Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HAL has rolled-out the first prototype of Hindustan Turboprop Trainer (HTT-40)–tandem seat trainer aircraft–with the aircraft sporting all the aircraft lights and powered on cockpit.
T Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said that the HTT-40 prototype efforts symbolizes the renewed and revitalized proactive approach at HAL. “It is important that all of us work towards meeting deadlines by overcoming challenges to meet the expectations at various levels. The project has managed to steer through the initial headwinds and now is going full throttle. There are plans to weaponize and optimize HTT-40 aircraft”, he added.
The roll-out of prototype took place recently from the equipping facility at Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) hangar through a remotely operated minicar. HAL Board members were present along with members from Flight Operations, IAF-IPMT(integrated project management team) headed by Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Regional Center for Military Airworthiness (RCMA) and Regional Director of Quality Assurance (RDQA).
The aircraft is now ready for undertaking ground runs and taxi trials to be followed by its maiden flight. HTT-40 is being developed at HAL for the first stage training of rookie pilots.
In June 2015, Honeywell was selected by HAL to supply the TPE331-12B turboprop engines for the high-performance HTT-40 military trainer aircraft. The TPE331-12B turboprop engine, equipped with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, will develop a maximum power output of 950 shaft horsepower (shp).
It is one of the most widely-employed turboprop power-plants in operation. It will enable the HTT-40 to offer users quick acceleration, low-fuel consumption, high-reliability and the flexibility to conduct a range of training missions. The reliable turboprop engine will also allow HAL to develop a range of variants that will deliver increased levels of performance.
Honeywell has currently delivered more than 13,000 TPE331 engines to both military and civil operators worldwide. The fleet of TPE331 engines accumulated more than 122 million flight hours to date. The engines power a range of aircraft, including light aircraft and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
