DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF FLIES THE HINDUSTAN TURBO TRAINER HTT- 40

Delhi: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit AVSM VM VSM, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, took to the skies in the Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft – 40 (HTT-40) Basic Trainer Aircraft in Bengaluru today. This aircraft, designed and developed by the Aircraft Research & Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), fulfills the training needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

The HTT-40 is a fully maneuverable aircraft, powered by a four-bladed turbo-prop engine. It features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, modern avionics, and advanced safety measures, including a zero-zero ejection seat. With a top speed of 450 kilometers per hour and a maximum service ceiling of six kilometers, the HTT-40 first took flight on May 31, 2016, and received system-level certification on June 6, 2022. Full aircraft certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification is currently in progress.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has entered into a contract with HAL to acquire 70 of these aircraft, with the induction process scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025, and continue until March 15, 2030. The HTT-40 will significantly enhance the training quality for novice pilots in the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, the procurement includes a Full Mission Simulator for the aircraft, enabling pilots to practice various flight profiles on the ground before actual sorties. The HTT-40 represents a significant stride toward achieving greater self-reliance in the defense and aviation sectors, aligning with the Government’s vision of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).