The second Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) series production aircraft, TH-4002, successfully completed its maiden flight today at the Aircraft Manufacturing Division in Nashik. This marks the first HTT-40 built at the HAL Nashik facility.
In Octomber, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) celebrated a significant achievement with the successful first flight of the HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft, marked as TH-4001. This event represents a pivotal step forward in India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in defense aviation.
Equipped with a Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprop engine, the HTT-40 boasts modern avionics, advanced safety features, and complete aerobatic functionality. With 56% of its components made in India—an amount expected to exceed 60%—the aircraft exemplifies the “Make in India” initiative within the aerospace industry.
The IAF has ordered an initial batch of 70 HTT-40 aircraft at a cost of ?6,838 crore. HAL is slated to deliver the first aircraft by January 2026, followed by an additional 11 units by March 2026. Production will take place at HAL’s facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik, the latter of which recently launched a new line capable of manufacturing eight aircraft annually.
Since its internal funding inception in 2013, the HTT-40 has undergone over 900 hours of flight testing and adheres fully to US FAR-23 certification standards. Its capabilities include instrument and night flying, aligning with international standards for pilot training.
