The first prototype of the indigenous basic trainer from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the as yet unnamed HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40) was rolled out yesterday, 02 Feb 2016. Like the launch of a ship, this roll out is just the first step before the HTT-40 is certified, and then inducted into the IAF. Also like many other things, indigenous does not mean 100% 'made in India' components.
Reports suggest that the HTT-40 will take its first powered run later this month. In the meantime, the engine manufacturers Honeywell of US will have to check and certify that their Garret TPE331 is correctly mated with the airframe. Then the HTT-40 would do some ground runs – taxing, full throttle, and what not, before taking her first flight – maybe in an year down the line.
If everything goes alright, then the HTT-40 might be inducted into the IAF in end-2018 or so. That is, if the IAF top brass do not develop some aversion – real or imagined – to the HTT-40, in the meantime.
All the information mentioned above are public knowledge. So why am I blogging about it? There are two reasons.
One is the as yet undecided name. Under the current BJP regime, I would not be surprised if the HTT-40 is named either Veer (Brave) or Atal (Firm, Strong) – Veer for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the man who coined the term ‘Hindutva’, or Atal for for former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee
Second is the official handout image of the HTT-40. Note the jasmine garlands draped on the port wing, and the propellers. You just cannot take religion out of the Indians.
Reports suggest that the HTT-40 will take its first powered run later this month. In the meantime, the engine manufacturers Honeywell of US will have to check and certify that their Garret TPE331 is correctly mated with the airframe. Then the HTT-40 would do some ground runs – taxing, full throttle, and what not, before taking her first flight – maybe in an year down the line.
If everything goes alright, then the HTT-40 might be inducted into the IAF in end-2018 or so. That is, if the IAF top brass do not develop some aversion – real or imagined – to the HTT-40, in the meantime.
All the information mentioned above are public knowledge. So why am I blogging about it? There are two reasons.
One is the as yet undecided name. Under the current BJP regime, I would not be surprised if the HTT-40 is named either Veer (Brave) or Atal (Firm, Strong) – Veer for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the man who coined the term ‘Hindutva’, or Atal for for former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee
Second is the official handout image of the HTT-40. Note the jasmine garlands draped on the port wing, and the propellers. You just cannot take religion out of the Indians.
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