HAL HTT-40

The HTT-40 is a tandem seat trainer aircraft powered by a {{convert|1100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} turboprop engine. In early 2012, the company forecast building 106 examples.

By the middle of 2012 the aircraft's future was in doubt as the Indian Air Force ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs to fill the role envisioned for the HTT-40. In September 2012, the Air Force indicated that it had formally rejected the HTT-40 for service based on its cost per aircraft being double that of the PC-7 Mk II, a proven aircraft, already in service worldwide. An MoD official noted, "We would be willing to pay higher rates to build indigenous capability in strategic defence equipment. But can HAL argue that the capability to build basic trainers is strategically vital[?]"{{cite news|url = http://business-standard.com/india/news/mod-rejects-hals-proposal-to-build-basic-trainer/496078/|title = MoD rejects HAL's proposal to build basic trainer|access-date = 19 December 2012|last = Shukla|first = Ajai|date = 19 December 2012| work = Business Standard}}{{cite web |url=http://millenniumpost.in/NewsContent.aspx?NID=4459 |title=Basic trainer for IAF | Millennium Post |publisher=Millenniumpost.in |date=2012-06-22 |access-date=2012-11-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104050658/http://millenniumpost.in/NewsContent.aspx?NID=4459 |archive-date=2012-11-04 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=70&h=HAL-scouts-engine-for-HTT-40-basic-trainer |title=HAL scouts engine for HTT 40 basic trainer - SP's Aviation |publisher=Spsaviation.net |date=2012-06-18 |access-date=2012-11-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626162750/http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=70&h=HAL-scouts-engine-for-HTT-40-basic-trainer |archive-date=2012-06-26 }}

At that time HAL did not confirm the IAF announcement that it will not buy the HTT-40, nor did the company indicate whether the aircraft's development will be continued. A company spokesman said, "We treat all MOD issues/proposals as confidential... All our projects are conceived with national interest in mind though, at times, some of those take time to fructify".

The project formally began in 2013 with an internal funding of {{INRConvert|350|c|lk=on|year=2013}} from HAL. It took five years foe the prototypes to enter spin testing phase.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-02 |title=Success! HAL’s HTT 40 Trainer aircraft completes six-turn spin test, now awaits FOC |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence/success-hals-htt-40-trainer-aircraft-completes-six-turn-spin-test-now-awaits-foc/1724459/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}

Once the HTT-40 started flying, the Indian Air Force commander publicly stated that IAF will buy the HTT-40 in large numbers.{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/will-induct-indigenous-htt-40-planes-in-large-numbers-iaf-chief-3007990/|title=Will induct indigenous HTT 40 planes in large numbers: IAF chief|date=2016-09-01|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-01-09|language=en-US}}

File:HTT-40 AeroIndia 2017.jpg

On 28 February 2015, it was reported that the MoD had selected 68 HAL HTT-40 trainers and 38 Pilatus trainers to replace its current trainer fleet, stating that this move was "commercially viable".{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/parrikar-68-basic-trainer-aircraft-to-come-from-hal-38-from-pilatus/|title=Parrikar: 68 basic trainer aircraft to come from HAL, 38 from Pilatus|date=1 March 2015|work=The Indian Express|access-date=1 March 2015}}

On 21 June 2015, HAL chose the Honeywell Garrett TPE331-12B turboprop to power the trainer.{{Cite web |last1=Pocock |first1=Chris |last2=Mathews |first2=Neelam |date=19 June 2015 |title=HAL Chooses TPE331 for New Indian Basic Trainer |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-06-19/hal-chooses-tpe331-new-indian-basic-trainer |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}} The deal was signed on 27 July 2022, for 88 engines, kits, maintenance and support worth more than $100 million. Honeywell will work with HAL to extend support for exports.{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=27 July 2022 |title=HAL, Honeywell ink $100 million pack for HTT engine |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hal-honeywell-ink-100-million-pack-for-htt-engine/articleshow/93163385.cms |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}

HAL rolled out the first prototype on 2 February 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Boost-to-Make-in-India-HAL-Rolls-out-HTT-40-Prototype/2016/02/02/article3257448.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203091436/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Boost-to-Make-in-India-HAL-Rolls-out-HTT-40-Prototype/2016/02/02/article3257448.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2016|title=Boost to Make in India: HAL Rolls-out HTT-40 Prototype|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2 February 2016}} and it first flew on 31 May 2016.

The HTT-40 made its first public introduction flight on 17 June 2016, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in attendance at the HAL airport in Bangalore.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indigenous-HTT-40-trainer-aircraft-makes-inaugural-flight/articleshow/52794848.cms|title=Indigenous HTT-40 trainer aircraft makes inaugural flight - Times of India|work=indiatimes.com|date=17 June 2016 |access-date=17 June 2016}} On 19 May 2017, the second prototype had its first flight.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/htt-40-2nd-prototype-completes-maiden-flight/articleshow/58758866.cms|title=HTT-40 2nd prototype completes maiden flight | Bengaluru News - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=20 May 2017 }}

In July 2019 it was anticipated that initial operational clearance would be reached by end of 2019 and that, after placement of an order, the first aircraft would be delivered to the IAF within a year.{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/no-need-to-import-trainer-aircraft-htt-40-to-be-ready-by-december-hal/articleshow/70423760.cms|title=No need to import trainer aircraft, HTT 40 to be ready by December: HAL|first=Manu|last=Pubby|work=The Economic Times |date=July 29, 2019}} An HTT-40 prototype demonstrated critical six-turn spin test capability in September and sought final operational clearance. The aircraft also cleared Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs). HTT-40 procurement falls under the category of "Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured” (IDDM), as per Defence Procurement Policy (2016).{{Cite web |title=HTT-40 Spin Demonstration {{!}} Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/htt-40-spin-demonstration |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.drdo.gov.in}}

In January 2020, HAL forecast that limited series production is to start in year 2020–21.{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/hal-needs-new-orders-to-prevent-complete-halt-of-production-after-2021-22/348108/|title=HAL needs new orders to prevent complete halt of production after 2021-22|website=ThePrint |date=January 11, 2020}}

On 11 August 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council approved procuring 106 HTT-40s for the Indian Air Force.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-11|title=IAF to get Made in India trainer aircraft from HAL; DAC approves proposals worth Rs 8722 crore|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/iaf-to-get-made-in-india-trainer-aircrafts-from-hal-dac-approves-proposals-worth-rs-8722-crore/2052135/|access-date=2020-08-11|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}} At Aero India 2021, HAL received request for proposal from the IAF for 70 HTT40s with an option for 38 more. Production will take place at the Bangalore and Nashik manufacturing plants.{{Cite web|last=Urs|first=Anil|date=4 February 2021|title=HAL hopes to fly high with CATS Warrior and RUAV drones |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/hal-hopes-to-fly-high-with-cats-warrior-and-ruav-drones/article33752827.ece|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Business Line|language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bedi |first=Rahul |date=4 February 2021 |title=Aero India 2021: Indian Air Force issues RFP to HAL for 70 basic trainers |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2021-indian-air-force-issues-rfp-to-hal-for-70-basic-trainers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130060217/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2021-indian-air-force-issues-rfp-to-hal-for-70-basic-trainers |archive-date=30 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Janes.com |publisher=Janes Information Group |language=en}}

By August 2021, the HTT-40 had completed its spin certification flight testing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/august/7509-india-htt-40-training-aircraft-ready-for-operational-clearance.html|title=India: HTT-40 training aircraft ready for operational clearance|website=www.airrecognition.com}} The platform received its provisional certificate of airworthiness from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) on 6 June 2022.{{Cite web |last=Thapar |first=Vishal |date=7 June 2022 |title=Big Make In India Milestone, As HAL's Basic Trainer Aircraft Gets Airworthiness Certification |url=http://businessworld.inhttps//www.businessworld.in/article/Big-Make-In-India-Milestone-As-HAL-s-Basic-Trainer-Aircraft-Gets-Airworthiness-Certification/07-06-2022-431674 |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=BW Businessworld |language=en}} At DefExpo 2022, IAF and HAL concluded {{INRConvert|6800|c|lk=on|year=2022}} crore contract for 70 HTT-40. The remaining 36 will be procured after operationalization of HTT-40, with a possible follow on of 38 more units.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-20 |title=IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-hal-conclude-6800-crore-contract-for-70-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/article66037061.ece |access-date=2022-10-20 |issn=0971-751X}}

As per the reported delivery timeline, the first production aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2025-26. A total of 12 HTT-40 are to be delivered in the year, including 10 from Nashik and 2 from Bangalore production line. This would be followed by 20 aircraft per year including 15 and 5 aircraft from Nashik and Bangalore production line, respectively.{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Rahul |date=2023-10-17 |title=Known for wine, Nashik is the next aircraft manufacturing hub as HAL spreads wings |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/known-for-wine-nashik-is-the-next-aircraft-manufacturing-hub-as-hal-spreads-wings-101697481119234.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |work=Hindustan Times}}

In February 2025, it was reported that the first aircraft would be delivered in September. The first order would be executed within 4 years. One of the prototype of the aircraft also participated in the inaugural flypast at the Aero India 2025 event.{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |date=2025-02-10 |title=India's first home grown basic trainer aircraft HTT 40 expected to be delivered to IAF by September |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/indias-first-home-grown-basic-trainer-aircraft-htt-40-expected-to-be-delivered-to-iaf-by-september-3399037 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}

{{IND}}

• Indian Air Force — 70 on order{{Cite web|title=Union Cabinet approves procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL for Indian Air Force at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1903445|access-date=2023-03-01|website=pib.gov.in|language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-20 |title=IAF-HAL conclude ₹6,800 crore contract for 70 HTT-40 trainer aircraft |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-hal-conclude-6800-crore-contract-for-70-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/article66037061.ece |access-date=2023-01-30 |issn=0971-751X}}

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft{{cite book|editor1-last=Jackson|editor1-first=Paul|editor2-last=Peacock|editor2-first=Lindsay|editor3-last=Bushell|editor3-first=Susan|editor4-last=Willis|editor4-first=David|editor5-last=Winchester|editor5-first=Jim|title=IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production|date=2016–2017|location=Couldson|isbn=978-0710631770|page=306|chapter=India|publisher=Janes Information Group}}

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|armament=*Can be armed with a gun, rockets and bombs{{cite news|title=HAL's trainer pitted as Rs 4,500 cr cheaper than Swiss Pilatus trainer |first=Ajai |last=Shukla |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/hal-s-trainer-pitted-as-rs-4-500-cr-cheaper-than-swiss-pilatus-trainer-113041500059_1.html|access-date=16 April 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=15 April 2013}}{{cite news|title='Our trainer aircraft 40 times better than F-16s' |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/Our-trainer-aircraft-40-times-better-than-F-16s/articleshow/21235150.cms|access-date=9 February 2013|newspaper=Bangalore Mirror|date=6 February 2013}}

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{{Portal|India|Aviation}}

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|similar aircraft=

• Beechcraft T-6 Texan II
• Embraer EMB 312 Tucano
• Fuji T-7
• Pilatus PC-7
• Pilatus PC-9
• PZL-130 Orlik
• Short Tucano
• TAI Hürkuş

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{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category-inline|HAL HTT-40}}

{{HAL aircraft}}

HTT-40

Category:2010s Indian military trainer aircraft

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Category:Single-engined turboprop aircraft

Category:Low-wing aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 2016

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear