IAMI (HESA) HT-80

TYPE: Basic turboprop trainer.

PROGRAMME: Preceded by programme to reverse engineer Pilatus PC-7s under Iranian designation S-68, three prototypes of which completed by Malek-Ashtar University of Technology before being handed over to HESA for series production; latter had reportedly built five before suspending manufacture due to protest from Pilatus. Replaced by HT-80 project, for which in 2002-03 HESA was in conceptual ('pre-preliminary') design stage, as eventual successor to the Swiss trainer in IRIAF service. Roll-out of first example tentatively forecast for 2005 or 2006 af that time, though no further details had emerged by mid-2006. HESA may seek international partners (China one potential option).

CUSTOMERS: S-68s delivered to IRGC (two) and IRIAF.

DESIGN FEATURES: Generally similar to PC-7.

POWER PLANT: Studies in 2002 were based on Walter M601T (flat rated to 559 KW; 750 shp) or equivalent Motor-Sich turboprop, although P&WC PT6A said to be preferred. Four-blade propeller. Capability for 30 seconds of inverted flight.

ACCOMMODATION: Crew of two in tandem on stepped. SKS-94 lightweight ejection seats.

AVIONICS: Conventional (analogue) instrumentation.

Following data estimated and provisional:

DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:

  • Wing span: 10.40 m (34 ft 1½ in)
  • Length overall: 9.78 (32 ft 1 in)
  • Height overall: 3.30 m (10 ft 10 in)
  • Tailplane span: 3.60 m (11 ft 9¾ in)
  • Wheel track: 2.60 m (8 ft 6¼ in)
  • Wheelbase: 2.32 m (7 ft 7¼ in)

WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS (A: Aerobatic, U: Utility category):

  • Max T-O weight: A: 1,900-2,068 kg (4,188-4,559 lb)
    • U: 2,700-2,883 kg (5,952-6,356 lb)
  • Max landing weight: A: as MTOW
    • U: 2,565-2,733 kg (5,655-6,025 lb)

PERFORMANCE (estimated; A and U as above):

  • Max operating speed:
    • A: 240-324 kt (444-600 km/h; 276-372 mph)
    • U: 270 kt (500 km/h; 310 mph)
  • Max cruising speed at S/L:
    • A,U: 208-211 kt (385-391 km/h; 239-243 mph)
  • Stalling speed: A: 71 kt (132 km/h; 82 mph)
    • U: 83 kt (154 km/h; 96 mph)
  • Max rate of climb at S/L:
    • A: 702-798 m (2,303-2,618 ft)/min
    • U: 393 m (1,290 ft)/min
  • Max operating altitude: A, U: 7,620 m (25,000 ft)
  • T-O to 15 m (50 ft) at S/L: A: 320-425 m (1,050-1,395 ft)
    • U: 1,180 m (3,870 ft)
  • Landing from 15 m (50 ft) at S/L:
    • A: 480-550 m (1,575-1,805 ft)
    • U: 800 m (2,625 ft)
  • g limits: A: +7.0/-3.5
    • U: +4.5/-2.5