Indian Warbirds

HAL HT-2 [BX748]

Details
Naval Aviation Museum ::
Published: Tuesday, 10 October 2006 14:00
1956
Comments

-HAL HT-2 BX-748 is displayed in IAF colors at the NAM. The aircraft was previously on display outisde the Main gate of Jallahalli AF Station in Bangalore.
After the procurement of the Sealands and the Firefly aircraft, a need was felt by the navy to start its own Ab-Initio Pilot Training, which till that point of time was being done by the IAF. Towards this goal, the Navy procured three HT-2 primary trainers from HAL, these (IN 121-123) being ferried to the FRU at Cochin in October 1956.

The FRU was re-commissioned as Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 550 on 17 June 1959. The Navy had meanwhile acquired a Jet Flight by procuring three HAL-built Vampire FB Mk 52s and a single Vampire T Mk 55 in September 1957.

HAL HT-2 BX-748 is displayed in IAF colors at the NAM. The aircraft was previously on display outisde the Main gate of Jallahalli AF Station in Bangalore.-

For the NAM's Portfolio, as none of the original Navy's HT-2s exist they procured a HT-2 which was preserved with the IAF. HT-2 BX-748 was previously on display on the roundabout just outside the entrance to Jallahali Air Force Station near Bangalore, which houses the AFTC.

-BX-748 restoration looks very good - especially the propeller and spinner.

The aircraft was moved from the roundabout to the Museum around the end of 2002. It is displayed in IAF colors at NAM.

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