Jet Trainer / Light Attack
HAL HJT-36 Sitara
The HAL HJT-36 Sitara is an Indian intermediate jet trainer designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to replace the Kiran Mk.II. It first flew in 2003 and has never entered service, remaining a development programme with prototypes still flying.
India|Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)Overview
The Sitara, Hindi for star, was designed at HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre in the late 1990s. The prototype first flew on 7 March 2003. Problems with the original Russian AL-55I engine forced a switch to the French SNECMA Larzac 04, and spin-recovery issues led to the grounding of prototypes after a crash in 2009. Approximate specifications are a length of 11.7 m, a span of 9.5 m, a maximum take-off weight of 5.5 tonnes and a top speed near 850 km/h.
The Indian Air Force has instead ordered 70 HTT-40 basic trainers and prefers HAL-built Hawk Mk 132 jets for advanced training. Reports in 2023 suggested the IAF might take 12 to 20 Sitaras, but progress is limited. HAL has announced the HLFT-42 supersonic lead-in fighter trainer concept, and reports describe an improved version with an indigenous engine, though nothing is confirmed. There are no operators and no exports. Development cost was about 500 crore rupees or more, hedged.
Key Specifications
Variants
The HJT-36 Sitara is the intermediate jet trainer prototype powered by a Larzac 04 turbofan.
The HLFT-42 is a conceptual supersonic lead-in fighter trainer announced at Aero India in 2019.
The HJT-36 LIFT is a proposed improved version with an indigenous engine, which is not confirmed.
Operators
IndiaFrequently Asked Questions
Has the HJT-36 Sitara entered service?
The HAL HJT-36 Sitara has not entered service and remains a development programme. The Indian Air Force trains on the Hawk Mk 132 and the Kiran, and prototypes continue to fly as test aircraft.
How much does the HJT-36 Sitara cost?
No unit price has been published for the HAL HJT-36 Sitara, since it is not in production. Its development cost was reportedly about 500 crore rupees or more.
How fast is the HJT-36 Sitara?
The HAL HJT-36 Sitara has a maximum speed of about 850 km/h, roughly Mach 0.7. Its service ceiling is about 12,000 m, and its range is about 1,000 km.
HJT-36 vs HÜRJET: which is better?
The Turkish Aerospace HÜRJET is further advanced than the HAL HJT-36 Sitara, as it entered production orders in 2023 to 2025. The Sitara has been in development since the late 1990s without entering service.
Why was the HJT-36 delayed?
The HAL HJT-36 Sitara was delayed by problems with its original Russian AL-55I engine and by spin-recovery issues. HAL changed to the French Larzac 04 engine, and a prototype crashed in 2009.
What is the HLFT-42?
The HLFT-42 is a conceptual supersonic lead-in fighter trainer announced by HAL at Aero India in 2019. Its status remains a conceptual design, and no prototype has been built.