States » SouthPosted at: Sep 18 2026 5:23PM


HAL hands over LCA trainers, Dhruv NG helicopters, HTT-40 to IAF, Pawan Hans

Bengaluru, Sep 18 (UNI) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday handed over two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), four Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited and the first HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft under a 70-aircraft contract, in a programme attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The handover marks the completion of deliveries of all four LCA FOC twin-seaters ordered under the FOC contract, while the HTT-40 handover marks the beginning of deliveries under the Ministry of Defence's contract for 70 indigenous basic trainer aircraft.
The four Dhruv NG helicopters mark the induction of HAL's civil-certified Dhruv NG into the civil aviation segment by Pawan Hans.
The three platforms together showcase HAL's capabilities spanning military aviation, civil rotary-wing aviation and indigenous pilot training, strengthening India's drive towards self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
The LCA FOC twin-seater is a lightweight, all-weather, multi-role 4.5-generation aircraft primarily designed to meet the IAF's fighter-pilot training requirements, while retaining the capability to undertake fighter operations when required.
The aircraft incorporates a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight-control system, relaxed static stability, carefree manoeuvring, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics and extensive use of composite materials.
Under the FOC contract signed in 2010, HAL was contracted to manufacture 16 LCA fighter aircraft and four twin-seaters. The FOC milestone was achieved in 2019, while all 16 FOC fighters were produced and progressively delivered during 2022-23.
The twin-seater achieved the Release to Service milestone in September 2023. HAL delivered SPT5 and SPT6 during 2024-25, followed by production of SPT7 and SPT8, the final two twin-seaters under the contract.
The final two aircraft feature enhancements including improved radar performance, autopilot handling, fuel-system improvements and Software Defined Radio for secure communications. An air-to-air refuelling probe has also been incorporated in the trainer's design.
HAL is developing twin-seater variants under the 83- and 97-aircraft LCA contracts, with the latter expected to incorporate Mk1A fighter capabilities including AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, upgraded avionics and modernised mission and display systems.
The company plans to progressively deliver 29 Mk1A twin-seater aircraft to the IAF by 2033-34.
The Dhruv NG is a HAL-designed and manufactured 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter developed for demanding Indian operating conditions and the global civil aviation market.
Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, it features a civil-certified glass cockpit, modern avionics and advanced navigation systems.
With a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg and a maximum speed of around 285 kmph, the helicopter has a range of about 630 km with a 20-minute reserve and an endurance of around three hours and 40 minutes.
It can carry up to 14 passengers and has an internal payload capacity of about 1,000 kg. It is also designed for high-altitude operations and meets AS-4 requirements for offshore operations.
The HTT-40 is an indigenously designed and developed basic trainer aircraft intended to meet the primary training requirements of the Indian defence services.
Designed by HAL's Aircraft Research and Design Centre, the aircraft made its maiden flight on May 31, 2016, and underwent extensive development and validation trials with HAL and the IAF.
It has received the Restricted Military Type Certificate from CEMILAC and meets the Air Staff Requirements issued by the IAF.
With indigenous content of around 57 per cent, the HTT-40 is powered by a 1,100 SHP turboprop engine, has a maximum speed of 300 knots, a service ceiling of 6,000 metres, a range of about 1,000 km and an endurance of around three hours.
The aircraft is equipped for basic training, aerobatics, general handling, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close-formation flying.
The HTT-40 handover marks the start of deliveries under the 70-aircraft Ministry of Defence contract and is expected to strengthen India's indigenous ecosystem for military pilot training.
UNI BDN
Tags: #HAL hands over LCA trainers# Dhruv NG helicopters# HTT-40 to IAF# Pawan Hans
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