India's homegrown trainer

摘要

India's basic trainer aircraft (BTA) saga is nearing the end of a tumultuous decade, with state-owned airframer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL's) Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40 (HTT-40) nearing certification. The aircaft will be used for Stage Ⅰ flight training by the Indian Air Force (IAF). HTT-40 developmental flight testing is now largely complete, although it has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. IAF test pilots from the Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment (ASTE) are currently performing User Assisted Technical Trials (UATT), aimed at reducing the effort and time required to complete User Evaluation Trials (UET) planned for 2021. ASTE test pilots are also assessing the HTT-40's cockpit ergonomics, aircraft performance and handling (including stall characteristics). Both prototype aircraft have accumulated more than 400 flight hours during the course of 450 test flights.