What is HTT-40 trainer aircraft?

March 4, 2023

The HTT-40 or Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 is a trainer aircraft developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is being manufactured at facilities in Nashik and Bengaluru. It contains over 56 per cent of indigenous content, which is expected to increase to over 60 per cent.

Why is the HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft in News?

The Union Cabinet recently approved the procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) at the cost of Rs. 6,828.36 crores. These aircraft will be supplied over a period of 6 years to address the Indian Air Force’s shortage of basic trainer aircraft for the newly inducted pilots. This procurement is expected to provide direct jobs for over 1,500 personnel. It will also provide indirect employment opportunities for up to 3,000 people in more than 100 MSMEs.

About HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft

The aircraft was designed and built for basic training purposes. The origin of the aircraft in India. Neither technology transfers nor imported goods were used in the making of the aircraft. It was designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The first successful flight of the aircraft was done in 2016.

It can be armed with rockets, guns, and bombs.

What are the special features added to the HTT-40 trainer aircraft?

The aircraft has an air-conditioned cockpit, zero-zero ejection seats, running changeover, hot refuelling, and several other modern avionics.

Zero-Zero Ejection Seat: Zero in the term means “Zero altitudes” and “Zero airspeeds”. It helps the aircrew to escape from the aircraft during emergencies. Earlier, the ejection seats required certain altitude and certain speed to eject. Only then the seats could open the parachute. However, the modern zero-zero ejection technology comes with a mini rocket. As soon as the occupant ejects, the rocket ignites and gains the required altitude and speed for the ejection. Thus, the name zero-zero. No altitude and airspeed restrictions. Seats can be ejected from any height.

Hot refuelling: It is refuelling the aircraft when its engines are running. This form is refuelling is done as soon as the aircraft lands. It reduces response time and keeps the aircraft always ready for a mission. Usually, it is not advisable to refuel when the engine is ON. This is because static electricity is generated due to imbalances in the electric charges and could develop a spark. As hot refuelling is done with the engines ON, it is not very safe. Therefore, it requires professionals’ presence or special features added.

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