| HPT-32 | |
|---|---|
 A HPT-32 in anIAF Air Base | |
| General information | |
| Type | Primary trainer |
| National origin | India |
| Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |
| Designer | Aircraft Research & Development Center (HAL) |
| Primary user | Indian Air Force Indian Naval Air Arm |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1977-1993[citation needed] |
| Introduction date | 1984[1] |
| First flight | 6 January 1977[2] |
| Retired | 2009[1] |
| Developed into | HAL HTT-40 |
TheHAL HPT-32 Deepak (lit. 'Light') is an Indian prop-drivenprimary trainer manufactured byHindustan Aeronautics Limited and are used as a basic trainer aircraft by theIndian Air Force and theIndian Navy. It has two seats inside-by-side configuration. It's configuration is low-wing, monoplane, single-engine aircraft designed primarily for the training of pilots in basic aerobatics, navigation, and other flying skills. The HPT-34 is equipped with a turboprop engine, offering good fuel efficiency and handling characteristics for new pilots.[citation needed]
However, it faced several challenges during its service. One of the major drawbacks was issues with the engine, leading to several accidents. As a result, the aircraft's service life was cut short, and it was gradually phased out in favor of more modern trainers, such as theHAL HTT-40.[citation needed]
The Deepak is used for primary training, observation, liaison and target towing.[citation needed]
When it flies upside-down fuel flows from a collector tank in the fuselage and the inverted flight is limited to 1 min. Deepak has a theoreticalglide ratio of 8.5:1. The IAF and HAL are looking into new safety systems such asBallistic Recovery Systems to enable it to descend safely in the event of an engine failure. On 16 May 2010 the IAF cleared the installation of a parachute recovery system.[3] The HPT-32 aircraft has been replaced by thePilatus PC-7 Mk II in the IAF, as its workhorse as a Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) in 2013.
In 17 Deepak crashes so far, 19 pilots have died.[4] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has been reported as saying the aircraft is "technologically outdated and beset by flight safety hazards" when discussing the grounding of the fleet in 2009.[5]HAL HTT-40 is going replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as primary trainer.[6]
Data from Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide[8]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Four hardpoints; 255 kg warload; machine gun pods; bombs; rockets
Related HAL development:
Comparable or Related Basic Trainers:
