HAL signs $100 Mn contract for Honeywell engines to power indigenous trainer aircraft
India’s premier aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a $100 Million contract with the US engine manufacturer Honeywell on July 27 for the import of 88 engines for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT)-40 trainer aircraft.
HAL has designed and developed the HTT-40 as a Stage-1 trainer for the armed forces. This role is currently being performed by the Pilatus PC-7 aircraft imported from Switzerland a decade ago.
This is the second significant success for the US aero engine Industry in India’s Defence market after the take-off with the GE-404 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the look-ahead with the more powerful GE-414 for LCA programme follow-ons as well as for the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).
“There is potential requirement of 70 aircraft. The contract for the same with IAF is under advanced stage of approval,” HAL CMD R Madhavan said of the HTT-40 at the contract signing ceremony.
The contract is for the supply and manufacture of 88 TPE331-12B engines/kits along with maintenance and support services to power the HTT-40. Prototypes of this aircraft have been powered by TPE331-12B engines 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 contract with IAF,” according to an HAL statement.
The TPE331-12B engine is a single shaft turboprop engine with 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.
Contract documents were exchanged by Eric Walters, Senior Director Honeywell, and B Krishna Kumar, Executive Director HAL in the presence of Madhavan.
Bolstered by the engine contract, the two sides are pursuing a collaboration on pushing exports of the HTT-40. “Honeywell is committed to support export of HTT-40 aircraft in coming years along with other engine programmes which are currently on radar. This contract would pave the way for future collaboration between HAL and Honeywell,” said Walters.
“We are proud of our four-decade long partnership with HAL and happy to extend our relationship with this new order,” he said.
“HAL is working closely with Honeywell for its support for 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,” HAL stated in unison.
“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,” the Honeywell honcho added.
