Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially renamed its Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) HJT-36 as ‘Yashas.’ The aircraft is designed to provide advanced training for pilots transitioning to fighter jets, replacing the HJT-16 Kiran currently in service with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
The Yashas is a subsonic trainer featuring a tandem-seat configuration and a glass cockpit equipped with modern avionics. It is powered by the NPO Saturn AL-55I engine, delivering approximately 16.9 kN of thrust. The aircraft has five hardpoints and can carry a maximum external payload of 1,000 kg, allowing for weapons training with rockets, gun pods, and bombs.
The development of the Yashas has included modifications to address spin recovery challenges. HAL has stated that the aircraft is now in the final stages of testing. Production is expected to commence by 2028, with an anticipated order of 85 units to replace aging trainer aircraft.
The Yashas program is part of HAL’s broader efforts to enhance indigenous military aircraft development. The company continues to work on improvements to meet operational requirements before full-scale production begins.
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