The aerospace community will get its first ever glimpse of what the modified Indian version of the Russian PAK FA looks like at Aero India, with HAL planning to unveil a model of the Prospective Multirole Fighter (the official name of the Indian version of the Sukhoi T-50 fifth generation fighter aircraft prototype). HAL has already built a wind-tunnel model of the aircraft—a single seat variant with minor modifications. “For the first time, we will present to the world glimpses of prospective multirole fighter (PMF) also known as Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). This is under co-development with the Russians”, says HAL chairman Dr. R.K. Tyagi. According to HAL, the other major attractions of the HAL’s pavilion include the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the weaponised Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra—the first of which will be handed over to the Indian Army during the show—and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), a platform that is causing a lot of concern to the IAF.

The Dhruv, Rudra and LCH will be on flying display. Scale Models of the in-development Light Utility Helicopter, BAE Systems Hawk, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Su-30 MKI will also be on display. In addition, Pilotless Target Aircraft (Lakshya), Shakti engine, state-of-the-art accessories and avionics from various Divisions of HAL are also being showcased. According to a statement, the other highlights of the HAL pavilion include 3D video mapping of HTT-40, Dornier Glass cockpit, scale models of aerospace structures of GSLV MkII, GSLV Mk III and PSLV. The Rotary Wing Corner will provide the visitors through simulation & visual display, a helicopter view of the technologies, the capabilities and competencies built in the Company. There will also be a holographic projection depicting capabilities of LCA, Hawk, LCH and LUH.