Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has ordered 88 Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprops to power the indigenous HTT-40 basic trainer.
The deal is worth over “$100 million” and will see the provision of engines/kits along with maintenance and other support services, says HAL.
“HAL has successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) to address the basic training requirements of the IAF [Indian air force],” says HAL chairman R Madhavan.
He adds that that there is a “potential requirement” from the service for 70 HTT-40s, which is at an “advanced stage of approval”.
HAL adds that it is working with Honeywell to explore the potential of exporting the HTT-40.
At the Aero India show in February 2021, New Delhi issued a request for proposal for 70 HTT-40s, with options for 38 additional aircraft.
HAL developed the HTT-40 with its own funds, investing about R5.5 billion ($68.9 million).
