HAL's HTT-40 trainer aircraft takes off, boosting IAF's pilot training programme

In a transition from prototype to full-scale production for the indigenous basic trainer programme, the first Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) Series Production aircraft, TH 4001, which will train the next generation of India's air warriors, took to the skies on Friday.

The first flight of the fully aerobatic, tandem-seat, turboprop aircraft TH 4001 took place at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru, the company announced.

The basic trainer aircraft is built to provide flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying, and night flying to the trainee pilots.

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The prototypes of the trainer aircraft have been flying for eight years, but the TH 4001, which had its maiden flight on Friday, is the first series production unit. 

Deccan Herald quoted sources as saying that it will take two to three months for the trainer aircraft to get the final operational clearance.

TH 4001 is among the 70  HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft that the defence ministry is planning to procure. The ministry had signed a contract in this regard in March 2023.

The aircraft is set to meet the shortage of basic trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which currently uses the Pilatus PC-7 aircraft for training of newly-inducted pilots. The procurement would include associated equipment and training aids, including simulators.

On October 17, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had inaugurated the second production line of HTT-40 at the Nashik facility of HAL. Singh had then said the HTT-40, fully designed and developed by HAL, stands as a shining example of the company’s ability to conceptualise, design, and deliver critical defence platforms completely indigenously.

Defence