Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit indigenously made HTT-40

In a significant development today for the Indian Armed Forces and the country's defense capabilities, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit , Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, took to the skies today in the Hindustan Turbo Trainer Aircraft – 40 (HTT-40) Basic Trainer Aircraft in Bengaluru. This indigenously designed and developed aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marks a pivotal step towards India's pursuit of self-reliance in the defense and aviation sector.

The HTT-40, conceived to meet the training requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, boasts a suite of impressive features. Powered by a four-bladed turbo-prop engine, it is fully aerobatic and equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, modern avionics, and advanced safety measures, including a zero-zero ejection seat. With a maximum speed of 450 kilometers per hour and a service ceiling of six kilometers, the HTT-40 demonstrates exceptional capabilities for training purposes.

The maiden flight of the HTT-40 occurred on May 31, 2016, and it achieved system level certification on June 6, 2022. Currently, it awaits clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification for full-scale production.

Underlining the commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a contract with HAL for the procurement of 70 HTT-40 aircraft. The induction of these aircraft is scheduled to commence on September 15, 2025, and will continue until March 15, 2030. This significant acquisition is poised to elevate the training standards for novice pilots within the Indian Armed Forces.

In addition to the aircraft, the procurement includes a Full Mission Simulator, which will augment aerial training by allowing pilots to practice various flight profiles on the ground before actual sorties. This advanced training system will further enhance the skill development of Indian Air Force pilots.

The HTT-40 program aligns perfectly with the government's vision of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat,' emphasizing self-reliance in defense and aviation sectors. As the aircraft takes to the skies, it symbolizes India's stride toward achieving greater autonomy in securing its defense interests.

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