HTT-40 ready for training of Indian Armed Forces

Indian Air Force (IAF) Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit flies Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft-40 (HTT-40) in Bengaluru on September 8, 2023.

Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft-40 was primarily designed for training of the Indian Armed Forces.

• Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft-40 has been indigenously designed and developed by the Aircraft Research and Design Center of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is based on the training requirements of the Armed Forces of India.
• The HTT-40 first flew on 31 May 2016 and received system level certification on 06 June 2022.
• The entire aircraft is currently in operation with the approval of the Military Airworthiness and Certification Center. That means this aircraft still has to go through many certifications.

Features of Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft-40:

• The HTT-40 is a complete aerobatic aircraft.
• The HTT-40 is powered by a four-bladed turbo-prop engine.
• It is equipped with the latest safety features including a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, modern avionics and a zero-zero ejection seat.
• The maximum speed of HTT-40 is 450 kilometers per hour and maximum service ceiling is six kilometers. That means this aircraft can fly in a range of up to 6 km.

70 aircraft will be supplied to IAF by March 2030: 

• The Indian Air Force signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 70 aircraft.
• The supply of these aircraft to the Indian Air Force will start on 15 September 2025 and all the aircraft will be made available by 15 March 2030.

HTT-40 will enhance the training quality of initial pilots of the Indian Armed Forces.

The purchase will also include a full mission simulator for the aircraft that will complement aerial training, allowing pilots to perform various exercises on the ground before flight.

HTT-40 is another step towards achieving greater self-reliance in the defense and aviation sectors in line with the government's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): 

• It was set up as Hindustan Aircraft Limited by Walchand Hirachand in 1940 at Bangalore (now Bengaluru).
• It was taken over by the government of India and  merged with Aeronautics India limited and was renamed as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 1 October 1964.
• Its main business is to design, develop, manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines and related systems like avionics, instruments and accessories.
• It comes under the Ministry of Defence.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru