The company has used the Aero India show in Bengaluru to rebrand the jet as ‘Yashas’ from ‘Sitara’ and is showing the aircraft in the show’s static park.
In addition to being a Stage II jet trainer, the Yashas will have a light-attack capability, with a weapons payload of 1,000kg (2,200lb).
The aircraft has a new cockpit and avionics, which has reduced the aircraft’s weight and seen indigenous equipment take the place of foreign-made line replaceable units.
The aircraft is powered by a single United Engine Corporation AL-55I jet engine.
Proud to take the skies in the Made-in-India HJT-36 'Yashas' by HAL—a true testament to our nation's growing strength in aerospace & defence. I will always cherish this lifetime experience of flying...