Hindustan Aircraft designed and built the first indigenous Indian aircraft, the Hindustan HT-2 two-seat trainer. The HT-2 is of stressed all-metal construction, with semi-monocoque fuselage and two-spar wing. All covering is metal. The fixed oleo-strut undercarriage is attached to the front wing spar, and features hydraulic brakes. Full equipment includes an electric starter and full dual controls and instruments.
First flying on 13 August 1951, the prototype was registered VT-DFW. The second aircraft, VT-DFY first flew on 19 February 1952 and had the shape of the fin and rudder altered considerably to increase the chord. This was retained on the production aircraft.
The HT-2 received the Government of India’s first Type Certificate, issued on 20 December 1952. By then, several military machines were flying, as well as the prototypes.
The first production aircraft were delivered to the Indian Air Force towards the end of January 1953.
The HT-2 was produced for the Indian Air Force and civilian flying clubs. The HT-2 was a two-seat primary trainer that went on to serve with both the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, replacing the de Havilland Tiger Moth as the nation’s introductory training aircraft. Pilots affectionately nicknamed the HT-2 the Dalda Tin, referencing its resemblance to a tin of Dalda, a well-known brand of vegetable oil in India.
The type entered service in 1953, powered by a 155-horsepower Cirrus Major III four-cylinder inverted inline engine, the HT-2 could cruise at 115 mph and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Its stall speed was relatively high for a single-engine trainer at 52 mph. With a range of 300 nautical miles and an endurance of three hours and thirty minutes, the aircraft was well-suited for short training hops as well as cross-country flights.
Beyond India, twelve HT-2s served with the Ghana Air Force from 1959 to 1974. The aircraft was also a favorite among civilian flight schools throughout India. Over the course of its production run, HAL built a total of 172 HT-2 airframes. The last examples were retired from active service in 1990. Today, no airworthy HT-2s are known to exist, although several preserved examples can be found on display in aviation museums across India.
Engine: Blackburn Cirrus Major III, 155 hp
Wingspan: 35 ft 2 in
Length: 25 ft 2.5 in
Height: 8 ft 11 in
Empty weight: 1600 lb
Loaded weight: 2240 lb
Useful load: 640 lb
Fuel capacity: 26 Imp.Gal
Max speed SL: 130 mph
Cruise: 115 mph
ROC: 800 fpm
Service ceiling: 14,500 ft
Range: 350 mi
Endurance: 3.5 hr
Seats: 2
All Aero 