HAL HPT-32 Deepak

HPT-32
A HPT-32 in an IAF Air Base
General information
TypePrimary trainer
National origin
India
ManufacturerHindustan Aeronautics Limited
Designer
Aircraft Research & Development Center (HAL)
Primary userIndian Air Force
Indian Naval Air Arm
History
Manufactured1977-1993[citation needed]
Introduction date
1984
First flight6 January 1977
Retired2009
Developed into
HAL HTT-40

The HAL HPT-32 Deepak (lit. 'Light') is an Indian prop-driven primary trainer manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and are used as a basic trainer aircraft by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It has two seats in side-by-side configuration. Its configuration is low-wing, monoplane, single-engine aircraft designed primarily for the training of pilots in basic aerobatics, navigation, and other flying skills. The HPT-34 is equipped with a turboprop engine, offering good fuel efficiency and handling characteristics for new pilots.[citation needed]

However, it faced several challenges during its service. One of the major drawbacks was issues with the engine, leading to several accidents. As a result, the aircraft's service life was cut short, and it was gradually phased out in favor of more modern trainers, such as the HAL HTT-40.[citation needed]

Operational history

The Deepak is used for primary training, observation, liaison and target towing.[citation needed]

When it flies upside-down fuel flows from a collector tank in the fuselage and the inverted flight is limited to 1 min. Deepak has a theoretical glide ratio of 8.5:1. The IAF and HAL are looking into new safety systems such as Ballistic Recovery Systems to enable it to descend safely in the event of an engine failure. On 16 May 2010 the IAF cleared the installation of a parachute recovery system. The HPT-32 aircraft has been replaced by the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II in the IAF, as its workhorse as a Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) in 2013.

Accidents

In 17 Deepak crashes so far, 19 pilots have died. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has been reported as saying the aircraft is "technologically outdated and beset by flight safety hazards" when discussing the grounding of the fleet in 2009. HAL HTT-40 is going replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as primary trainer.

Variants

HPT-32
Basic version, powered by Textron Lycoming EIO-540-D4B5 flat six piston engine
HTT-34
Turboprop version, powered by 310 kW (420 shp) Allison 250-B17D engine. First flew on 17 June 1984.

Former Operators

 India

Specifications (HPT-32)

Data from Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide

General characteristics

Performance

Armament
Four hardpoints; 255 kg warload; machine gun pods; bombs; rockets

See also

Related HAL development:

Comparable or Related Basic Trainers:

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 "HAL HPT-32 Deepak". bharat-rakshak.
  2. 1 2 Taylor 1996, p. 401
  3. ↑ "IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival". The Hindu. 16 May 2010. Archived from the original on 11 October 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  4. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (5 April 2010). "Scrabbling for solutions". Business Standard India.
  5. ↑ "Crashes, engine failures ground IAF trainer aircraft - Thaindian News". Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2010.
  6. ↑ Dutta, Amrita Nayak (18 October 2022). "Made in India Takes Off: Intermediate Jet Trainer HJT-36 to be Certified Soon, HAL Eyes Export of HTT-40". News18. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  7. ↑ Lambert 1990, p. 198
  8. ↑ Rendall, David (1995). Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide. Glasgow, UK: HarperCollinsPublishers. pp. 505. ISBN 0-00-4709802.
  9. ↑ Taylor 1999, p.433

Bibliography