Bengaluru: 2nd prototype of HTT40 makes testflight
The HTT 40 basic turboprop aircraft had completed its scheduled high-speed taxi trials a few days ago.
Bengaluru: A competent Air Force needs good pilots. To address this need and provide the Indian Air Force with a competitive basic turboprop trainer, the HTT 40 aircraft was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The country reached a new milestone in aviation with the successful test flight of the second prototype of the HTT 40 turboprop trainer at the HAL Airport in the city on Friday.
The HTT-40 had made its first public introduction flight on June 17, 2016, with then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in attendance at the HAL Airport. Powered by Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop engines, HTT40 was initially envisaged to replace the ageing fleet of HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers which were recently retired from active service by the Indian Air Force.
The aircraft's development faced many delays and hurdles, forcing the Indian Air Force to place an order in May 2012 for 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II turboprop trainers to meet its urgent operational requirements. The HTT40 turboprop aircraft has been designed to be primarily used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights. Its secondary roles will include navigation and night-flying.
The HTT 40 basic turboprop aircraft had completed its scheduled high-speed taxi trials a few days ago. "The second prototype was made ready within one year, and it flew for one hour carrying out important manoeuvres," HAL CMD T. Suvarna Raju said. With its operational clearance date set for 2018, the aircraft is set to be used by cadets from all the three services to help hone their flying skills.
