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| In perfect
formation : PZL TS11 Iskra [W-1773] with HAL HT-2 [IX-743]
in the background at Training Command HQ at JC Nagar. Photo Copyright : Wg Cdr Joseph Thomas (Retd). |
HQ Training Command
The Headquarters of Training Command is
located at JC Nagar. There are two warbirds at the HQ. The first was a beautiful Lycoming
powered version of a HT-2 trainer mounted on poles. This HT-2 [IX-743] is
quite well maintained as can be seen in the photographs. Its the only other Lycoming
powered version seen as a warbird besides the HAL Museum example.
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| HAL
HT-2 [IX-743] on display at the Training Command HQ is one of the few
Lycoming versions preserved in the country. Pic Courtesy : Sanjay Simha |
Sometime after the retirement of the Iskras
in late 2004, A number of Iskras were allocated to different establishments by Training
Command HQ. It was only natural that the HQ itself recieved one example sometime in 2005.
W-1773 was installed near
the main gate. The HT-2 was earlier sllghtly adjusted in its attiude and position.
Both the aircraft were arranged in a manner that it appears that the HT-2 is in a tail
chase with the Iskra - a very imaginative display by IAF standards.
Unlike the AFTC Iskra's which are rather
too steeply mounted, this example is mounted at a more shallow attitude, and a more
natural one. However, no mannequins in the cockpit are there, even though there are
ejection seats still remaining in the cockpit.
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A close up of Iskra
[W-1773] cockpit shows the ejection seats are still in the aircraft. the
canopy is not protected against the sunlight and may soon turn opaque if not protected
for. Photo Copyright : Wg Cdr Joseph Thomas (Retd). |
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