HAL HT-2

The HAL HT-2 aircraft is build by HAL (India).

Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) in Bangalore overhauled aircraft of the Allies during World War Two. After India became independent in 1947, the Royal Air Force handed over HAL to Indian control. HAL decided to design and develop a basic trainer aircraft to be used mainly by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The proposal was sent to the Government of India. On October 1948, the Government released the funds for the project. Design work on the project soon began.

The construction timeline of the new Hindustan Trainer:

1949 August - Mock-up of new aircraft.
1950 November - Completed the fuselage construction.
1951 May - Wing load tested and mounted.
1951 July - First run of Gipsy Major 145 hp engine and a wooden propeller.
1951 August - First test flight.

A public launch of the aircraft was carried out on 13 August 1951 and was piloted by Captain Jamshed Kaikobad (Jimmy) Munsh. It was officially named HT-2.

In 1955, three HT-2 (powered by Cirrus Major 155 hp engine) were delivered to Begumpet airfield in Hyderabad for Indian Air Force (IAF) Pilot Instruction Course No. 68. A total of 150 units of HT-2 aircraft were built for IAF in training new pilots till 1989.

HAL HT-2 made its maiden flight in 1951. HAL HT-2 was introduced into active service in 1955. It was finally retired from active service in 1989. HAL HT-2 has a seating capacity of 2.

HAL HT-2 has an overall length of 7.53 meters (24.6_ft). It has a wing span of 10.72 meters (35.1_ft). The overall height of 2.72 meters (8.9_ft). The wing area of HAL HT-2 is of about 16 sq.meters (172.2_sq.ft.). The overall weight of an empty aircraft is about 699 kilograms (1,537.8_lbs). And it has a maximum take-off weight of about 1016 kilograms (2,235.2_lbs). HAL HT-2 can reach a maximum speed of about 185 km/hr (99.9_knots, 115.0_mph). Aircraft can reach a service height of about 4420 meters (14,453.4_ft).

The piston engine powered HAL HT-2 uses 1, Cirrus Major III piston engine. It can deliver a total power of approximately 116 kilowatts (155.6_shaft horsepower).

Updated On: 18.10.15