The Deputy Chief of Air Staff recently piloted the Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft HTT-40 in Bengaluru. The HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet the training needs of the Indian Armed Forces. It serves as a solution to the shortage of basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is equipped for various training missions, including aerobatics, instrument flying, and night flights. With a top speed of 450 km/hr and a range of 1,000 km, this turboprop aircraft features modern avionics and air-conditioned cockpit comfort.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft HTT-40 (HTT-40): The HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft developed by HAL for the IAF, designed to meet various training needs.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): HAL is an Indian aerospace company responsible for manufacturing and developing aircraft, including the HTT-40.
- Turboprop Aircraft: Turboprop aircraft use gas-turbine engines connected to a gearbox to turn propellers, offering lower operating costs than jets and efficient performance.
- Indian Armed Forces: The collective term for the military forces of India, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the IAF being a component.
- Aerobatics: Aerobatics refers to the practice of performing precise and controlled maneuvers in an aircraft, often involving loops, rolls, and other acrobatic maneuvers to enhance pilot skills