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747-237 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 8:38 pm Post subject: HAL HTT-40 makes first flight

http://www.oneindia.com/india/hal-built-htt-40-first-flight-successful-2114270.html

HAL-built HTT-40’s first flight successful

May 31, 2016

The home-grown Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) from the hangars of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) had its first flight in Bengaluru today.

The Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT-40) was piloted by Group Capt Subramaniam (Retd), Chief Test Pilot, HAL. According to sources, the flight lasted for about 30 minutes.

"Everything went as per the script. The aircraft was cleared for its maiden sortie in the morning by the certifying agencies. Eventually it took off around 8.20 am and landed back after a 30-minute sortie," says an official.

On expected lines, the pilot did not try out any maneuvers and only undertook circuit flying. "The aircraft performance was satisfactory and we will be analysing the data," says the official.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who flew the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas from an HAL facility recently, is said to have taken stock of the HTT-40, ahead of its maiden flight.

Earlier in December, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had complimented HAL for sticking to the schedules of HTT-40 project. A total of 72 HTT-40s will be required by the Indian Air Force.

In June this year, Honeywell Aerospace announced in Paris that HAL has selected the TPE331-12B turboprop engine to power the HTT-40.

HAL on its part kept a low-key on this project after the IAF made its displeasure over HAL's desi BTA. IAF displeasure was primarily due to HAL's failure to deliver the Intermediate Jet Trainer.

On February 2, this year, HAL announced the roll-out the first prototype of HTT-40. HAL also said that there are plans to weaponise and optimise the trainer.

Meanwhile, it was festive mood at HAL's Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) on Tuesday soon after HTT-40 landed after its maiden sortie.

HAL Chairman T Suvarna Raju has complimented the young HTT-40 team, who played a significant role in executing the BTA project successfully.

"It is a historic day for us and I am inspired by my young team," Raju told OneIndia.

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747-237 · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2016 8:08 am Post subject:

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/16987/Indian_AF_To_Induct_Locally_made_HTT_40_Basic_Trainers_In____Large_Numbers___#.V84rUEnD-M8

Indian AF To Induct Locally-made HTT 40 Basic Trainers In ‘Large Numbers'

September 2, 2016

The Indian Air Force will induct indigenous HTT 40 basic trainers in ‘large numbers’ to boost domestic capability.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Thursday speaking at a seminar said, “Although the IAF was keen on Swiss trainers earlier, now plans to induct home-grown HTT-40 trainer aircraft.

The country was looking at having a fighter aircraft under ‘Make in India’ initiative, which will be a “big ticket project”, Raha said.

Talking about the opportunities in the aviation sector, especially for domestic companies, he said, “IAF will induct HTT 40 basic trainers in large numbers soon.”

Defence sources said the IAF has committed to purchasing at least 70 of these aircraft.

The Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) had on May 31 made its maiden flight after much delay.

The aircraft, the prototype of which was rolled out in January, is aimed at being used for the first stage training of all flying cadets of the three services.

While the HTT-40 program was almost junked during UPA rule, defence minister Manohar Parrikar pursued both IAF and HAL to ensure development of the trainer.

IAF had blocked funding for the HTT-40 by telling the defence ministry that the aircraft would be “too expensive, heavy and that it will not meet their need”.

IAF had backed a Swiss trainer, the Pilatus PC-7 Mark II.

The Air Force had purchased 75 of Pilatus in 2012 under a controversial deal but the requirement was for over 106 more planes.

Parrikar had cut this down and cleared a plan to purchase another 38 of Pilatus aircraft.

However, the contract is still stuck on pricing issues
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