Indian Air Force & Its Propeller-Powered Aircraft: Here’s A List Of IAF Aircraft That Still Use Propellers

Today, more than a century since the first flight, aviation and aircraft are advanced enough to even fly into the edge of space and travel from one end of the globe to another within a few hours. However, one technology hasn't changed much since the Wright Brothers' first flight.

There were two propellers or fan blades on the rear of the Wright Flyer and these blades would become the norm in the aviation industry for the next few decades. Even though the jet engine arrived in the 1940s, propellers haven't exactly been replaced. They continue to hold their own even in 2022.

Image Source: Wright Brothers

Propellers have advanced in terms of the shape, some propellers have different pitch levels, etc. However, the basic principle remains the same. The Indian Air Force too continues to use propeller or turboprop powered aircraft. In fact these propeller-driven aircraft form the backbone of the IAF.

The Indian Air Force is one of the largest Air Forces in the world and currently ranks fourth by the number of aircraft. As it turns out, a majority of the 1,200+ fixed-wing aircraft in the Indian Air Force are propeller or turbo-fan powered. Here's a list of the propeller aircraft still used by the Indian Air Force.

Lockheed Martin C130J Super Hercules

The Super Hercules is simply the most iconic propeller-powered aircraft not just in the Indian Air Force but also in the skies of most countries around the world. Several developed countries' Air Forces depend on the C-130J for heavy lifting capabilities. Over 500 of these aircraft have already been delivered to 22 countries.

It is one of the best cargo aircraft in the world and is known for its rugged dependability and its special ability to land on makeshift runways even in hostile territory. The C-130J is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100 D3 turboprop engines and has a payload of 20.2 tonnes. The aircraft is capable of cruising at 590km/h. The IAF uses 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Antonov AN-32

Rustic & old, yet extremely dependable is a statement that perfectly describes the Antonov AN-32. It is one of the smallest cargo aircraft produced by Antonov and yet it is one of the most useful aircraft in the Indian Air Force. Apart from cargo hauling duties, the AN-32 is also used to train pilots to handle the larger cargo aircraft in the IAF.

The Antonov AN-32 is powered by two Ivchenko AI-20 turboprop engines which are each rated at 5,100hp. It has a top speed of 540km/h and can carry a payload of 6.7 tonnes. The engine is positioned up high to allow the aircraft to land on unprepared airstrips. The IAF uses 103 of these aircraft.

Dornier 228

The Dornier 228 is a STOL (Short Takeoff & Landing) aircraft developed and produced by German manufacturer Dornier. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) later bought production rights for the aircraft and manufactured 125 of these aircraft at its facility in Kanpur. It is capable of seating up to 19 passengers or can transport small cargo loads.

The aircraft is extremely dependable and can be prepared for dispatch within an extremely short period of time. It is also unique in the fact that it has a rectangular fuselage, thereby increasing space inside. The Dornier 228 has a top speed of 433 km/h.

Hawker Siddeley HS 748

The Hawker Siddeley is the oldest aircraft on this list and one of the oldest aircraft still in service with the Indian Air Force. It was originally designed by well-known aircraft maker Avro and was developed in the late 1950s with its first flight taking place in 1960. HAL had even bought production rights to the aircraft and 89 of these aircraft were built at its Bangalore plant.

Image Source:Ken Fielding/Wiki Commons

It was powered by twin Rolls-Royce SNECMA M45H engines and the aircraft could seat up to 64. The seats could be removed to make way for cargo space. Some units of the HS 748 were also used as airborne surveillance platforms.

Image Source:YSSYguy/Wiki Commons

Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II

All pilots in the Indian air force have to start off with basic training before they can move on to fly larger and more advanced aircraft. This is where the Pilatus PC-7 comes into the picture. It is the primary basic training aircraft in the Indian Air Force.

The IAF purchased an initial batch of 75 aircraft in 2011 and this makes the PC-7 one of the more modern aircraft in the Indian Air Force.

Pipistrel Virus SW 80

The Pipistrel Virus SW80 is the smallest aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force. It is an ultralight aircraft and is used as a basic trainer. The Pipistrel is usually the aircraft that a pilot first flies in the Indian Air Force. It is powered by an 80hp Rotax 912 engine.

IAI Searcher II

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are the future of aviation, or so they say. The IAI Searcher II is one of the most advanced UAVs in the world and was developed in Israel in the 1980s. It is powered by a 47hp piston-driven engine. With a maximum speed of 201km/h, the IAI Searcher II has a range of 350km.

IAI Heron

The Heron is classified as a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV. Developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it is capable of operations of up to 52 hours at an altitude of about 35,000 feet. It is one of the most advanced UAVs in the world and is capable of handling a variety of missions.

Thoughts On Propeller Aircraft Still In Service With The Indian Air Force

Some technologies outlast generations and propellers or turboprops are a perfect example of the same. Given its usage and just how versatile they are, we see propellers being in use for another century. We certainly won't live to see it, but the next generation surely will, and then they would recall the wright brothers' first flight.

Coming to the Indian Air Force, we do not see propeller-powered aircraft going out of service anytime soon. The C-130J and the Pilatus PC-7 are perfect examples of propeller aircraft that will be in service for at least a few decades. However, aircraft like the Hawker Siddeley HS 748 will soon have to be replaced. The Airbus A400M might be a perfect replacement, and it is also propeller-powered.