In a boost to Make in India, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today witnessed the inaugural flight of the indigenous HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft that has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Parrikar also got a feel of the aircraft, by getting into its cockpit after the test flight. The aircraft, the prototype of which was rolled out in January, is aimed at being used for the first stage training for all flying cadets of the three services.
Parrikar congratulated the HAL team and said “the young team has taken a calculated risk and they have flown the aircraft within one year and kept their assurance. The indigenous content on HTT-40 is close to 80%. Almost 50% of the components on HTT-40 are manufactured by private players of the Indian aerospace ecosystem. Here, the role of private players and MSMEs has been significant in the production of parts. The IAF is positive in all these developments.”
T Suvarna Raju, CMD of HAL said, “We are extremely happy that the aircraft had a flawless inaugural flight in the presence of the Defence Minister. The project will now go in full throttle as we aim to get the aircraft certified in 2018. Towards this, HAL will be manufacturing three prototypes and two static test specimens.” “It is remarkable feat that the aircraft in its inaugural flight carried out low speed pass, a series of turns, high speed pass and short-landing using reverse thrust which is a unique feature available on this engine-propeller combination,” he added.
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The HTT-40 design was adapted to a final decision on engine selection in May 2015 and the first prototype manufacturing was completed.
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Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) also touts HTT 40 as the first ever prototype to be manufactured completely based on a digital mock-up and also by using laser tracked jigs and metal tooling at proto phase itself.
#HTT40, Basic Trainer Aircraft, a #MakeInIndia product does its maiden flight successfully within 12 months. pic.twitter.com/r0igNbOBYG
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) June 17, 2016
“With advanced features like zero-zero ejection seats and multi-function displays, HTT-40 can also be adapted as a light attack aircraft. Its role includes basic flying training, aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, night flying, close formation etc,” claims HAL.
The project includes many first time initiatives such as Digital Mock Up (DMU), real time systems clash analyses, laser tracking of assembly jigs, six degree of freedom, mathematical model, complete glass cockpit etc.
HTT-40 has been designed not only to meet the current requirement of the Indian Air Force but also it has provision for role expansion to include weapons for the trainer aircraft, says HAL.
My congratulations to the brilliant young team of technocrats at HAL. #HTT40 pic.twitter.com/kEmGhht9zN
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) June 17, 2016
While the HTT-40 programme was almost junked during UPA rule, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar went after both IAF and HAL to ensure development of the trainer.
#MakeInIndia #HTT40 has 80% indigenous content with more than 40 Indian MSME vendors.
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) June 17, 2016
#HTT40 A HAL initiative supported by MoD to obviate the need for import of BTA’s. A big boost to #MakeInIndia.
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) June 17, 2016
IAF has already committed to purchasing at least 70 aircraft.
(With inputs from PTI)
