Boost to 'Make in India': HAL rolls-out HTT-40 aircraft; plans to weaponise it

BENGALURU: In a boost to government's 'Make in India' initiative, HAL has rolled-out the first prototype of HTT-40 with the aircraft sporting all the aircraft lights and powered on cockpit. Hindustan Turboprop Trainer (HTT-40) is a tandem seat trainer aircraft being developed at HAL for the first stage training of rookie pilots.

In November 2015, the Indian Air Force had issued task directive for the Design and Development of HTT-40. HAL claims that the aircraft has advanced features like zero-zero ejection seats and multi-function displays. "It can also be adapted as a light attack aircraft. Its role includes basic flying training, aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, night flying, close formation etc," says HAL.

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The aircraft is now ready for undertaking ground runs and taxi trials to be followed by its maiden flight. The ground runs will be conducted with the assistance from the engine OEM at ARDC itself. The HTT-40 design was adapted to a final decision on engine selection in May 2015 and the first prototype manufacturing is completed followed by this roll out.

"HTT-40 prototype efforts symbolizes the renewed and revitalized proactive approach at HAL," said T Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL.

"It is important that all of us work towards meeting deadlines by overcoming challenges to meet the expectations at various levels. The project has managed to steer through the initial headwinds and now is going full throttle. There are plans to weaponize and optimize HTT-40 aircraft", he added.

"The roll-out of prototype took place recently from the equipping facility at Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) hangar through a remotely operated minicar. HAL Board members were present along with members from Flight Operations, IAF-IPMT(integrated project management team) headed by Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Regional Center for Military Airworthiness (RCMA) and Regional Director of Quality Assurance (RDQA). The team composition of HTT-40 is the youngest ever on any prototype programs in HAL," a HAL press release said.