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

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.