The HAL HJT-16 Kiran is an Indian two-seat intermediate jet trainer built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

It is used by the Indian Air Force for intermediate training for pilots trained on the HPT-32 Deepak.

The Kiran was designed to meet an Indian air force requirement for an intermediate jet trainer.

Specification (Kiran IA)-

General characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 10.60 m (34 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 10.70 m (35 ft 1¼ in)
Height: 3.64 m (11 ft 11 in)
Wing area: 19.00 m² (204.5 ft²)
Empty weight: 2,560 kg (5,644 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 4,235 kg (9,336 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet, 11.12 kN (2,500 lbf)

Performance

Maximum speed: 695 km/h (375 knots, 432 mph) at sea level
Cruise speed: 324 km/h (175 knots, 201 mph)
Stall speed: 145 km/h (92 knots, 106 mph) flaps and landing gear down
Endurance: 1 hour 45 min
Service ceiling: 30,000 ft (9,150 m)

Armament

two 500lb (227kg) bombs or two SNEB rocket pods containing seven 68 mm rockets or two pods with 7.62 mm machine guns, or two 50-Imp Gal (226 litre) drop tanks

Variant-

Kiran Mk I

Two-seat intermediate jet trainer powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper turbo-jet engine. 118 built.

Kiran Mk IA

Two-seat intermediate jet trainer with armament capability. Two underwing hardpoints fitted. 72 built

Kiran Mk II

Improved version with four hardpoints and integral twin 7.62 mm machine guns in nose and a Bristol Siddeley Orpheus engine