<p>The second prototype (PT-2) of the Basic Trainer Aircraft HTT-40 completed its maiden flight at the HAL Airport here on Friday evening. Built by state-owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the prototype was made ready within one year.<br /><br />The aircraft flew for one hour, carrying out important manoeuvres. The flight was certified a success by HAL Chairman and Managing Director, Suvarna Raju.<br /><br />PT-2 was last seen on static display at the Aero India aerospace exhibition at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in February. <br /><br />The aircraft had been equipped with a fully functional cockpit by then. HTT-40 is designed for use as a basic flight trainer aircraft. But it can also be optimised for aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights. The secondary roles will include navigation and night flying.<br /><br />It is estimated that the commercial production of the trainer aircraft can generate nearly Rs 3,000-4,000 crore. The Indian Air Force is poised to acquire 70 HTT-40. But this number could potentially go up to 200, based on demand. HAL has proposed to get the aircraft certified in 2018.<br /><br />Launched with HAL’s internal funding of Rs 500 crore, the HTT-40 project was given the go-ahead for design development in August 2013. Once the detailed design was completed in May 2015, the first prototype (PT-1) had its maiden flight in May 2016.<br /><br />Having undergone several improvisations, PT-1 has completed over 35 flights. Its fuel system was converted to a fully pressurised one and the rudder modified to address sensitivity issues.<br /><br />Also on HAL’s agenda is a third prototype designed with reduced weight and a weaponised version, PT-4 to suit the needs of the Indian Army. <br /><br /></p>
<p>The second prototype (PT-2) of the Basic Trainer Aircraft HTT-40 completed its maiden flight at the HAL Airport here on Friday evening. Built by state-owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the prototype was made ready within one year.<br /><br />The aircraft flew for one hour, carrying out important manoeuvres. The flight was certified a success by HAL Chairman and Managing Director, Suvarna Raju.<br /><br />PT-2 was last seen on static display at the Aero India aerospace exhibition at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in February. <br /><br />The aircraft had been equipped with a fully functional cockpit by then. HTT-40 is designed for use as a basic flight trainer aircraft. But it can also be optimised for aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights. The secondary roles will include navigation and night flying.<br /><br />It is estimated that the commercial production of the trainer aircraft can generate nearly Rs 3,000-4,000 crore. The Indian Air Force is poised to acquire 70 HTT-40. But this number could potentially go up to 200, based on demand. HAL has proposed to get the aircraft certified in 2018.<br /><br />Launched with HAL’s internal funding of Rs 500 crore, the HTT-40 project was given the go-ahead for design development in August 2013. Once the detailed design was completed in May 2015, the first prototype (PT-1) had its maiden flight in May 2016.<br /><br />Having undergone several improvisations, PT-1 has completed over 35 flights. Its fuel system was converted to a fully pressurised one and the rudder modified to address sensitivity issues.<br /><br />Also on HAL’s agenda is a third prototype designed with reduced weight and a weaponised version, PT-4 to suit the needs of the Indian Army. <br /><br /></p>
