HAL’s Intermediate Jet Trainer Commences Spin Flight Testing

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-designed and developed indigenous Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), which will replace the ageing Kiran aircraft fleet of the IAF commenced spin flight testing in Bengaluru. The flight was piloted by HAL’s test pilots Gp. Capt H. V. Thakur (Retd) and Wg. Cdr P. Avasti (Retd). A statement by the HAL said that the spin flight testing of an aircraft is the most crucial phase of its flight testing. “Accordingly, the testing will be gradually progressed to assess the behaviour of the aircraft till six turn spins either to meet the targeted requirement,” it said.

The IJT has already been tested to its full envelope in terms of speed, altitude and load factor (‘g’ envelope) and has been integrated with drop tanks as well as bombs. For spin test, HAL redesigned the aircraft by moving the vertical tail aft and extending the rudder surface. These changes for ensuring a satisfactory spin behaviour required extensive redesign of the rear fuselage and the rudder. The changes have been incorporated with the necessary safety devices (Anti-Spin Parachute Systems). During the first flight, initially the aircraft was taken through one turn spin to the left and right hand sides to test the spin characteristics.