Smiths Aerospace, HAL sign HJT-36 avionics contract

Smiths Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a contract for an undisclosed amount for the design and development of the Integrated Avionics System for the HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer.

The system consists of an open systems architecture mission computer, head up display, HUD repeater, rear data entry panel, attitude and heading reference system and air data computers. Around 150 aircraft are expected to be procured by the Indian Air Force to replace their ageing Kiran II trainers.

Commenting on the contract Neal McKeever, Managing Director of the Smiths Aerospace, Electronic Systems facility in Cheltenham UK said, "This contract builds on our success on the mission computer for the Indian Air Force Jaguar, further strengthening our position on military aircraft in India and also reinforcing our longstanding good relationship with HAL ".

Smiths Aerospace already supply the head-up display, weapon aiming computer, autostabiliser system and cockpit instruments for the current Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft and were awarded a contract in August 2000, for a new open systems architecture mission computer. This programme involves Smiths Aerospace and HAL in both co-development and co-production of the mission computer.

Smiths' equipment is also fitted to the BAE Systems Next Generation and 100/200 Hawk, Boeing AV-8B, Harrier II, T-45 Goshawk, Panavia Tornado and Northrop Grumman F-SE. Similar systems will be fitted to the RAE Systems Hawk aircraft for the Indian Air Force's Advanced Jet Trainer.

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