Date:13/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/13/stories/2006061303460900.htm

Back Intermediate jet trainer passes tests

Our Bureau

Bangalore, June 12

The intermediate jet trainer being developed by the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has passed the first phase of hot weather trials. The two prototypes, PT1 and PT2, recently logged eight hours within a week during tests conducted at Nagpur, a HAL release said. Planned for induction into the IAF in early 2008, the IJT's performance is once more milestone towards certification, said the HAL Chairman, Mr Ashok Baweja. The IJT first flew in March 7, 2003, and has completed 277 flights. It will make a flying display at next month's Farnborough air show. The two trainer aircraft prototypes made 13 test sorties together and were exposed to hot conditions in the open for 2-3 hours before the flights. The HAL Chief Test Pilot, Squadron Leader (retd) Baldev Singh, led the team.