Hartzell props designated for Indian Air Force basic trainer

Hartzell Propeller's four-blade lightweight aluminum propeller has been selected by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for its HTT-40 two-place turbine basic trainer aircraft.

The new indigenous HTT-40 is designed and built by HAL under the country's Make In India initiative. The HTT-40 will replace the piston-powered HPT-32 Deepak trainer for the Indian Air Force.

Hindustan Aeronautics is manufacturing three prototypes and two static test specimens with production activities to begin this year. Certification of the HTT-40 (Hindustan Turboprop Trainer-40) is expected in 2018. Flight testing will include 350 flights.

"Hartzell Propeller is honored to add this new clean sheet aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics to our growing list of aircraft from the world's leading manufacturers for both civilian and military applications," said Hartzell Propeller Executive Vice President JJ Frigge.

The new HTT-40 is powered by the Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprop engine. Designed to meet pilot training requirements of the Indian Air Force, the new military aircraft also will have provisions for weaponization.

The initial order from the Indian Air Force is for 68 aircraft. Total requirements could eventually rise to 120 of the basic turbine trainers for the Indian Air Force.

A HTT-40 outfitted with Hartzell's four-blade lightweight aluminum prop will be exhibited at the HAL display at Aero India 2017, held Feb. 14-18 at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Hartzell Propeller will also have a booth with experts on hand to discuss propeller technical details.