HAL @ Aero India : Display of Scale Model of HLFT-42, Full Spectrum of Training Capabilities, ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation’ Flight to be the Key Attraction

Aero India, Aero India 2023

Bangalore: At the upcoming Aero India 2023, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be showcasing its full spectrum of training capabilities and display for the first time the scale model of Hindustan Lead in Fighter Trainer (HLFT)-42.

In addition, HAL will also display the indigenously built ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation’ flight of 15 helicopters consisting of all variants of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

“As part of Aero India 2023 beginning on February 13 at the Air Force Station Yelahanka, HAL will display a unique ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation’ flight of 15 helicopters consisting of all variants of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), ‘Prachand’ Light Combat Helicopter, and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). The fixed wing front will witness LCA twin seater variant, Hawk-i, Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT)-40 aircraft,” an official statement read.

According to HAL, major attraction at its indoor pavilion will be the scale model of Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), next generation HLFT-42 and models of LCA Mk 2, Hindustan Turbo-shaft Engine-1200, RUAV helicopter, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) trainer, Hindustan-228 etc. The outdoor display adjacent to HAL stall will feature Rotary wing products LUH and ALH Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) variants.

HLFT-42 is a ‘Next Gen Supersonic Trainer’ that will play a critical role in modern combat aircraft training, equipped with the state-of-the-art avionics like Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite, Infrared Search and Track (IRST) with Fly by Wire control (FBW) system.

FBW is a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface. IRST is a method to track objects which give off infrared radiation.

“The central theme of the India Pavilion is Fixed Wing platform. An actual LCA-Tejas in FOC configuration will be the centre piece along with various associated structural modules, simulators, systems (LRUs) etc. being produced by private partners. There will also be sections for Def space, new technologies and UAV which will give an insight about the growth of India in each sector,” a statement read.

Also on static display will be ALH, Dornier, Hawk-I, HTT-40. In addition, civil certified Do-228 will be showcased for utilisation in the commercial flying sector. HAL at the show will promote India’s indigenously built capabilities to the visiting defence delegations and hold business meetings with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and customers, besides signing agreements and contracts with its business partners for various projects. Customer demonstration flights will also be organised on various platforms.