HAL HJT 39 CAT Programme was Announced at Aero India, February 2005,[1] with mockup of front fuselage and cockpit shown.
CAT was planned as a twin engine transonic “Lead in Fighter Trainer” (LIFT) with a very substantial ground attack capability with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h.
The low wing sweep will give a good low-speed performance and excellent handling characteristics essential for the trainer role.
The external stores with practice bombs, rockets, missiles and a gun in central fuselage.
HAL plans to deliver a prototype in 39 months after the clearance from the government with the project cost of Rs 750 crore.