HAL Marks Milestone with First Flight of Production HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) celebrated a significant achievement with the successful first flight of the HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft, marked as TH-4001. This event represents a pivotal step forward in India's pursuit of self-sufficiency in defense aviation.
The inaugural flight, conducted at HAL's facility in Bengaluru, indicates the shift of the HTT-40 project from prototype development to full-scale production. Designed and developed domestically, this aircraft is intended to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) primary pilot training capabilities by replacing older training aircraft.
Equipped with a Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprop engine, the HTT-40 boasts modern avionics, advanced safety features, and complete aerobatic functionality. With 56% of its components made in India—an amount expected to exceed 60%—the aircraft exemplifies the "Make in India" initiative within the aerospace industry.
The IAF has ordered an initial batch of 70 HTT-40 aircraft at a cost of ₹6,838 crore. HAL is slated to deliver the first aircraft by January 2026, followed by an additional 11 units by March 2026. Production will take place at HAL's facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik, the latter of which recently launched a new line capable of manufacturing eight aircraft annually.
Since its internal funding inception in 2013, the HTT-40 has undergone over 900 hours of flight testing and adheres fully to US FAR-23 certification standards. Its capabilities include instrument and night flying, aligning with international standards for pilot training.
This milestone coincides with the recent launch of new production lines for both the Tejas Mk-1A and HTT-40 at the HAL Nashik facility, contributing to the expansion of India's defense manufacturing sector and the creation of new jobs.
As the HTT-40 transitions into the production phase, it is set to become a fundamental component of India's basic flight training program, solidifying HAL's position as the foundation of India's indigenous defense aerospace endeavors.
