CleanupBot II at 23:57, 13 August 2023

2023-08-13T23:57:33Z

New page

{{Short description|Indian jet trainer aircraft}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = HJT-16 Kiran
|image =
|caption = A HAL Kiran Mk II of the [[Surya Kiran]] on approach.
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = Intermediate jet trainer
|manufacturer = [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
|national origin = [[India]]
|first flight = 4 September 1964
|introduced = 1968
|retired =
|produced = 1964 -1989
|number built = 190
|status = In service
|unit cost =
|primary user = [[Indian Air Force]]
|more users = [[Indian Navy]]
|developed from =
|variants with their own articles =
}}
|}

The '''HAL HJT-16 Kiran''' ("Ray of light") is an Indian two-seat intermediate [[jet propulsion|jet-powered]] [[trainer aircraft]] designed and manufactured by aircraft company [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL).

The Kiran was developed at the behest of the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF), who sought a new intermediate trainer aircraft for its pilots. On 4 September 1964, the type performed its [[maiden flight]]; mass production commenced shortly thereafter. It has been adopted by the IAF, which uses the type to conduct intermediate training of pilots following on from basic trainers such as the [[HAL HPT-32 Deepak|HPT-32 Deepak]] and [[Pilatus PC-7]]. Furthermore, during the 1980s, the IAF procured a number of Kirans that were furnished with a more powerful engine and a higher number of [[hard point]]s; the variant was designated ''Kiran Mk II''. It has also been adopted by the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]]. The last Kiran was completed during 1989, after which the assembly line was shuttered.

The Kiran has been in operational use for over 50 years. Since the late 1990s, an indigenously designed successor, the [[HAL HJT-36 Sitara]], has been in development, but has yet to enter service as of 2019. By the 2010s, use of the type was gradually declining as increasing numbers of newer [[BAE Systems Hawk]]s, built [[licensed production|under license]] by HAL, have been introduced to IAF service. The Kiran has been used by the [[Indian Navy|Indian naval]] aerobatic team [[Sagar Pawan]] and was also used by the aerobatic team [[Surya Kiran]] of the IAF up until February 2011, at which point the team was disbanded after its aircraft were diverted to train fighter pilots. The Surya Kiran display team has been reequipped with specially-equipped Hawks. During December 2018, a handful of Kirans were donated by India to [[Myanmar]].

==Development==

[[File:HAL Kiran at HAL Museum 7783.JPG|thumb|left|A ''Kiran II'' on static display at the HAL Museum, [[Bangalore]], 2011]]

The Kiran was developed by Indian aircraft manufacturer [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) in response the issuing of an [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) requirement that called for a new intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft. HAL's design team devised a relatively conventional trainer; according to author Chris Smith, their design was closely modelled on the [[BAC Jet Provost]], an existing [[United Kingdom|British]] jet trainer.<ref name="Smith 1994, p. 157">Smith 1994, p. 157.</ref> HAL chose to adopt the British-sourced [[Rolls-Royce Viper|Rolls-Royce Viper 11]] [[turbojet]] engine, capable of generating up to {{convert|2500|lbf|abbr=on}} of thrust, to serve as its powerplant.<ref name="Janes 82 p92"/> According to Smith, the development of what would become Kiran proved beneficial to other HAL projects, the design team being later redeployed to the [[HAL HF-24 Marut|HF-24 Marut]], an indigenously designed [[fighter-bomber]].<ref name="Smith 1994, p. 157"/>

On 4 September 1964, a [[prototype]] performed the type's [[maiden flight]].<ref name="Janes 82 p92">Taylor 1982, p. 92.</ref> The initial production aircraft was designated ''Kiran I''; during March 1968, the first deliveries of the pre-production aircraft were made to the IAF. Proving satisfactory, full-scale production of the type was approved shortly thereafter. Later production aircraft were fitted with [[hard point]]s underneath each wing, which were intended for weapon training purposes; this modification led to such aircraft being redesignated as ''Kiran IA''. A total of 190 Mk I and 1A aircraft were manufactured.<ref name="Janes 82 p92"/>

During the 1970s, work was undertaken by HAL on an uprated version of the aircraft; it was instead powered by the [[Bristol Siddeley Orpheus]] turbojet engine, capable of generating a maximum thrust of {{convert|4200|lbf|abbr=on}}. This variant, which was also furnished with an enhanced weapon-carrying capability, was designated ''Kiran Mk II''. On 30 July 1976, this variant performed its first flight.<ref name="Janes 88 p98">Taylor 1988, p. 98.</ref> Around this time, India was seeking a more advanced trainer aircraft in response to difficulties experienced with trainee pilots transitioning from the original Kiran to frontline fighter aircraft.<ref>Smith 1994, p. 165.</ref> Deliveries of the improved model commenced during 1985; production of the Kiran was terminated during 1989.<ref name="World Mil p201">Donald and Lake 1996, p. 201.</ref>

==Operational history==
Since the initial aircraft first being delivered in 1968, the Kiran has been operated by both the IAF and the [[Indian Navy]] for the intermediate elements of their training syllabuses. Since the late 1990s, HAL has been working on developing a successor to the Kiran, which has been designated [[HAL HJT-36 Sitara|HJT-36 Sitara]].<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-air-force-kirans-to-fly-on-as-ijt-wait-conti-395994/ "Indian air force Kirans to fly on, as IJT wait continues."] ''Flight International'', 14 February 2014.</ref> Its development has been protracted, being troubled by accidents during the test flight phase and having to perform an extensive redesign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai |title=HAL's Intermediate Jet Trainer flies again after extensive re-design |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/hal-s-intermediate-jet-trainer-flies-again-after-extensive-re-design-119041900219_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=19 April 2022}}</ref><ref>Kumar Jha, Manish. [http://www.businessworld.in/article/Is-It-Time-For-HAL-To-Buckle-Up-/26-12-2018-165551/ "Is It Time For HAL To Buckle Up?."] ''Business World'', 26 December 2018.</ref> Another jet trainer, the British-designed [[BAE Systems Hawk]], has been license-manufactured by HAL to supplement and gradually replace the IAF's aging Kiran fleet since 2007.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-2007-first-indian-hawks-delivered-219435/ "Dubai 2007: First Indian Hawks delivered."] ''Flight International'', 12 November 2007.</ref> While deliveries of the Hawk and development of the Sitara continues, the operating life of the Kiran has been extended through to 2019, over 50 years after the first examples being delivered to the IAF.<ref>[https://www.deccanherald.com/content/461108/prolonging-surya-kirans-life.html "Prolonging Surya Kiran's life..."] ''Deccan Herald'', 21 February 2015.</ref><ref>Matthew, Neelam. [https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-04-03/hal-edged-out-trainer-competitions "HAL Edged Out In Trainer Competitions."] ''AIN Online'', 3 April 2014.</ref>

[[File:Surya kiran6 IAF.jpg|thumb|Aircraft of the Surya Kiran display team in formation flight during LIMA 2007]]
Following the grounding of the [[HAL HPT-32 Deepak]] fleet in 2009 amid safety concerns, the Kiran was temporarily used to perform both Stage I & II of fighter pilot training; this change was accompanied by considerable disruption, including a reduction of available flying hours to students as well as necessitating the redistribution of aircraft from the Surya Kiran display team.<ref>[https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/mayday-indias-intermediate-flight-trainers-07391/ "May day: India’s New Basic & Intermediate Flight Trainers."] ''Defense Industry Daily'', 2 May 2019.</ref><ref>Bahadur, Manmohan. [https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Airing-out-a-decision/article16769093.ece "Airing out a decision."] ''The Hindu'', 7 December 2016.</ref> During 2010, an urgent [[request for proposal]]s was issued, seeking a rapid replacement for the HPT-32 and to enable the Kiran fleet to resume normal operations; the [[Pilatus PC-7]] was subsequently selected for this role.<ref>Francis, Leithen. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-to-order-primary-trainers-to-replace-hpt-32s-338983/ "India to order primary trainers to replace HPT-32s."] ''Flight International'', 5 March 2010.</ref><ref>Waldron, Greg. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-starts-first-training-course-with-new-pc-7-mk-388269/ "India starts first training course with new PC-7 Mk II fleet."] ''Flight International'', 15 July 2013.</ref>

Both the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] and the Indian Air Force have independently operated their own aerobatic display teams, [[Sagar Pawan]] and [[Surya Kiran]] respectively.<ref>[https://www.newsnation.in/photos/news/surya-kirans-iaf-s-aerobatics-team-whose-death-defying-manouevers-leave-audience-spellbound-2562/slide1 "Surya kirans, IAF's Aerobatics team whose death defying manouevers leave audience spellbound."] ''News Nation'', 8 October 2017.</ref> On 3 March 2010, a Kiran Mk II of the Sagar Pawan aerobatic team crashed into a building in [[Hyderabad]] during the Indian Aviation 2010 air show, killing both crewmembers and injuring four civilians on the ground.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8546735.stm "India Navy plane crashes at air show, killing pilots."] ''BBC News'', 3 March 2010.</ref> During the 2010s, the Indian Defence Ministry placed an order for 20 Hawk Mk132 aircraft with HAL to replace the remaining Kirans assigned to the Surya Kiran display team.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/discussions-continue-for-third-indian-hawk-deal-say-389022/ "Discussions continue for third Indian Hawk deal, says BAE."] ''Flight International'', 2 August 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/for-surya-kiran-aerobatics-team-iaf-set-to-purchase-20-hawks/ |title=For Surya Kiran aerobatics team, IAF set to purchase 20 Hawks |date=26 October 2015 |newspaper=The Indian Express}}</ref> By 2019, several Hawks had been issued to the Surya Kiran display team and had been used to perform its trademark aerial displays.<ref>Kumar, Chethan. [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-aircraft-of-surya-kiran-aerobatics-team-crash-in-bengaluru/articleshow/68059933.cms "Two Surya Kiran aircraft crash during practice at Aero India in Bengaluru, one pilot dead."] ''Times of India'', 20 February 2019.</ref>

During December 2018, India donated six Kirans to neighbouring [[Myanmar]], these aircraft were dispatched along with a team of specialists to train both pilots and ground crew in their operation.<ref>[https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf "Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw."] ''[[United Nations]]'', August 2019.</ref> Publication Times Now has speculated that this gift was an intentional politically-charged decision, intended to strengthen military ties between the two countries as well as to a means to counterbalancing the growing influence of [[China]] over the region.<ref name="TNN">{{cite news |title=To counter Chinese clout, India to gift 6 HAL Kiran jet trainers to Myanmar |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/china-hal-kiran-myanmar-indian-air-force-southeast-asia-kaladan-multimodal-project-act-east-policy-narendra-modi-national-socialist-council-of/324243 |work=www.timesnownews.com |date=1 December 2022}}</ref>

==Variants==
;Kiran Mk I
: Two-seat intermediate jet trainer powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper turbo-jet engine. 118 built.<ref name="Janes 82 p92-3"/><ref name="World Mil p200">Donald and Lake 1996, p. 200.</ref>
;Kiran Mk IA
: Two-seat intermediate jet trainer with armament capability. Two underwing [[hardpoint]]s fitted. 72 built.<ref name="Janes 82 p92-3"/><ref name="World Mil p200"/>
;Kiran Mk II
: Improved version with four hardpoints and integral twin 7.62 mm machine guns in nose and a [[Bristol Siddeley Orpheus]] engine.<ref name="Janes 88 p98"/> 61 built.<ref name="World Mil p201"/>

==Operators==
[[File:HJT-16 Kiran - Aero India 2011 - 16.jpg|thumb|Formation of Kirans in flight]]


;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]]: 87<ref name="hindec13">{{cite news |title=Pilatus PC-7 gives boost to IAF Academy |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/pilatus-pc7-gives-boost-to-iaf-academy/article5452530.ece |access-date=13 December 2013 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 December 2022}}</ref>
* [[Indian Navy]]: 20<ref name="hindec13"/>
;{{MYA}}
* [[Myanmar Air Force]]: 6<ref name="TNN"/>

==Specification (Kiran IA)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''<ref name="Janes 82 p92-3">{{Harvnb|Taylor|1982|pp=92–93}}</ref>
|prime units?=met

|genhide=

|crew=2
|capacity=
|length m=10.60
|length ft=
|length in=
|span m=10.70
|span ft=
|span in=
|height m=3.64
|height ft=
|height in=
|wing area sqm=19.00
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=6.03:1
|airfoil=NACA 23015 at root, NACA 23012 at tip
|empty weight kg=2560
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|max takeoff weight kg=4235
|gross weight note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|1137|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} internal fuel
|more general=

|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Armstrong Siddeley Viper|Rolls-Royce Viper 11]]
|eng1 type=[[turbojet]]
|eng1 kn=11.12
|eng1 lbf=
|power original=
|thrust original=


|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=695
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed kmh=324
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|stall speed kmh=137–145
|stall speed note=[[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]] extended and [[landing gear]] deployed
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|endurance=1 hr 45 min
|ceiling m=9150
|ceiling ft=
|g limits=
|roll rate=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=
|time to altitude=20 min to {{convert|9150|m|ft|-2|abbr=on}}
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|more performance=

|armament=*two 500lb (227kg) [[bomb]]s or two [[SNEB]] [[rocket pod]]s containing seven 68 mm rockets or two pods with 7.62 mm [[machine gun]]s, or two 50-Imp Gal (226 litre) [[drop tank]]s
|guns=
|bombs=
|rockets=
|missiles=
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==

{{Aircontent
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[BAC Jet Provost]]
* [[Cessna T-37 Tweet]]
* [[Canadair CT-114 Tutor]]
* [[Fouga CM.170 Magister]]
* [[Saab 105]]
|sequence=
|lists=
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |title= The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985) |publisher= Orbis Publishing }}
* {{cite book |last=Donald |first=David |author2=Jon Lake |title=Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft|edition=Single volume |year=1996 |publisher= Aerospace Publishing|location= London|isbn=1-874023-95-6 }}
* Smith, Chris. ''India's Ad Hoc Arsenal: Direction Or Drift in Defence Policy?'' Oxford University Press, 1994. {{ISBN|0-1982-9168-X}}.
* {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=John W. R. |author-link= John W. R. Taylor |title= Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83 |year=1982 |publisher= Jane's Yearbooks |location=London |isbn=0-7106-0748-2 }}
* {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=John W. R. |author-link= John W. R. Taylor |title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89 |year=1988 |publisher= Jane's Defence Data |location=Coulsdon, UK |isbn=0-7106-0867-5 }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category-inline|HAL HJT-16 Kiran}}

{{HAL aircraft}}

[[Category:HAL aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s Indian military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1964]]

HAL HJT-16 Kiran - Revision history

CleanupBot II at 23:57, 13 August 2023