HAL unveils design of new supersonic trainer cum fighter HLFT-42, can aid IAF in modern combat training

Source : The Print

Official design of Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42) unveiled by HAL at Aero India 2023

New Delhi: State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled the design of a new supersonic jet trainer that could play a critical role in modern combat aircraft training of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

A statement released by the HAL, ahead of the Aero India 2023 show in Bengaluru next week, said there would be a scale model of the HLFT-42, the ‘Next Gen Supersonic Trainer’.

HAL plans to equip the new trainer aircraft with modern avionics like Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite, Infrared Search and Track (IRST) with Fly by Wire (FBW) control system.

Sources in the defence and security establishment said this is a single engine trainer that has been in the works for a long time and underwent numerous design changes.

They also said the design of HLFT-42 is inspired from the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme. Sources added that the HAL was self-funding this project.

They said this aircraft could plug the gap between subsonic jet training — that takes place on Hawk-132 — and supersonic jet training — which takes place on an actual fighter like the MiG-21.

Sources also explained how training missions by new pilots who get used to supersonic flights makes aircraft like the MiGs and Sukhois undergo more wear and tear. But they also said the IAF will only be interested in the project when it sees HAL deliver on its new aircraft.

However, HAL sources point out that this project is very much doable and will turn out to be the shortest developmental schedule. They added that the new supersonic trainer also has immense export potential.