Bengaluru, Nov 9: In a major boost to defence PSU HAL, its Hindustan Turboprop Trainer (HTT 40), a Basic Trainer Aircraft, commenced its most awaited phase of the "spin test" by successfully entering into two-turn spin and subsequently recovering with the appropriate controls.

The aircraft was piloted by Gp Capt (Retd) K K Venugopal, DGM-Test Pilot from front cockpit and Gp Capt S Chaki (Retd), Sr Test Pilot (FW) from rear, a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) release said.

According to HAL, the spin testing is the most crucial and challenging aspect of flight testing of any aircraft development programme.

HALs Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) had conducted extensive wind tunnel testing and mathematical model analyses to arrive at the spin characteristics of the aircraft.

The entire study was put to test during the first few moments of spin testing, it said.

HAL CMD R. Madhavan said the successful start of the spin testing gave a boost to HAL and also restored its credibility in successfully designing a spin worthy aircraft.

Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering and R&D) said the spin completion was the last metric which needed to be accomplished before the aircraft entered service.

"As a matter of fact, HTT 40 exceeds the Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) on most fronts and offers a technologically advanced product than its competitor, Chatterjee said.

HAL said the project started its detail design in August 2013 with internal funding and quickly made its way to the spin tests in matter of five years.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.

The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.

Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.

A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.

The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.

The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.

The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.

Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.

As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.

On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.

General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.

The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.