Hindustan Aeronautics HT-2

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited · India · first flew 1951 · light aircraft

The Hindustan Aeronautics HT-2 was India's first indigenously designed aircraft, a two-seat low-wing primary trainer that entered service with the Indian Air Force in the 1950s. It was a significant milestone in Indian aerospace development.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	7.53 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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India's first indigenously designed aircraft
Low-wing two-seat primary trainer
Single piston engine with tandem open or enclosed cockpits

A clean low-wing monoplane trainer with a rounded nose housing a single piston engine, tandem enclosed cockpits, and fixed tricycle undercarriage — straightforward in appearance but historically significant as India's first home-designed aircraft.

Specifications

The Hindustan Aeronautics HT-2 has a length of 7.53 m (25 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.72 m (35 ft).
Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
Typical crew: 2 (tandem).

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

HAL designed the HT-2 in the late 1940s under Dr. V.M. Ghatage as India sought to develop indigenous aviation capability after independence. The prototype first flew in August 1951 and was followed by a production batch for the IAF. The HT-2 trained a generation of Indian military pilots before being retired in the 1970s.

Variants

A single main production variant was built; some aircraft were used for aerobatic displays.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Indian Air Force from the early 1950s through to approximately the mid-1970s as a primary trainer.

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