The HAL HJT-16 Kiran is a two-seat basic jet trainer built by Hindustan Aeronautics. Used for intermediate training for pilots who had finished basic flying training on the HPT-32 Deepak.
The first aircraft powered by the Rolls Royce Viper Mk 11 was flown for the first time on the 4 September 1964. The production aircraft was designated the Kiran I, and first deliveries from a pre-production batch were delivered to the Indian Air Force in March 1968. Later production aircraft were fitted with hardpoints under each wing for weapon training (as the Kiran IA. A total of 190 aircraft were built. An improved version powered by a 3,400 lbf (15,000 N) thrust Bristol-Siddeley Orpheus engine and improved weapon-carrying capability was designated the Kiran II and was delivered from 1983.
Date: 12/11/2013
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Prototype in Flight
An early photograph of the Kiran prototype in flight. The early version can be distinguished by the slider canopy. The
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2397
Kiran U703 over Farnborough, UK
Kiran U-703 was an example that visited Farnborough Air Show in 1972. The photograph was taken during the Farnborough Air show in UK, Sept 72 by Adrian Balch.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2224
Kiran Mk 1A in Flight
U-777 is a Mk.1A version of the Kiran trainer. The Mark 1A saw the addition of hard points under the wings to enable it to carry ordnance. The Mk.1A variant is fitted with a gun sight.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2388
At HAL in Bangalore
A Mk.1 variant [U753] at HALs facility in Bangalore. The Mk.1 entered IAF service in 1968.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2115
Kiran U703 over Farnborough, UK
Kiran U-703 was an example that visited Farnborough Air Show in 1972. The photograph was taken during the Farnborough Air show in UK, Sept 72 by Adrian Balch.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2649
Kirans at AFS Bidar
Line up of HJT-16 Kiran Mk.1s at the Bidar Air Force Academy.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2534
Kiran at Aero India 96
A colourful Mk.1A - HALs demonstration aircraft - on display at Aero India 1996.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2183
Classic Mark 1
An Mk.1 [U734] at the Dundigal Air Force Academy displayed in in 2001
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2234
Kiran Trainer first prototype
The first Kiran trainer prototype U327 (c/n JT01) built by HAL. It first flew on 4th September 1964 and featured a sliding canopy (as opposed to the upward opening clam shell canopy of the final variants.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2304
Early Production Kirans at Bangalore
Four early production Kirans [U674, U676, U677 & U678] just off the production line at HAL factory in Bangalore.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2343
Kiran Mk.1s with the Navy
Two early production Kirans - with the Indian Navy, but still featuring the U serial on the tail fins.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2042
Three Kiran IAs [U795,U814,U844 and U845] in formation.
Three Kiran IAs [U795,U814,U844 and U845] flying somewhere near Bidar.
Date: 12/11/2013
Views: 2278
U328 - The Second Prototype
U-328 is possibly the second prototype for the HJT-16 Kiran. The aircraft is currently preserved behind the memorial at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal.
Date: 03/29/2017
Views: 2407
U724
Kiran Mk1 U724 - seen at either the Academy or at Bidar
Date: 10/16/2018
Views: 2276
U703-02
A cleanly painted Kiran Mk1 U703 takes flight at Farnborough. (RL Ward Collection
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