HAL (Hindustan) Designations

Apophenia

Apophenia

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Since HAL keeps popping up in other discussions (eg: MBB designations), I thought that I'd put up my Hindustan Aircraft/Hindustan Aeronautics alphanumeric designations. As always, plenty of holes to fill! Presumably, most of those 'missing' designations were assigned to unbuilt projects.

HAL was formed 24 Dec 1940 but came under the control of the US Army from 1943-Aug 1945 before returning to the Indian government. In 1964, Hindustan Aircraft Limited was dissolved and merged with MiG-21 builder, Aeronautics India Ltd, to become Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. HAL designations, in their original form, has only been sporatically applied since the merger (most designs now having generic role acronyms acting as designations).

HAL designations consist of H for Hindustan followed by role letters (the exception being HAL's very first product, the G-1 troop glider). Designations evolve over time - eg: HT for military Trainer is expanded to distinquish between piston (HPT) and turboprop (HTT) power.

HAL alphanumeric designations were only partially sequential -- eg: HF-24 Marut predates the
HJT-16 Kiran. In other cases, numbers are kept for convenience only to be changed later for marketing purposes (eg: the HF-24 Mk III project - which was only Marut-based - becomes the non-sequential HF-73 in 1973). Or, types numbers change for no obvious reason (eg: when the HPT-32 Deepak turboprop conversion becomes the HTT-34 rather than a 'HTT-32').

Know HAL designation role prefix letters are as follows"

G === Glider (may also reference designer Dr. V.M. Ghatage)
HA == Hindustan Argicultural
HAC = Hindustan [Airliner, Commerical?; Airline Commuter?]
HCP = Hindustan [Cargo, Passenger?; Commerical, Passenger?]
HF == Hindustan Fighter
HLFT = Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer
HSS = Hindustan Supersonic Strike
HT == Hindustan Trainer
HJT = Hindustan Jet Trainer
HPT = Hindustan Piston Trainer
HTT = Hindustan Turbo Trainer
HUL = Hindustan Utility Light
HAOP = Hindustan Aerial Observation Post
________________________________________
 
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HAL (Hindustan Aircraft Limited) 'H' Aircraft Designations

(??) -- (Project) 1940, HAL VTOL aircraft concept
- (??): Project patented by HAL engineer, Ajit Maitra

G-1 -- Aug 1941 10-seat troop glider, one prototype built*
- G-1 : Semi-monocoque wood-constr.** transport glider
- G-1 : 2 x tandem-sitting crew + 8 troops; span 17.285 m
- G-1 : Designed by Dr. V.M. Ghatage; serial HW885***
-- * 1 x completed; 10 x component sets (never finished)
-- ** Single-spar cantilever wing; upper surface spoilers
-- ** Semi-monocoque, 2-ply moulded plywood fuselage
-- *** RAF allocated serials HW885-909 & HW942-986

HT-2 -- 1951 military 2-seat primary training a/c; x 172
- HT-2 : V.M. Ghatage design; wood mockup built 1949
- HT-2 (prototype): 1 x 145 hp DH Gipsy Major; VT-DFW
- HT-2 (series): 1 x 155 hp Gipsy Major III; metal prop
- HT-2 : Indian Air Force x 160 + Ghanan Air Force x 12
- HT-2L: 1980s conv'n to 160 hp Lycoming AEIO-320-D2B

Hxx-3 - Hxx-9 - (??) hypothetical designations

HT-10 -- (Project) 1954 side-by-side advanced trainer
- HT-10 : 1 x 1,050 hp P&W R-1830 radial; span 13.41 m
- HT-10 : Construction begun 1954; abandoned 1958(?)
-- HT-10 timeline: Basic design begun in 1948
-- HT-10 timeline: Mockup & wind tunnel models by 1952
-- Specs: Length 10.05 m; gross 4309 kg; max 230 mph

HT-11 -- (Project) 195? military basic training aircraft
- HT-11: Layout similar to HT-10 advanced trainer (qv)
- HT-11: Intended as repl. for licenced Percival Prentice?

Hxx-12 - Hxx-15 - (??) hypothetical designations

HJT-16 - Kiran 1964 intermediate jet trainer; x 190
- HJT-16 - Side-by-side seating trainer designed for IAF
-- Orig. engine options: AS Viper; RR RB.145; Turbomeca
- Kiran Mk I : 1964; 1 x 2,500 lbf AS Viper, 118 x built
- Kiran Mk IA: 'Armed Kiran', 2 x wing pylons; x 72
- Kiran Mk II prototype: 1976; RR Orpheus & fixed guns*
-- * Otherwise, similar to the Mk IA 'Armed Kiran' airframe
- Kiran Mk II production: 1985, 4,200 lbf RR Orpheus
- Kiran Mk II production: More powerful; 4 x pylons; x 61

HJT-17 - (Project) IAF intermediate jet trainer alternative
- HJT-17 : Parallel development to HJT-16 Kiran (qv)
- HJT-17 : Mockup built; poss. HJT-16 but with staggered seating*
-- * As had been considered by HAL Chief Designer V.M. Ghatge

Hxx-18 - Hxx-23 - (??) hypothetical designations

HF-24 - Marut; 1961 twin-engined jet fighter; x 147
- HF-24 : Meant to be Mach 2 capable indiginous fighter
-- Kurt Tank/George W'm Benjamin/M.V. Ghatge design
- HF-24 Glider: aka X-241; April 1959 flight trials glider
-- X-241 was 2-seat, 1-to-1 scale, plywood-constr. glider
- HF-24 (as planned): 2 x BS Orpheus BOr 12* w/ reheat
-- * Simplified reheat 8,170 lbf Orpheus BOr 12 cancelled
-- * Alt. engines considered: RD-9F and Egyptian E-300
- HF-24 prototype: June 1961; 2 x BS Orpheus Mk.703
- HF-24 prototype: aka HF-001, then X-24, later BR462
- HF-24 Mk I: Single-seat ground-attack/strike-fighter
- HF-24 Mk I: 2 x 4,850 lbf BS Orpheus Mk.703 w/o reheat
-- HF-24 Mk I (pre-production): 1963 x 18; 1962 IAF order
-- HF-24 Mk I (production): 1964 x 62 a/c to an IAF order
- HF-24 Mk I BX: 1966 engine test airframe conversion
- HF-24 Mk I BX: Able to take BS/RR Orpheus or E-300
- HF-24 Mk IT: 1970 2-seat 'Marut Trainer'; 18 x built
- HF-24 Mk IT: Designed by S.C. Das (after Tank left HAL)
- HF-24 Mk IA: 3rd pre-production a/c provided with reheat
- HF-24 Mk IA: 2 x 5,720 lbf RR Orpheus 703R in reheat
- HF-24 Mk 1R: 1970 reheat devel. trials; clamshell canopies
- HF-24 Mk II : Sometimes applied to prototype reheat Mk IRs
- HF-24 Mk II : Other sources claim 2 x Turbomeca Adours
- HF-24 Mk III: (Project) w/ "maximum hardware commonality"
- HF-24 Mk III: 2 x 6580 lb.st RR/MAN Turbo RB.153 turbofans**
-- ** Other sources listing SNECMA Atar 09K-50 or M 53 types
- HF-24 Mk III: Planned 1981-82 service; conf. w/ Mk II & HF-73

HF-25 - (Project) Single-engine HF-24 strike fighter derivative
- HF-25: Heavier, more-powerful deriv. with stronger main u/c
- HF-25: 1 x 15,640 lbf Tumansky R-25-300; span (??) m
- HF-25: Redesigned intakes; tailplane; & strengthened u/c
-- Desig. number duplicated; see unrelated HCP-25, below
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/hf-24-marut-derivatives-projects.902/#post-831045

HCP-25 - 1960 high-winged, single-engined utility a/c; x 1
- HCP-25: 2+8 utility conv. to ambulance, 10-pax, or cargo
- HCP-25: 1 x 600 hp P&W R-1340 Wasp radial; span (??) m
- HCP-25: V.M. Ghatage design to 1958 military requirement*
-- * But produced as a 'study' design by order of HAL Board
-- aka LAS (Logistic Air Support); aka 'HCP-125' (prob. typo)
-- Very strong resemblance to Noorduyn Norseman**
-- ** NB: HAL reconditioned Noorduyns for RAF, then IAF
- HCP-25 (turboprop): (Project) developed piston HCP-25
-- Agreed to by Air HQ/DTD/P (Air) but not proceeded with
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/hindustan-hcp-25.3161/

HUL-26 - Pushpak; 1958 licensed Aeronca Super Chief; x 154
- HUL-26: 2-seat high-winged light aircraft/club training a/c
- HUL-26: 1 x 85 hp Continental C85/O-190 HO4; span 10.97 m
- HUL-26: 1st prototype; compl. Sept 1958; VT-XAA; wood wings
- HUL-26: 2nd prototype; metal spars & pressed aluminum ribs
- HUL-26: Production (1959-1968); as per 'metal' 2nd prototype
- HUL-26(?): (Project) Pushpak deriv.; 90 hp HAL PE-90H HO4
- HUL-26 Pushpak Mk.1: 1965 War Army civil impressments?

HAOP-27 - Krishak; 1959 4-seat Pushpak development; x 70
- HAOP-27: Army observation deriv. of failed 1959 light a/c
-- Krishak : 1 x 190 hp Continental O-470; span 11.43 m
-- Krishak Mk.2: 1 x 225 hp Continental O-470-J HO6
-- HAOP = Hindustan Army Observation Post; also for liaison

Hxx-28 - Hxx-30 - (??) hypothetical designations

HA-31 - Basant 1972 low-winged agricultural aircraft; x 39
- HA-31: Wing design possibly based upon that of HAOP-27
- HA-31: 1 x 400 hp Lycoming IO-720-C1B HO6; span 12.00 m
- HA-31: Basant (Spring) design work begun back in 1968
- HA-31 Mk I : Prototype Basant; forward-placed cockpit
-- NB: 'HAL-31' for Basant Mk I is almost certainly a typo
- HA-31 Mk II: 1972; raised cockpit now behind hopper
- HA-31 Mk II: Pre-production example Basants; x 20
- HA-31 Mk II: Full production example Basants; x 18
- HA-31 (turboprop): (Project) Evolved turbine Basant
-- 8 x ordered for Indian Min. of Agriculture; cancelled

HPT-32 - Deepak; 1977 primary trainer for IAF & IN; x 120
- HPT-32: Side-by-side 2-seater; HAL HT-2 replacement
- HPT-32: 1 x 260 hp Lycoming AEO-540-D4B5; span 9.50 m
- HPT-32 (turboprop): (Project) Became HAL HTT-34 (qv)

HAC-33 - (Project) 1973 twin-turboprop passenger transport
- HAC-33: 20-pax pressurized feeder airliner (no interest)
- HAC-33: 2 x 1412 shp Astazou XX turboprops; span (??) m
-- HAC-33 wind tunnel model built & tested but no funding
- HAC-33: 24-seat/12 litter military transport, cancelled
-- SPAG* studied scaled-down HAC-33 derivative in 1974
-- * SPAG = Small Passenger Aircraft Group

HTT-34 - 1984 turboprop-powered deriv of HPT-32; x 1
- HTT-34: HPT-32 X2335 converted to Allison turboprop
- HTT-34: 1 x 420shp Allison 250-B17D; span 9.50 m
- HTT-34: No IAF orders forthcoming; cancelled

HTT-35 - (Project) 199? military turboprop trainer
- HTT-35: To IAF AST (Air Staff Target) 208 requir.
- HTT-35: 1 x 950 shp P&WC PT6A-62;* span (??) m
- HTT-35: Tandem cockpit with individual canopies
-- * Or 1 x 1100 shp Garrett TPE331-12D turboprop
- HTT-35: To replace HPT-32 & HJT-16 in late '90s

HJT-36 - 2003 Sitara (Yashas after 2025) jet trainer
-- aka IJT (Intermediate Jet Trainer); Stage-2 trainer
- HJT-36: Subsonic trainer to replace HJT-16 Kiran
- HJT-36 (prototypes): 1 x 3,175 lbf SNECMA Larzac 04-H-20
-- PT-1 1st prototype re-engined with Saturn AL-55I in 2008
- HJT-36 (production): 1 x 3,900 lbf NPO Saturn AL-55I
-- 2026; still no firm IAF purchase orders for the HJT-36
- HJT-36 COIN: (Project) light attack pushed since 2011
- HJT-36 COIN: 2 x inboard 12.7-mm gun pods + rockets

Hx-37 - (??) hypothetical designation

HTT-38 - (Project) 1998 turboprop military trainer
- HTT-38: Modernized development of HTT-34 conv.
-- Capability slot filled by IAF's Pilatus PC-7 trainers

HJT-39 - (Project) transonic IAF Lead-In Fighter Trainer
- HJT-39: Meant for IAF Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) role
- HJT-39: 2 x 3,900 lbf NPO Saturn AL-55I; span (??) m
- HJT-39: Twin-engined transonic spin-off from HJT-36*
- HJT-39: all-composite (so less aluminum than HJT-36)
-- * All-composite constr.; so less aluminum than HJT-36
-- IAF requirement satisfied by BAe Hawk 132 purchase
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/hal-hjt-39-combat-and-jet-trainer-project.11371/

HTT-40 - 2016 turboprop trainer to replace IAF's HPT-32
- HTT-40: 2-seat ab initio trainer resembling Texan II
- HTT-40: 1 x 950 shp Honeywell TPE331-12B; span 11.00 m
- HTT-40: Indig. design; HAL orig. seeking existing designs*
- HTT-40: 2 x prototypes - PT-1 (May 2016); PT-2 (May 2017)
- HTT-40: 1st prod'n (TH-4001) flown Bengaluru Oct 2025
- HTT-40: 2nd prod'n (TH-4002) flown Nashik in Dec 2025
- HTT-40: IAF split orders between HAL (x 70) & Pilatus
-- HAL blames programme delays on Honeywell deliveries
-- * After review, KT-1, PC-7, T-6C Texan II were short-listed
-- * G-120TP, M-311, PC-21, PZL-130 Orlik, & Tucano rejected
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/hal-htt-40-turboprop-trainer-project.17384/

Hxx-41 - (??) hypothetical designation
HLFT-42 - (Project) 2017 Lead-in Fighter Trainer proposal
- HLFT-42: Single-engine, low-wing, tandem-seat trainer
- HLFT-42: 1 x (??) lbf (??) turbofan engine;* span 9.00 m
-- * No HLFT-42 engine type selection has yet been made
- HLFT-42: Displayed in mockup form at Aero India 2023
-- Intended to replace the BAE Hawk 132s as IAF FLIT

Hxx-43 - (??) ... hypothetical designations

HF-73 - (Project) strike fighter follow-on to HF-24 Marut
-- To IAF's 1971 ASA (Advanced Strike Aircraft) specification
- HF-24 Mk III: Orig. desig. for HSS-73/HF-73 strike fighter?
- HSS-73: 'Hindustan Supersonic Strike'; Marut devel.
- HF-73: Design concepts with assistance of Germany's MBB
- HF-73: Multiple configurations (esp. wing placement & tail)
- HF-73 (final config): Single-seat, twin tails, 10 t MTOW RB199 engines
- HF-73 (final config): Single-seat, twin tails, 10 t MTOW RB199 engines
- HF-73 (final config): 1 x 15,000 lbf Turbo Union RB.199 34R
-- HF-73 work aborted 1975; SEPECAT Jaguar satisfied ASA

___________________________________
 
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hesham said:
HF-25 :single engined version as strike fighter
Click to expand...

Thanks Hesham. So, we also have a number repetition. I'm guessing that any production plans for the HCP-25 utility transport prototype had already been abandoned by the time the HF-25 project was given its designation.

All the numbers for Marut projects are a little goofy, unsequential, and obviously marketing driven. I wonder why HAL management didn't just assign a block of number to this series of fighters in the first place?
 
Hi all,

HAL-66-400 = MiG-21U
HAL-66-600 = MiG-21US
HAL-74 = MiG-21F
HAL-76 = MiG-21PF
HAL-77 = MiG-21FL
HAL-88 = MiG-21MA
HAL-96 = MiG-21MF
 
AM said:
HAL-66-400 = MiG-21U
HAL-66-600 = MiG-21US
HAL-74 = MiG-21F
HAL-76 = MiG-21PF
HAL-77 = MiG-21FL
HAL-88 = MiG-21MA
HAL-96 = MiG-21MF
Click to expand...

Thanks AM: do you have a source confirming these as HAL numbers? I've only ever seen those MiG numbers as being Indian Air Force 'Type Numbers' not as actual HAL designations.

Usually these are listed as Type 66-400, etc. Note that IAF Type Numbers for MiG-21s correspond to their Soviet Izdeliye number -- eg: the Soviet-built MiG-21F-13 or Izdeliye 74 = IAF Type 74; MiG-21U or Izdeliye 66-400 = IAF Type 66-400 and so on.

If HAL Nasik decided to simply adopt those Izdeliye numbers as their own designations too, that'd fill in a lot of our blanks! It would also allow us to fill in other designations for HAL-built Russian aircraft based on their Izdeliye numbers.
 
Hi,


it is not related to HAL,but for MiG company,also the MiG-21 was given the designation;
Type (or Tip) 15,50,68,69,72,75,92,94 and 95.
 
Hi all

I have found these designations in the archive. A source I do not remember, but it is the book about MiG-21. Published in the Western Germany. Therefore confirm reliability I can't.
 
Apophenia said:
HJT-36 - Sitara, 2003 subsonic jet trainer, direct HJT-16 Kiran replacement
- HJT-36 prototypes, 1 x 14.12 kN SNECMA Turbomeca Larzac 04-H-20
-- 2008, 1st prototype, PT-1, re-engined with NPO Saturn AL-55I
- HJT-36 production, 1 x 16.9 kN NPO Saturn AL-55I turbofans
-- aka IJT (Intermediate Jet Trainer), design work begun 1997
Click to expand...

You might want to update the HJT-36 entry: http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,11371.msg228463.html#msg228463
 
Hi,


here is an unknown project to HAL,it was four engined STOL civil and military transport
aircraft,what was its designation ?.


Flying Review 11/1967
 

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Going by the practices of the time, it probably didn't have a designation other than a project acronym. HAL's Advanced Projects Group produced contemporary projects like the GAF I and GAF II (for Ground Attack Fighter). What little there is on the project in question just refer to it as 'STOL'.

"There was also a study made for a STOL transport cum freighter, as a civil airliner with a 100 seat capacity and also as a replacement for the Packet, Dakota and Caribou. The configuration was for using four Rolls Royce turbofan engines and another configuration powered by four turboprop engines."

The Lost Decade, Raj Mahindra
http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewtopic.php?t=6384&start=4280

"The Aeronautics Committee [part of the Aeronautics Research and Development Board] recommended the development of a fighter aircraft, STOL aircraft, and a helicopter."


"Development of STOL aircraft primarily to respond to civil requirements did not come through."

Rememberance of Things Past as former Director General of the NAL, Dr SR Valluri
http://yabaluri.org/TRIVENI/CDWEB/rememberanceofthingspastapr2004.htm

__________

Advanced Projects Group, mid-'60s

GAF I - [Project] 196? Ground Attack Fighter I powered by BSE/Snecma M45

GAF II - [Project] 1967 multi-role fighter/interceptor

STOL transport - [Project] 1967, 4 x vectored RR RB 153 or turboprop
-- Packet/Dakota/Caribou repl. Also civilian freighter or 100-seat airliner
-- Abandoned in favour of HAL combat aircraft development
_______________________________

BTW, another HAL project from this era was the HJE-2500 turbojet

HJE-2500 - [Project] 1968 indiginous turbojet, 3,000 lb.st.
- HJE-2500: Intended as a BSE Viper Mk.22/8 replacement
-- http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1967/1967%20-%200024.html
-- HJE-2500 devel. intended to be funded by HAL's own resources
-- http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968-1%20-%200058.html
_________________________________
 
Hi,

X-241 During the development phase, prior to production, HAL designed and built a full scale two-seat research glider, the HAL X-241 which replicated the production aircraft in dimensions, control configuration and aerofoil sections. The wheel-brakes, air-brakes, flaps and retractable undercarriage operated using compressed gas, with enough gas to operate them several times per flight.[3]

Launched by aero-tow behind Douglas Dakota Mk.IV BJ 449, the X-241 flew for the first time on 3 April 1959, making 86 flights before being damaged in a landing accident when the nose undercarriage failed to extend.[3]
Click to expand...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_HF-24_Marut
 
AM said:
Hi all,

HAL-66-400 = MiG-21U
HAL-66-600 = MiG-21US
HAL-74 = MiG-21F
HAL-76 = MiG-21PF
HAL-77 = MiG-21FL
HAL-88 = MiG-21MA
HAL-96 = MiG-21MF
Click to expand...
(Replying to a post from 2011.)

Surely the MiG-21US would have been called type 68 in India ? The 66-600 was the later U variant with the broad chord fin of the FL (and PFM).

India used the FL (izdeliye/type 77) instead of the PFM (izdeliye 94, like the PFS), so no need for the blown flaps of the US for training FL pilots. Not until they got the MiG-21M (izdeliye 96 if soviet-built/type 88 if license-built by HAL) and bis (izdeliye/type 75, license-built). And for those variants, there was the UM (izdeliye/type 69), also with blown flaps.
 
Adding to the HAC-33 information, this entry from the June 1974 edition of Air Enthusiast International, states the the aircraft was to be developed from the Air Metal AM112. Engines were to be 1442 shp Astazous
 

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hesham said:
Hi,


it is not related to HAL,but for MiG company,also the MiG-21 was given the designation;
Type (or Tip) 15,50,68,69,72,75,92,94 and 95.
Click to expand...

A proof.
 

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The HAL designation list in post #2 has now been cleaned up, corrected, and updated ... as well as having its dead internal links repaired (or removed).
 

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