HAL Seeks High-Thrust Engine for HLFT-42 Supersonic Trainer, Paving the Way for Next-Gen Pilot Training

State-owned aerospace and defence giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially launched a search for a suitable engine to power its ambitious supersonic trainer, the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42). This next-generation aircraft is designed to bridge the gap between subsonic trainers and frontline combat jets, offering future Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots a training platform that better replicates the high-speed, high-G conditions of modern air combat.

HAL’s newly issued Request for Information (RFI), dated March 17, 2025, outlines critical specifications for the HLFT-42's engine. The powerplant must generate between 95-100 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust and boast a technical lifespan of at least 6,000 hours. This combination of power and durability is essential to ensuring the trainer meets its intended role in preparing pilots for advanced aircraft like the Tejas Mk2 and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The HLFT-42 first made waves at Aero India 2023, where HAL displayed a scale model of the aircraft, offering a glimpse into its design philosophy. Featuring a single-engine, swept-wing configuration, the aircraft is expected to incorporate state-of-the-art avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, and a sophisticated Fly-by-Wire (FBW) control system for enhanced maneuverability.

Performance-wise, HAL envisions the HLFT-42 achieving speeds up to Mach 1.8 and an operational ceiling of 18 kilometers (approximately 60,000 feet). These capabilities place it far ahead of India's current advanced jet trainer, the BAE Systems Hawk 132, which has a maximum speed of Mach 1.2. The transition to a supersonic trainer aligns with global trends, where countries like South Korea (with the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle) have already adopted high-speed training platforms to simulate real-world combat conditions more effectively.

The engine's required thrust range of 95-100 kN ensures the HLFT-42 can perform high-speed flight profiles while maintaining stability at lower speeds, which is crucial for pilot training exercises. In addition to its training role, the aircraft is being designed with a secondary combat capability, featuring 11 hardpoints for carrying a range of weapons, including indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missiles and ASRAAM close-combat missiles. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 16.5 tonnes, the HLFT-42 could also serve as a light combat aircraft if needed.

HAL’s RFI is expected to attract responses from leading global jet engine manufacturers. Companies like GE Aviation, whose F404 and F414 engines already power India’s Tejas variants, could be key contenders. Other international firms with engines in the 95-100 kN thrust category may also participate, given India's growing focus on self-reliance and potential opportunities for joint development or technology transfer.

The data collected from this RFI will play a crucial role in shaping HAL’s final procurement strategy. Whether HAL opts for an off-the-shelf solution, an upgraded variant of an existing engine, or a co-development model with foreign partners, the selection of the right engine will be a decisive step in realizing India's vision of a cutting-edge, domestically developed supersonic trainer for future fighter pilots.