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HAL HTT-40

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HTT-40
Role Basic training aircraft
National origin  India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group Aircraft Research and Design Centre[1]
First flight 31 May 2016[2]
Introduction 2025 (planned) [3]
Status In production
Primary user Indian Air Force
Number built 2 prototypes
Developed from HPT-32 Deepak

The HAL HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40) is an Indian training aircraft designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It will replace the Indian Air Force's retired HPT-32 Deepak as a basic trainer.[4][5]

Design and development

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The HTT-40 is a tandem seat trainer aircraft powered by a 1,100 hp (820 kW) turboprop engine. In early 2012 the company forecast building 106 examples.[5]

By the middle of 2012 the aircraft's future was in doubt as the Indian Air Force ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs to fill the role envisioned for the HTT-40. In September 2012 the Air Force indicated that it had formally rejected the HTT-40 for service based on its cost per aircraft being double that of the PC-7 Mk II, a proven aircraft, already in service worldwide. An MoD official noted, "We would be willing to pay higher rates to build indigenous capability in strategic defence equipment. But can HAL argue that the capability to build basic trainers is strategically vital[?]"[6][7][8]

At that time HAL did not confirm the IAF announcement that it will not buy the HTT-40, nor did the company indicate whether the aircraft's development will be continued. A company spokesman said, "We treat all MOD issues/proposals as confidential...All our projects are conceived with national interest in mind though, at times, some of those take time to fructify".[6]

Once the HTT-40 started flying, the Indian Air Force commander publicly stated that IAF will buy the HTT-40 in large numbers.[9]

HAL HTT-40 at AeroIndia 2017.

On 28 February 2015, it was reported that the Indian defense ministry had selected 68 HAL HTT-40 trainers and 38 Pilatus trainers to replace its current trainer fleet, stating that this move was "commercially viable".[10]

On 21 June 2015, HAL chose the Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop to power the trainer.[11] The deal was signed on 27 July 2022, for 88 engines, kits, maintenance and support worth more than $100 million. Honeywell will work with HAL to extend support for exports.[12]

HAL rolled out the first prototype on 2 February 2016[13] and it first flew on 31 May 2016.[2]

The HTT-40 made its first public introduction flight on 17 June 2016, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in attendance at the HAL airport in Bangalore.[14] On 19 May 2017, the second prototype had its first flight.[15]

In July 2019 it was anticipated that initial operational clearance would be reached by end of 2019 and that, after placement of an order, the first aircraft would be delivered to the IAF within a year.[16] In January 2020, HAL forecast that limited series production is to start in year 2020–21.[17] On 11 August 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council approved procuring 106 HTT-40s for the Indian Air Force.[18] At Aero India 2021, HAL received request for proposal from the IAF for 70 HTT40s with an option for 38 more. Production will take place at the Bangalore and Nashik manufacturing plants.[19]

By August 2021, the HTT-40 had completed its spin certification flight testing.[20] The platform received its provisional certificate of airworthiness from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) on 6 June 2022.[21] At DefExpo 2022, IAF and HAL concluded ₹6,800 crore (equivalent to ₹72 billion or US$860 million in 2023) crore contract for 70 HTT-40. The remaining 36 will be procured after operationalization of HTT-40, with a possible follow on of 38 more airframes.[22] fleet.[23]

Operators

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 India

Specifications (HTT-40)

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Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft[26]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 10.5 m (34 ft 5.5 in)
  • Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 1.75 in)
  • Gross weight: 2,800 kg (6,173 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 450 kg
  • Powerplant: 1 × Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop, 834 kW (1,100 shp) derated to 708 kW (950 shp)
  • Propellers: 4-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 400 km/h (249 mph, 216 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 450 km/h (279 mph, 243 kn)
  • Range: 1,000 km (621 mi, 540 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,000 m (19,680 ft)
  • g limits: +6/-3

Armament

  • Can be armed with a gun, rockets and bombs[27][28]

See also

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Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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  1. ^ Thakur, Aksheev (9 June 2022). "HAL's HTT-40 gets airworthiness clearance certificate from CEMILAC". The Indian Express. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  2. ^ a b "HAL-built HTT-40's first flight successful". One India. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  3. ^ "Six months on, HAL's trainer aircraft for IAF awaits full safety certification". Amrita Nayak Dutta ( 22 September 2023). The Indian EXPRESS.
  4. ^ "HAL Offers New Basic Trainer to Air Force". Archived from the original on 17 December 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Hal htt-40". Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. n.d. Archived from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  6. ^ a b Shukla, Ajai (19 December 2012). "MoD rejects HAL's proposal to build basic trainer". Business Standard. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  7. ^ "Basic trainer for IAF | Millennium Post". Millenniumpost.in. 22 June 2012. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  8. ^ "HAL scouts engine for HTT 40 basic trainer - SP's Aviation". Spsaviation.net. 18 June 2012. Archived from the original on 26 June 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  9. ^ "Will induct indigenous HTT 40 planes in large numbers: IAF chief". The Indian Express. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Parrikar: 68 basic trainer aircraft to come from HAL, 38 from Pilatus". The Indian Express. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  11. ^ Pocock, Chris; Mathews, Neelam (19 June 2015). "HAL Chooses TPE331 for New Indian Basic Trainer". Aviation International News. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  12. ^ Kumar, Chethan (27 July 2022). "HAL, Honeywell ink $100 million pack for HTT engine". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Boost to Make in India: HAL Rolls-out HTT-40 Prototype". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  14. ^ "Indigenous HTT-40 trainer aircraft makes inaugural flight - Times of India". indiatimes.com. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  15. ^ "HTT-40 2nd prototype completes maiden flight | Bengaluru News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  16. ^ Pubby, Manu (29 July 2019). "No need to import trainer aircraft, HTT 40 to be ready by December: HAL" – via The Economic Times.
  17. ^ "HAL needs new orders to prevent complete halt of production after 2021-22". 11 January 2020.
  18. ^ "IAF to get Made in India trainer aircraft from HAL; DAC approves proposals worth Rs 8722 crore". The Financial Express. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  19. ^ Urs, Anil (4 February 2021). "HAL hopes to fly high with CATS Warrior and RUAV drones". Business Line. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  20. ^ "India: HTT-40 training aircraft ready for operational clearance". www.airrecognition.com.
  21. ^ Thapar, Vishal (7 June 2022). "Big Make In India Milestone, As HAL's Basic Trainer Aircraft Gets Airworthiness Certification". BW Businessworld. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  22. ^ Bedi, Rahul (4 February 2021). "Aero India 2021: Indian Air Force issues RFP to HAL for 70 basic trainers". Janes.com. Janes Information Group. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  23. ^ Peri, Dinakar (20 October 2022). "IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  24. ^ "Union Cabinet approves procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL for Indian Air Force at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  25. ^ Peri, Dinakar (20 October 2022). "IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  26. ^ Jackson, Paul; Peacock, Lindsay; Bushell, Susan; Willis, David; Winchester, Jim, eds. (2016–2017). "India". IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production. Couldson: Janes Information Group. p. 306. ISBN 978-0710631770.
  27. ^ Shukla, Ajai (15 April 2013). "HAL's trainer pitted as Rs 4,500 cr cheaper than Swiss Pilatus trainer". Business Standard. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
  28. ^ "'Our trainer aircraft 40 times better than F-16s'". Bangalore Mirror. 6 February 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
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