India's indigenous HAL HPT-32 Deepak is used for initial pilot training and other utility tasks. The Deepak was developed by HAL for the IAF to replace the tandem two-seat HT-2 basic trainer and to undertake a range of other utility roles.
The prototype first flew on 06 January 1977, followed by a second on March 1979. The third prototype, built to the definitive production standard, flew in July 1981. However production deliveries did not start till 1984, with 12 aircraft handed over to IAF, which were based at the IAF's Elementary School at Bidar.
The initial IAF requirement was for 160 HPT-32s, the first production batch of 24 was followed by successive re-orders which took deliveries to 120 delivered through early 1990s. A small number of aircraft were also transferred to the IN. The design is quiet conventional and features a semi-monocoque structure with stressed skin, fixed tricycle undercarriage, and a rear-ward sliding canopy above the two side-by-side seats. There is room for a third trainee in the back of the two seats. The aircraft is fully aerobatic.
The turboprop powered HTT-34 which was developed as a private venture by HAL. The 313kW (420shp) Allison 250-B17D powered HTT-34 flew for the first time, in a converted HTP-32 prototype form, on 17 June 1984.
Date: 09 Feb 06
Views: 1853
Serial: X2335
Unit: HAL
Copyright: Pushpindar Singh Chopra
Among the modifications made to the HPT-32, by HAL's Kanpur division, are integral fuel tanks in the wings, a strengthened & reinforced structure which is designed to improve crashworthiness and incorporation of modern flight instruments & avionic
A HPT-32 (X2582) on static display at AFA Dundigal. The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming piston engine, a model of which lies next to the aircraft. The aircraft were inducted into the IAF in 1984.
Date: 09 Feb 06
Views: 1126
Serial: X2582
Unit: Air Force Academy
Copyright: Jagan Pillarisetti
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