New Delhi: Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit flew the Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft – 40 (HTT-40) Basic Trainer Aircraft, September 8 at Bengaluru. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft has been indigenously designed and developed by the Aircraft Research & Design Centre of HAL and is based on the training requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

The HTT-40 is a fully aerobatic aircraft, powered by a four bladed turbo-prop engine. It is fitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, modern avionics and latest safety features, including a zero-zero ejection seat. The trainer has a maximum speed of 450 kilometres per hour and a maximum service ceiling of six kilometres. The HTT-40 first flew on May 31, 2016 and obtained system level certification on June 6, 2022. Clearance by Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification for the full aircraft is currently underway.

The IAF signed a contract with HAL for the supply of 70 aircraft, the induction of which will commence on September 15, 2025 and continue till March 15, 2030. The HTT-40 will enhance the quality of training of ab-initio pilots of the Indian Armed Forces. The procurement will also include a Full Mission Simulator for the aircraft which will supplement the aerial training, allowing pilots to practice different profiles on ground, prior to the sorties.

HTT-40 is yet another step towards achieving greater self-reliance in the defence and aviation sphere in line with the Governments vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat‘.