HAL HPT-32 Deepak

The HAL HPT-32 Deepak ("lamp" in Sanskrit) is an Indian prop-driven primary trainer manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It has two seats in side-by-side configuration.

HPT-32
Role Primary trainer
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
First flight 6 January 1977[1]
Primary user Indian Air Force

Operational history

The Deepak is used for primary training, observation, liaison and target towing.

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 theoretical glide ratio of 8.5:1. The IAF and HAL are looking into new safety systems such as Ballistic 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 On 16 May 2010 the IAF cleared the installation of a parachute recovery system.[2] The HPT-32 aircraft has been replaced by the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II in the IAF, as its workhorse as a Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) in 2013.

Accidents

An aircraft crashed in the outskirts of the city of Medak, Andhra Pradesh on 31 July 2009, killing both the pilots. The causes of the crash are being investigated.

In 17 Deepak crashes so far, 19 pilots have died.[3] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has been reported as saying the aircraft is "technologically outdated and beset by flight safety hazards" when discussing the grounding of the fleet in 2009[4]

Versions
HPT-32
Basic version.
HTT-34
Turboprop version, powered by 310 kW (420 shp) Allison 250-B17D engine. First flew on 17 June 1984.[5]

Operators
 India

Specifications (HPT-32)

Data from Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide [6]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2: student, instructor
  • Length: 25 ft 4 in (7.7 m)
  • Wingspan: 31 ft 2 in (9.5 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 7 in (2.9 m)
  • Wing area: 15.0 m² (162 ft² [7])
  • Empty weight: 2,280 lb (1,034 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 2,915 lb (1,322 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1× Lycoming AEO-540-D4B5 piston engine, 260 hp (194 kW)

Performance

Armament

four hardpoints; 255 kg warload; machine gun pods; bombs; rockets

References

Notes
  1. Taylor 1996, p. 401
  2. "IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival". The Hindu. May 16, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  3. http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/scrabbling-for-solutions/390823/
  4. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/crashes-engine-failures-ground-iaf-trainer-aircraft_100240304.html
  5. Lambert 1990, p. 198
  6. Rendall, David (1995). Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide. Glasgow, UK: HarperCollinsPublishers. pp. 505. ISBN 0-00-4709802.
  7. Taylor 1999, p.433

Bibliography
  • Lambert, Mark, ed. (1990). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1990–91. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Defence Data. ISBN 0-7106-0908-6.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1996). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory. London, England: Brassey's. ISBN 1-85753-198-1.
  • Taylor, M.J.H. (ed,). Brassey's World Aircraft Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition. London: Brassey's, 1999. ISBN 1-85753-245-7.
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