack-advanced-training/indias-troubled-jet-trainer-gets-facelift-new-name |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=aviationweek.com}}
• On 27 July 2012, first Engine Ground Run was performed on third prototype.{{Cite web |url=http://www.hal-india.com/MSM/VOL-5_MSM-94.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=26 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116061900/http://hal-india.com/MSM/VOL-5_MSM-94.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=93617|title=Press Information Bureau|website=pib.nic.in}}
• In December 2013, HAL declared that Sitara was 'weeks' from certification.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/in-tejas-shadow-sitara-trainer-also-poised-to-enter-service-113122000026_1.html|title=In Tejas' shadow, Sitara trainer also poised to enter service|first=Ajai|last=Shukla|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=20 December 2013|via=Business Standard}}
• On 19 February 2014, the Indian MoD submitted a statement that the development of IJT was in the advanced stages of certification, with more than 800 test flights completed so far. The activities were progressing well with completion of sea level trials, night flying trials, high altitude trials as well as weapon and drop tank trials. The activities left for obtaining Final Operational Clearance (FOC) are the refinement of stall characteristics, and spin testing which will be commenced as soon as stall characteristics were refined. All efforts were being made to achieve FOC by December 2014. Production of aircraft was to commence immediately thereafter.{{cite web|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2014/02/hjt-36-target-foc-by-dec-2014-says-mod.html|title=HJT-36 Target FOC By Dec 2014, Says MoD|first=Shiv|last=Aroor|date=19 February 2014}} However the stall cannot be tested until HAL redesigns the entire aircraft to correct its "inherent asymmetry".{{cite web |url=http://indrus.in/blogs/2014/02/24/flameout_why_the_iaf_wont_accept_hals_jet_trainer_33117.html |title=Flameout: Why the IAF won't accept HAL's jet trainer |last1=Simha |first1=Rakesh Krishnan |date=24 February 2014 |website=indrus.in |publisher=Российская газета |access-date=23 February 2014}}
• As of July 2014, 6 of the LSP aircraft were produced but still not delivered due to non completion of Design and Development (D&D) activities.
• BAE Systems was consulted on certain design changes, specifically the tail.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/spin-trials-to-revive-intermediate-jet-trainer-programme-soon/articleshow/56209445.cms|title=Spin trials to revive intermediate jet trainer programme soon|first=Manu|last=Pubby|date=14 July 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times}} Afterwards the design was put to mathematical and wind tunnel tests. The modified aircraft was expected to complete the spin tests by September 2015, and the production of 85 aircraft for the Indian Air Force to begin.{{Cite news|last=D.S|first=Madhumathi|date=2015-09-09|title=IAF's IJT set for spin test|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/iafs-ijt-set-for-spin-test/article7631349.ece|access-date=2022-01-07|issn=0971-751X}}
• In 2016, the programme and the testing came to a halt after the aircraft “departed from controlled flight” while testing spin characteristics.
• In March 2017, Jane's reported that due to the HJT-36's "unsolvable" issues associated with critical stall and spin characteristics the aircraft is not ready to serve as an intermediate jet trainer for Indian Air Force pilots.
• With Birhle as a consultant, the air frame was modified to move the tailfin and tailplane further down which is expected to make spin recovery easier. The modified aircraft (IJT LSP4; S3854) flew for the first time on 17 April 2019.{{cite news |last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai |title=HAL's Intermediate Jet Trainer flies again after extensive re-design |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/hal-s-intermediate-jet-trainer-flies-again-after-extensive-re-design-119041900219_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=19 April 2019}}{{Cite web |title=TRAINING: India Gets Two AL-55I Engines for Combat Trainers {{!}} Times Aerospace |url=https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/training/training-india-gets-two-al-55i-engines-for-combat-trainers |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.timesaerospace.aero}} Post modifications, a new Anti-Spin Parachute system (ASPS) was developed to ensure safety of the aircraft and test crew during spin flight testing.

• As per a report, "The new ASPS was integrated into the aircraft in July 2020 and the successful streaming of the parachutes were demonstrated in September 2020."
• In February 2021, HJT-36 took-off during Aero India with the newly supplied AL-55I engines with improved features.
• On 6 January, the IJT has successfully demonstrated the capability to carry out six turn spins to both the left and right hand sides. As of then, the aircraft would require more two years of testing, after which it would be ready for certification. With the help of internal funding, some major modifications were done in the design configuration and, hence, re-demonstration of earlier tests was required.{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2022-01-07|title=Intermediate Jet Trainer has cleared a major milestone, says HAL chief|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hals-intermediate-jet-trainer-has-cleared-a-major-milestone/article38161914.ece|access-date=2022-01-07|issn=0971-751X}}
• In February 2025, at the Aero India 2025, HAL renamed the HJT-36 Sitara as the HJT-36 'Yashas'. The renaming was due to its design modification to correct "departure characteristics and spin resistance". The aircraft was recently integrated with "state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit". This upgrades videos the overall weight of the aircraft and replaced the obsolete foreign line-replaceable units with Indian LRUs.{{Cite web |title=HAL's Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36 is now renamed as 'Yashas' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/hals-hindustan-jet-trainer-hjt-36-is-now-renamed-as-yashas-3398411 |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Aero India 2025: HAL's upgraded Hindustan Jet Trainer-36 unveiled as 'Yashas' - The Economic Times |url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/aero-india-2025-hals-upgraded-hindustan-jet-trainer-36-unveiled-as-yashas/articleshow/118114623.cms |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=m.economictimes.com}}
• On 12 February 2025, it was also reported that the Indian Air Force has not placed any order for the updated aircraft but would lease 4 to 5 'Yashas' from HAL. Further orders will be placed if the user was satisfied with its training and operational capabilities.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-12 |title=HAL unveils upgraded Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT) 36 as ‘Yashas’ at Aero India 2025; leases to IAF |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/nbsphal-unveils-upgraded-hindustan-jet-trainer-hjt-36-as-yashas-at-aero-india-2025-3745020/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}

File:S3474 HAL HJT-36 Sitra (8414598298).jpg

HJT-36 uses light alloys and composites, with a conventional low wing design with 18° leading-edge sweepback and a 9.8m wingspan. It features a hydraulically retractable tricycle-type landing gear. The single-wheeled main units retract inward and the twin nose wheel unit retracts forward. About a quarter of the aircraft's line-replaceable units are common between it and the HAL Tejas trainer variant.

In the cockpit, the HJT-36 has a conventional tandem two-seat configuration with the trainee pilot forward and the instructor in the raised seat to the rear. The single-piece canopy gives both pilots good, all-round vision. The prototype aircraft used Zvezda K-26LT lightweight zero-zero ejection seats. However, these may be replaced with Martin-Baker Mk.16 IN16S seats, due to a price escalation of the former.{{cite web |title=HAL HJT-36 Sitara - program supplier guide |url=http://www.airframer.com/aircraft_detail.html?program=641 |website=www.airframer.com}} The pilots have both conventional and manual flight controls.{{Cite web |title=HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hjttrainer/ |access-date=2022-01-07 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}

The trainer has a full glass cockpit with a layout similar to current generation combat aircraft. It uses an integrated digital avionics system from GE Aviation Systems. Head-up display and repeater is produced by Elbit Systems.

The cockpit features a Stepped-up Rear cockpit with a Drooped Nose enhancing the pilots' situational awareness. The aircraft also features multi-function displays and head-up display. .

The aircraft has five external hardpoints for weapons training. There is one center-line hardpoint under the fuselage and two-weapon pylons under each wing for carrying rockets, gun pods, and bombs. The maximum external payload is 1,000 kg.

{{See also|NPO Saturn AL-55|SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac}}

The aircraft features a FADEC-controlled NPO Saturn AL-55I with a thrust of 17.3 kN, providing a high thrust-to-weight ratio with optimised thrust management.

The prototype aircraft was initially powered by a SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac 04-H-20 non-afterburning turbofan developing 14.12 kN of thrust. However, as stipulated by the 2005 Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs) from the Air Force there was a requirement of higher thrust engines.{{cite web |title=HAL HJT-36 | Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/hal-hjt-36}}

In April 2005, the Larzac engine was to be replaced by NPO Saturn AL-55I (16.9 kN) to meet training requirements. The AL-55I engine would be a Joint Venture of HAL and NPO Saturn and the deal for the development of the same was signed with Rosoboronexport in August. A funding of {{INRConvert|159|c|lk=on|year=2005}} by the Indian Ministry of Defence was released for the higher thrust engine development.

As per a CAG report on IJT, in February 2014, the engine developed (AL-55I) had a Total Technical Life (TTL) of only 300 hours against the required 3600 hours provided in the ASQR. However, by 2013, it was told that the contract for engine development was fulfilled and the JV intended to increase the TTL to 600 hours though IAF insisted a TTL of 1,200 hours. The increase of TTL was important as ASQR projected a "utilisation rate" of 30 hrs/month per aircraft which meant the engines needed to be replaced every 10 months.

On 14 July 2021, it was reported that the United Engine Corporation had deliver two units of AL-55I engines to HAL for the HJT-36 programme. The life cycle of the improved engines were increased to 1,200 hours . Earlier, 16 engines had been supplied to HAL for the prototypes and limited series production (LSP) aircraft. The engines were reportedly ready for licensed production in India.{{Cite web |title=India Gets Two AL-55I Engines For Combat Trainers |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2021/07/india-gets-two-al-55i-engines-for.html?m=1 |access-date=2025-01-10}}{{Cite news |date=2021-07-14 |title=Russia supplies India with 2 turbojet engines for HJT-36 training plane - Rostec |url=https://www.uniindia.com/news/world/aviation-russia-india/2448836.htmll |access-date=2025-01-10 |work=UNI India}} The new engines also had an improved thrust of 17.27 kN and also featured a reduction of over 50 kg weight.

By February 2025, UEC supplied 18 AL-55I engines to HAL for the project. The engines will undergo type certification followed by start of licensed production of the engines by HAL in India.{{Cite web |title=Russian company supplied 18 engines to India’s HAL |url=https://tass.com/defense/1911633 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=TASS}}{{Cite web |title=Russia’s UEC Supplied 18 Engines to India’s HJT-36 Trainer Aircraft Project |url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/38810/Russia___s_UEC_Supplied_18_Engines_to_India___s_HJT_36_Trainer_Aircraft_Project |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Defense Mirror}}

== Operators ==

; {{IND}}

• {{Air force|India}}: 12 LSP and 73 series production aircraft on order. 200-250 planned.

File:Profil HAL HJT-36.png

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft{{cite book|editor1-last=Jackson|editor1-first=Paul|editor2-last=Peacock|editor2-first=Lindsay|editor3-last=Bushell|editor3-first=Susan|editor4-last=Willis|editor4-first=David|editor5-last=Winchester|editor5-first=Jim|title=IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production|date=2016–2017|location=Couldson|isbn=978-0710631770|page=304|chapter=India}}{{cite web|url=https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=22|title=HAL IJT|publisher=HAL|access-date=2 May 2020}}

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{{Portal|India|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|related=

• HAL HLFT-42
• HAL Tejas
• HJT-16
• HAL HJT 39 / CAT

|similar aircraft=

• Aermacchi M-345
• Hongdu JL-8
• FMA IA-63 Pampa
• Kawasaki T-4
• KB SAT SR-10

}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070224182652/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Info/Aircraft/IJT-Suresh.html HAL Intermediate Jet Trainer HJT-36 by Wg.Cdr Kukke Suresh VrC(Retd.) @ Bharat-rakshak.com]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050306161733/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE5-5/Rao.html Bharat-Rakshak Monitor: Sitara - Intermediate Jet Trainer - HJT-36 by H. Niranjan Rao]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20071018112001/http://bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Trainers/HJT36/ Photos of the two prototypes @ Bharat-rakshak.com]
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20050327222603/http://www.acig.org/exclusives/aero/acig_aero05_hjt36.htm ACIG Exclusive: 15 Photos of two HJT-36 prototypes and its cockpit]}}

{{HAL aircraft}}

Sitara

Category:2000s Indian military trainer aircraft

Category:Single-engined jet aircraft

Category:Low-wing aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2003

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear