Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has developed and manufactured the HTT-40 trainer aircraft, with over 56 percent of indigenous content. The Union Cabinet recently approved the procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) at a cost of Rs. 6,828.36 crore. This is a significant development as it will address the Indian Air Force’s shortage in basic trainer aircraft for newly inducted pilots.
Indigenous Development
HAL’s HTT-40 trainer aircraft has been designed and manufactured using indigenous technology, materials, and processes. The aircraft is made of composite material and is powered by a single 950 HP Pratt & Whitney PT6A-68 turboprop engine. It has a maximum speed of 450 km/h and a range of 1,000 km. It has a maximum altitude of 6,000 meters and can fly for up to four hours.
The HTT-40 is an upgraded version of the HPT-32 trainer aircraft, which has been phased out of service by the Indian Air Force due to safety concerns. HAL has addressed the safety concerns in the HTT-40 by incorporating modern avionics, advanced glass cockpit, and enhanced safety features. These features include anti-G straining seats, zero-zero ejection seats, and a complete fail-safe structure design.
Procurement
The Union Cabinet’s approval for the procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) is a significant step forward for HAL and the Indian Air Force. The cost of the procurement is Rs. 6,828.36 crore, and the aircraft will be supplied over a period of six years. This procurement is expected to provide direct jobs for over 1,500 personnel and indirect employment opportunities for up to 3,000 people in more than 100 MSMEs.
The HTT-40 has been designed and developed to meet the Indian Air Force’s requirements for basic trainer aircraft. The Indian Air Force has a shortage of basic trainer aircraft, which has led to delays in the training of newly inducted pilots. The HTT-40 is expected to address this shortage and provide a modern and reliable platform for training.