HAL Delivers LCA Trainers, HTT-40 'Ankur' and Dhruv NG Helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over a set of military, civil and training platforms at a ceremony held on September 18 in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu.

The Bengaluru-based defence public sector undertaking delivered two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, completing the twin-seater deliveries under the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) contract. That contract, placed in 2010, covered 16 LCA fighter aircraft and four twin-seaters in FOC configuration. HAL said the twin-seat platforms are meant to support the training pipeline, helping trainee pilots move from the twin-seat trainer to fighter aircraft.

Four Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters were handed over to Pawan Hans Limited, marking the entry of the civil-certified Dhruv NG into the civil aviation segment. The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter developed by HAL for demanding operating conditions in India and upgraded for the global civil aviation market. Its configurable cabin can be adapted for roles including VIP and VVIP transport, passenger and utility duties, HEMS and air ambulance services, and specialised operations such as offshore work, law enforcement, disaster relief and search and rescue.

HAL also handed over the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) basic trainer aircraft to the IAF. The aircraft, intended to meet the primary training requirements of the Indian defence services, was formally named Ankur by the Defence Minister at the event. It is designed to support several stages of basic pilot training, including basic training, aerobatics, general handling, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close formation flying. The handover marks the start of deliveries under a Ministry of Defence contract for 70 aircraft.