HAL signs contract worth over $100 million with Honeywell for HTT-40 engines

New Delhi: Navratna Defence PSU HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) has signed a contract worth over USD 100 million for the supply and manufacture of 88 TPE331-12B engines/kits along with maintenance and support services to power the Hindustan Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40). The contract was exchanged by Honeywell Defense & Space's Senior Director (OE Sales) Eric Walters and HAL's Executive Director (E& IMGT) B Krishna Kumar in Bengaluru on Wednesday in the presence of HAL CMD R Madhavan.

"HAL has successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) to address the basic training requirements of the IAF. There is a potential requirement of 70 aircraft. The contract for the same with IAF is under advanced stage of approval," said Madhavan.

"We are proud of our four-decade-long partnership with HAL and happy to extend our relationship with this new order," said Eric Walters. "The TPE331-12 family of engines has proven itself in operations all over the world, and we have committed to support and deliver engines as well as kits within the stipulated schedule to meet the requirements of the IAF. Honeywell is committed to supporting the export of HTT-40 aircraft in the coming years along with other engine programmes which are currently on the radar. This contract would pave the way for future collaboration between HAL and Honeywell.

The TPE331-12B engine is a single shaft turboprop engine with an integral inlet and gearbox, two-stage centrifugal compressor, power turbine, gearbox, three-stage axial turbine and turbine exhaust diffuser as well as EEC for reliable power and outstanding operational characteristics.

The HTT-40 prototypes are powered by TPE331-12B engines and has been serving well since 2014. Entering into this 'Manufacturing & Repair license agreement for Honeywell TPE331-12B Turboprop engine' marks a major milestone in the execution of 70 HTT-40 aircraft contracts with IAF. HAL is working closely with Honeywell for its support for the export potential of HTT-40. HAL and Honeywell are exploring other areas such as 1MW Turbo Generators, manufacturing, Repair & Overhaul of TPE 331-10GP / 12JR engines for variants of Dornier.

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