HAL Krishak Mk.2
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited · India · first flew 1959 · reconnaissance aircraft
The HAL Krishak Mk.2 is an Indian Army observation and liaison aircraft produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, derived from the British Auster AOP design.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.41 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Indian-built AOP aircraft derived from Auster
- High-wing single-piston observation plane
- Used by Indian Army Aviation
A classic high-wing observation aircraft with a Perspex greenhouse cabin, single nose engine, straight wing with slight taper, and conventional undercarriage.
Specifications
- The HAL Krishak Mk.2 has a length of 8.41 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.43 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 195 km/h (121 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
HAL developed the Krishak as an indigenous air observation post aircraft for the Indian Army, based on the Auster platform already in Indian service. The Mk.2 featured a more powerful engine and improved equipment over the initial version.
Variants
The Krishak Mk.1 was the initial version; the Mk.2 introduced a more powerful engine and revised systems.
Where you'll see it
The Indian Army flew Krishaks from the late 1950s for artillery observation and liaison duties; the type was eventually superseded by the HAL Cheetah.
Related aircraft
- HAL HAL-27 Krishak
- HAL Pushpak
- HAL HF-24 Marut
- HAL HJT-16 Kiran
- Grumman OV-1 Mohawk
- SIPA S.1100
- Lockheed QT-33A
- Fiat G.91R/1
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