Following the success of the maiden test-flight of the Intermediate Jet Trainer prototype in Bangalore on Friday, the Indian Air Force has decided to induct 12 of them, over the next 24 months, to train its pilots.

Designed and developed by Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at a cost of Rs 1.8 billion (Rs 180 crore), the IJT will go into production after international certification authorities such as the CEMILAC and DGAQA certify its first two prototypes by this yearend.

"The IJT is a winner. It separates the men from the boys. Our rookie pilots will undergo stage II or combat training in the IJTs after the first batch of the aircraft is delivered during 2005-06," Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy said after the test-flight.

The IJTs would play a critical role in the demanding training program of the IAF.

"They will be complementing the training IAF pilots undergo on the propeller-driven Kiran Mark II aircraft at sub-sonic speed," he said.

HAL plans to manufacture about 200-250 IJTs at a peak production of 20 aircraft per year from 2006 onwards. But it will accelerate production so as to deliver the first batch within the next 24 months.

"The IAF has placed an order for 12 IJTs. We propose to set up parallel production units to speed up the processes. Our price for the IJT will be 50 per cent cheaper compared to similar machines available in the global military aviation market. Hence, there is a big potential for exports," said HAL Chairman N R Mohanty.

Coded HJT36, the IJT is an all-metal aircraft with seats for a trainee and an instructor.

Powered by the fuel-efficient Larzac 04H20-turbofan engine of the French company Snecma, the supersonic trainer can fly at a speed of 750kmph with an altitude ceiling of 9km.

With a takeoff weight of 4500kg, including 1000kg of weapons, the state-of-the-art IJT is fitted with an avionics suite.

Its designer cockpit boasts of liquid crystal displays for basic flight instruments and a Global Positioning System.

According to HAL sources, the second prototype of the HJT36 is under fabrication and will be test-flown by December-end.

"Both the prototypes will be flown for about 500 hours to test for air worthiness and certification," Mohanty added.

With the final decision on the purchase of the much-touted Advance Jet Trainers (AJTs) still pending, the IAF hopes the IJTs would help augment its training platform for pilots.

The IAF has been waiting several years for a jet trainer for its rookie pilots who have to eventually fly its fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi-MKI30s, MiG variants, Mirages, Jaguars, and the upcoming Light Combat Aircraft.