RSK MiG is proposing a training system for the Indian air force based around its MiG-AT and the Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer, which is under development in India. HAL has produced a mock-up of the tandem-seat, single turbofan engined aircraft.
The Snecma/Turbomeca Larzac engine powers the MiG-AT and the first Larzac is due to be delivered to HAL for the HJT-36 later this year.
Head of the Mikoyan Engineering Centre Vladimir Barkovsky says operating both types would reduce India's trainer operating costs by at least 15%. Further savings would be accrued by using the same avionics and systems.
"The best solution for India would be to use the lightweight, single-engine HJT-36 for initial training and the larger, twin-engine, digital flight control system-equipped MiG-AT for advanced and weapons training," Barkovsky says.
RSK MiG's engine business has manufactured components for seven prototype Soyuz RD-1700s offered to MiG-AT customers requiring an all-Russian aircraft.
Barkovsky says the RD-1700 could power future versions of the MiG-AT and HJT-36. The first engine has amassed 800h rig testing since August 2000 and achieved 3,500lb-thrust (17kN). It has the same geometry and attachment points as the Larzac, but has higher growth potential, up to 8,800lb-thrust.
Ukraine's ZMKB Progress/Motor-Sich is offering the AI-25TLSh for the HJT-36. Following a feasibility study with HAL, an AI-25TLSh specification has been issued, calling for a doubling of acceleration rate and a 4,100lb-thrust for take-off in hot-and-high conditions.
The engine has also been offered as an upgrade for India air force HALHJT-16 Kirans and PZL TS-11 Iskras.
Source: Flight International
