Bengaluru: The indigenous Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) designed and developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to replace the ageing Kiran aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced spin flight testing in Bengaluru.
The flight was piloted by HAL's test pilots Group Capt HV Thakur (Retd) and Wg Cdr P. Avasti (Retd).
The spin testing of an aircraft is the most crucial phase of its flight testing.
Accordingly, the testing will be gradually progressed to assess the behaviour of the aircraft till six turn spins to either side to meet the targeted requirement," the HAL stated.
The IJT has already been tested to its full envelope in terms of speed, altitude and load factor (‘g’ envelope) and has also been integrated with drop tanks as well as bombs," it added.
For the spin test, HAL redesigned the aircraft by moving the vertical tail aft and extending the rudder surface.