Iran’s new AJT

Full-scale prototype of Iran’s new advanced jet trainer, the Kowsar-88 was unveiled at a ceremony at Teheran’s Mehrabad Airport on 15 April. In December 2007, Iranian Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (IAMI) had been contracted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) to begin design and development for a new jet trainer. The Kowsar-88 prototype is equipped with Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats, two General Electric J85-GE-13 turbojets and some F-5B components including (locally produced) landing gear and avionics with minor upgrades. In the summer of 2016, an RF-5A was used as a source of parts to manufacture the Kowsar-88 prototype. Delays have reportedly been caused by the lack of finance and unavailability of parts. The first prototype will temporarily be equipped with analogue F-5B instruments before receiving three multifunction displays in each cockpit and a head-up display in the front cockpit. It is also planned to add four underwing hardpoints for carrying air-to-ground weapons.