The Indian HAL HTT-40 turboprop trainer successfully completed six-turn spins to both left and right, thus meeting a crucial requirement for the aircraft to be certified for use by the Indian Air Force.
The HTT-40 is designed to supplement the Pilatus PC-7 Mk.2, 75 of which currently serve as the IAF’s basic trainer. The IAF currently uses a force of 75 Pilatus PC-7 trainers, over 100 Kirans and 123 BAe Hawk Mk.132s and is currently short of over 100 training aircraft in service.
It was planned to increase the PC-7 Mk.2 fleet to some 106 to 181 aircraft. However a corruption scandal has effectively ended any prospect of further PC-7 orders and while spares will continue to be procured, the HTT-40 may be inducted in significant numbers.
HAL HTT-40 Photo Credit HAL
