HAL launches metal cutting for HTT-40 aircraft production

New Delhi: In a major milestone towards Aatmnirbhrta in defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has launched the metal cutting for series production of HTT-40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft) at its Nasik Division.

The Defence PSU in a tweet said, Mr. Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Complex) formally initiated the programme in the presence of senior officials from DGAQA, CEMILAC, IAF and HAL.

The HTT-40 aircraft is indigenously designed and developed by HAL with initial contract to supply 70 HTT-40. The Union Cabinet in March this year approved procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 6,828.36 crore. The aircraft will be supplied over a period of six years.

The HTT-40 is a turbo prop aircraft and is designed to have good low speed handling qualities and provide better training effectiveness. This fully aerobatic tandem seat turbo trainer has air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot re-fueling, running change over and zero-zero ejection seats. The aircraft will meet the shortage of basic trainer aircraft of IAF for training of newly inducted pilots. 

The procurement will include associated equipment and training aids including simulators. Being an indigenous solution, the Aircraft is configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

The HTT-40 contains approx. 56% indigenous content which will progressively increase to over 60% through indigenisation of major components and subsystems. 

The HAL would engage Indian private industry, including MSMEs, in its supply chain. The procurement has the potential to provide direct employment to approx. 1,500 personnel and indirect employment for up to 3,000 people spread over more than 100 MSMEs.

(Defence Watch– India's Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)