The HTT-40, or Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 is an all-metal, tandem seat aircraft powered by a 1,100 hp turboprop engine.
After the demonstration on August 4, and the completion of test flights, the HTT-40 trainer was ready for certification. Designed to replace the HPT-32, the HTT-40 is a basic trainer developed for the first stage of the training of rookie pilots in the Indian Air Force. In stage two, they graduate to flying the Kiran Mark II trainer jet while the third stage involves training on the Hawk advanced trainer aircraft.
The new Indian aircraft is powered by a Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop engine, with 1,100 hp. The maximum speed can be 400km/h, the range is 1,000km, the service ceiling is 6,000m. According to HAL, the HTT-40 can carry state-of-the-art opto-electronic equipment that makes it a reconnaissance or light attack aircraft when needed.
The HTT-40 has a rather conventional design, with a turboprop at the front, driving a 4-blade propeller. Two low-mounted main wings, below a two-seat cockpit. The tail section is a conventional configuration with a single vertical tail fin and two horizontal planes. The HTT-40 has a length of 10.5 m, a wingspan of 11 m, a height of 3.4 m, and a gross weight of 2.8 tons.
Once the HTT-40 started flying, the Indian Air Force commander publicly stated that IAF will buy the HTT-40 in large numbers. On 28 February 2015, it was reported that the Indian defense ministry had selected 68 HAL HTT-40 trainers and 38 Pilatus trainers to replace its current trainer fleet, stating that this move was “commercially viable”. On 21 June 2015, HAL chose the Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop to power the trainer. HAL rolled out the first prototype on 2 February 2016 and it first flew on 31 May 2016. In July 2019 it was anticipated that initial operational clearance would be reached by end of 2019.
