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HAL HTT-40

2020 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

History

India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is launching a simple trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of the 'HTT-40' programme. This is in line with the more distinct Indian military industry, which later produced various domestic products such as the Arjun main battle tank (MBT) and INSAS automatic weapons, which now form part of the Indian military stockpile. At the time of this writing (2016), the HTT-40 is in active development and a prototype has been completed (launched in early February 2016).

The product is expected to replace the now defunct HAL HPT-32 "Deepak" trainer fleet in the late 1970s.

In addition, the HTT-40 series will be deployed alongside 113 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II series trainers from Switzerland - with Indian authorities citing unit cost as the main reason. Notably, the HAL design originally offered for the HTT-40 was rejected by the Indian Air Force.

The design of the HTT-40 follows traditional basic trainer qualities, such as a two-seat tandem cockpit under a largely unobstructed canopy, providing excellent cockpit visibility. A turboprop engine is mounted in the nose and drives the four-bladed propeller. The wings were mounted low amidships, straight and truncated at the tips. The tail consists of a vertical tail and deep horizontal planes.

The tricycle landing gear (retractable) also played a role in the design.

The Indian Air Force ordered 68 HHT-40 aircraft in February 2015 after HAL selected 68 HHT-40 aircraft (1,000 hp) to power the new trainer. The first prototype was unveiled on February 2, 2016, demonstrating HAL's commitment to the HHT-40 program.

As recommended, the HHT-40 has a top speed of 375 mph and a range of up to 620 miles. The service ceiling is said to reach nearly 20,000 feet. Light attack capabilities can also be added to the base design, enabling the platform to carry cannon pods, rocket pods and traditional bombing.

Modern military flight services use basic trainers to introduce "green" pilots to the basics of flying before transitioning to more advanced jet trainers. If successful, HHT-40 would have a long history in the IAF and could potentially develop into a marketable export product.

May 2016 - The HTT-40 prototype completed its maiden flight on May 31, 2016 with promising results. The flight lasted 30 minutes.