Bangalore: The second prototype of HJT-36, the IJT (Intermediate Jet Trainer) being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) would make its maiden flight soon, a top HAL official said today (Dec 24, 2003).

"Our design and development engineers are working hard to complete the second IJT and soon make it airborne," HAL Director (Design and Development), Ashok K Baweja said, at a function to celebrate the 'Karnataka Rajyothsava' (State formation day) by HAL employees in Bangalore.

The second prototype of the IJT, aimed to replace the ageing Kiran aircraft for stage II training of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, will have an indigenous head up display (HUD).

The maiden prototype of the indigenous aircraft, powered by a Larzac turbofan engine was flown first in March this year, within 22 months from design to building the aircraft.

Baweja said, HAL had initiated a process to cut wastage in the company and asked the employees to co-operate in the initiative to make the aviation firm more productive.

HAL, he said, had enough work in projects like the pilot less target aircraft, IJT, AJT (Advanced Jet Trainers) and LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) aircraft.

The IAF has placed an initial order for a limited series production of 12 IJT's and it needs about 250 aircrafts to train its pilots over the next few years, HAL officials said.

Union Minister of State for Defence Production and Supplies O Rajagopal, HAL Chairman N R Mohanty and HAL Managing Director A K Saxena were present at the event.