From cruise missiles to laser-guided bombs and antishipping missiles to smart weapons and modern radars and avionic systems, the new aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) promises a lot. Design work for the plane that doubles as a new generation fighter trainer is complete. The Supersonic Omni Role Trainer Aircraft (SpORT), a lead-in-fightertrainer (LIFT) built on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas platform, is a fighter trainer that is capable of helping pilots of modern aircraft including the Rafale and SU-30 MKi. The IAF has not demanded for it. HAL CMD Dr R Madhavan recently said HAL no longer waits for IAF’s requirements. “We’re confident of doing R&D and offering a product. We’re even looking at markets outside,” he said. Group Captain HV Thakur, deputy chief test pilot, HAL, who conceived SpORT, says: “Work started last year when we wanted to participate in the US’ T-X programme for new-generation trainers. Our platform was a bit expensive as it was built on the Tejas platform and capable of combat. The United States wanted a pure trainer.” “There’s a quantum jump in training from advanced trainer to fighter jets which impedes the pilots learning pattern, causing an overload on type training aircraft and tends to impinge on safety during fighter training operations,” HAL said in an email. SpORT can train pilots on many operational capabilities. “All this in just six months, following which they only need to get used to their squadron aircraft,” he said.
Source: https://www.newdelhitimes.com/
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