HAL trainer clears crucial spin test

HAL trainer clears crucial spin test

News:

1. HTT-40, the indigenously-built basic trainer aircraft has cleared its first spin test .

Important Facts:

2. A few more tests are due to follow before the aircraft can get its operational certification, likely in mid-2019.
3. The HTT-40, will join the 75 Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mark II trainers that are already in service.
4. The spin trial met the test points of PSQR or `preliminary specifications qualitative requirements’ which signifies a safe and worthy aircraft, according to HAL.
5. Significance:

• Clearing spin test is a morale booster for the State-owned defence aircraft manufacturer which has braved negative sentiment in recent months for being left out of the IAF’s much-debated Rafale fighters acquisition programme.

6. About HTT-40:

• HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40) is a new basic training aircraft being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The new aircraft will replace the ageing fleet of HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers that are in service with the IAF.
• The aircraft will be primarily used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights, whereas its secondary roles will include navigation and night-flying.