New Delhi: State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday handed over Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) twin-seater trainers and the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, besides delivering Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans.
The handover ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. The aircraft and helicopters were displayed at the event, where Singh also inspected the Dhruv NG.
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HAL said it handed over two LCA Tejas FOC trainer aircraft to the IAF, completing twin-seater deliveries under the FOC contract.
The company also handed over the HTT-40 basic trainer, named Ankur, marking the start of deliveries under the IAF's contract for 70 aircraft.
In the civil aviation segment, HAL delivered four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans, marking the induction of the civil-certified version of the indigenous helicopter into commercial operations.
The deliveries span three key segments of HAL's aerospace portfolio — combat aviation, basic pilot training and civil helicopters.
The LCA FOC trainer is a lightweight, all-weather, multi-role 4.5-generation aircraft primarily intended for training IAF pilots while retaining the ability to undertake fighter operations when required.
The aircraft incorporates a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight-control system, relaxed static stability, advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics, carefree manoeuvring and extensive use of composite materials.
HAL said the technologies have enabled India to develop and operationalise an advanced twin-seat fighter aircraft capability.
The 5.5-tonne Dhruv NG is a light, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL.
The civil-certified variant has been developed for demanding Indian operating conditions while incorporating upgrades aimed at the wider civil aviation market.
It features a glass cockpit, modern avionics and navigation systems and enhanced situational awareness. Safety features include crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks and twin-engine redundancy.
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The HTT-40, developed by HAL's Aircraft Research and Design Centre, is an indigenous basic trainer designed to meet the primary flying-training requirements of India's defence services.
The turboprop aircraft features a modern cockpit and avionics suite and is designed for low-speed handling required during initial pilot training.
It can be used for aerobatics, general handling, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close-formation training.
HAL said the latest handovers underline the growing role of indigenous platforms and domestic industry in India's military and civil aerospace ecosystem.
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