The HTT-40 is a turboprop aircraft, designed to have good low-speed handling for better training effectiveness. This fully aerobatic, tandem-seat, turbo trainer has an air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot refueling, running changeover, and zero-zero ejection seats.
The Union Cabinet has approved the purchase of 70 Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) basic trainer aircraft (BTA) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of Rs 6,828 crore. The HTT-40 is a turboprop aircraft, designed to have good low-speed handling for better training effectiveness. This fully aerobatic, tandem-seat, turbo trainer has an air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot refueling, running changeover, and zero-zero ejection seats.
“The aircraft will meet the shortage of BTAs for the training of newly inducted pilots of the IAF. The purchase price will include associated equipment and training aids including simulators. Being a fully indigenous trainer, the BTA is configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian armed forces,” said the MoD.
“The HTT-40, which was designed, developed, test-flown, and validated by HAL, contains approximately 56 percent of indigenous content. That will progressively increase to over 60 percent through indigenization of major components and subsystems,” it added.
HAL says it will engage Indian private industry, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in its supply chain. “The procurement has the potential to provide direct employment to approximately 1,500 personnel and indirect employment for up to 3,000 people in 100 MSMEs, said the MoD. The acquisition of the HTT-40 provides a fillip to the Indian aerospace defense ecosystem and boosts Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
