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IAF to phase out HPT-32 trainer aircraft by 2014
After losing two of its experienced fighter pilot instructors in a trainer aircraft crash in July, the IAF is all set to phase out such jets by 2014, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik said on Thursday.
After losing two of its experienced fighter pilot instructors in a trainer aircraft crash in July, the IAF is all set to phase out such jets by 2014, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik said on Thursday.
"The IAF lost two experienced instructors in a fatal crash of HPT-32 this year. We have ordered an inquiry and a study on the aircraft, as we have had a lot of problems since their induction in 1984. We hope to use it only till 2013-14," Naik told reporters here.
HPT-32 or Hindustan Piston Trainer of HAL is IAF's primary aircraft for basic fighter pilot training. Two of IAF's instructors were killed in the mishap near Medak involving this aircraft on July 31 following which the aircraft was grounded leading to a crisis in training.
"I have ordered a special study by Air Vice Marshal Pradeep Singh, an experienced fighter pilot on the problems with HPT-32. Other agencies are also involved in the study," Naik said.
As an alternative, the Air Force chief said the rookie pilots were now being trained on another indigenous HAL aircraft, the Kirans.
"This experiment of training on Kirans has been quite successful. May be, for another year-and-a-half we will continue with this. I am sure by then, we will be able to find an alternative to HPT-32 to continue training unhindered," he added.
