HAL basic trainer's second prototype makes maiden flight

Just a year after the first flight of Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), a basic trainer aircraft had taken to the skies for the first time, the aircraft's second prototype completed its maiden flight on Friday.

"The second prototype was made ready within one year and flew for one hour carrying out important manoeuvres," he added.

The Hindustan Turbo-prop Trainer-40, which made its maiden flight in June 2016, is a basic flying trainer being development by the defence aviation major through its internal resources.

It would be used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights whereas its secondary roles would include navigation and night flying.

The commercial production of the trainer aircraft can generate nearly Rs 3,000-4,000 crore. While the IAF will procure 70 HTT-40, the number may also go up to 200, based on demand.

HAL aims to get the aircraft certified in 2018.