HAL HT-2
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.
HT-2 General Characteristics:
- Crew: 2
- Length: 24 ft 8½ in (7.53 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 2 in (10.72 m)
- Height: 8 ft 11 in (2.72 m)
- Wing area: 172.2 ft2 (16 m2)
- Empty weight: 1540 lb (699 kg)
- Gross weight: 2240 lb (1016 kg)
- Powerplant: Cirrus Major III piston engine, 155 hp (116 kW)
HT-2 Performance:
- Cruise speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)
- Endurance: 3 hours 30 min
- Service ceiling: 14,500 ft (4420 m)
