In a significant development for India’s aerospace and defense sectors, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled the revamped version of their flagship jet training aircraft, formerly known as the Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36, now christened as ‘Yashas’. This announcement was made during the Aero India 2025 event, which is currently being held in Bengaluru.
HAL has officially renamed its flagship jet training aircraft, the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), as ‘Yashas’ following extensive modifications aimed at improving its flight characteristics. The renaming event, held at Aero India 2025, marks a significant milestone for HAL, showcasing the evolution of the aircraft and its readiness for the next phase of pilot training and operational use.
Upgrades and Modifications to Enhance Performance
The HJT-36 has undergone several upgrades to improve its performance, particularly in departure characteristics and spin resistance. These modifications ensure that the aircraft can handle a wider flight envelope, providing safer and more effective training for future pilots.
The Secretary (Defence Production), Sanjeev Kumar, unveiled the newly renamed ‘Yashas’ in the presence of Dr. D K Sunil, the Chairman & Managing Director of HAL, and senior officials at the event. The upgraded aircraft now features state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit, designed to boost training effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Indigenous Enhancements and Reduction in Weight
One of the key goals of this upgrade was to reduce the aircraft’s weight while enhancing its overall functionality. To achieve this, obsolete imported components have been replaced with indigenous Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). These locally developed units are crucial for supporting India’s growing defense self-reliance, making the ‘Yashas’ a more cost-effective and sustainable solution for the Indian Air Force.
Training and Operational Capabilities
The ‘Yashas’ is specifically designed for Stage II pilot training, which includes complex maneuvering and counter-insurgency operations. The aircraft is capable of conducting counter-surface force operations, armament training, and aerobatics. With these features, it is an ideal choice for advanced training, allowing pilots to gain crucial skills that will prepare them for more challenging missions.
‘Yashas’ is powered by a FADEC-controlled AL-55I jet engine, providing an optimal thrust-to-weight ratio for better performance. The engine offers improved thrust management, ensuring that the aircraft remains highly reliable in a variety of training conditions.
Enhanced Cockpit and Situational Awareness
The aircraft’s stepped-up rear cockpit and drooped nose provide excellent all-around visibility, which is vital for enhanced situational awareness during training and operational missions. The upgraded cockpit features a glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD), providing instructors and trainees with critical flight data and situational information in real-time.
Key Capabilities of ‘Yashas’
Stall and Spin Recovery: The aircraft has been enhanced for stall and spin recovery, an essential feature for training pilots to recover from dangerous flight situations.
Aerobatics: The ‘Yashas’ is designed for advanced aerobatics, offering a versatile platform for pilots to perfect their flying skills.
Armament Carriage: With the ability to carry up to 1,000 kg of armament, the aircraft can also serve operational roles in counter-insurgency and counter-surface operations.
Single-Point Ground Refueling: The aircraft is equipped with a single-point refueling and defueling system, ensuring quicker turnaround times for flight operations.
Improved Operational Efficiency
The combination of advanced training systems, lightweight structure, and modern avionics makes ‘Yashas’ a highly efficient and effective aircraft for Indian Air Force training schools. The aircraft’s multi-role capabilities, enhanced by modern design and indigenous components, ensure that ‘Yashas’ will play a key role in developing the next generation of Indian Air Force pilots.
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