Aerospace

Another milestone for two more Indian aircraft IJT & HTT 40

India has reached another milestone in the development of indigenous aircraft, as the HTT-40 earned its airworthiness clearance certificate from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification on June 6th. It is a basic turboprop trainer plane.

According to a HAL source, the production contract will be inked in October or November 2022. HAL has the potential to construct 24 aircraft per year at its plants in Nasik and Bangalore, and production may begin 18 months after the day of contract signature).

The HTT-40 is a tandem seat aircraft made entirely of metal and propelled by a 1,100 horsepower turboprop engine.

The HAL HTT-40 basic turboprop trainer has been certified by India. This paves the path for the aircraft to be inducted into the Indian Air Force in the future.

This aircraft has a gross weight of 2,800 kg, can carry up to 450 kg of fuel, and is powered by a single 834 kilo watt Honeywell turboprop engine.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of 400 km/h, a range of 1,000 km, and a ceiling height of 19,680 feet. This aircraft, too, can be armed with a gun, rockets, and bombs. As a basic trainer, it will replace the Indian Air Force’s retired HPT-32 Deepak.

The IAF issued a request for proposal to HAL in 2021 for 70 HTT40s with an option for 38 more. Production will take place in the manufacturing units in Bangalore and Nashik.

Another achievement by HAL is the successful demonstration of spins in IJT aircraft.

HAL’s Intermediate Jet Trainer, conceived and developed for stage II IAF pilot training, has successfully demonstrated the capacity to perform six turn spins to the LH and RH sides. The IJT, which was planned by HAL as a replacement for the IAF fleet’s ageing Kirans, had completed demonstration of its capabilities in terms of altitude and speed envelope, load factor, satisfactory stall characteristics, and limited weapons capability far sooner than required by the IAF.

The IJT, which was planned by HAL as a replacement for the IAF fleet’s ageing Kirans, had completed demonstration of its capabilities in terms of altitude and speed envelope, load factor, satisfactory stall characteristics, and limited weapons capability far sooner than required by the IAF. HAL will soon have cutting-edge trainers for IAF pilot stage I and II training.

Tell us what you think of both aircraft’s main accomplishments in the comments area.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.