Hindustan Aeronautics has unveiled the first prototype of their Hindustan Turboprop Trainer HTT-40 two seat basic training aircraft.

The aircarft which is powered by Honewell TPE331-12B turboprop engines will soon begin ground runs and taxi trials before it undertakes it's maiden flight later this year.

The future of this aircraft had been in some doubt over the last few years as the Indian Air Force ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7s in 2012 to fulfill the role that the HTT-40 was originally planned for. In February 2015 it was announced that as well as a follow on order for 38 further PC-7s the Indian Air Force would also place an order for 68 HTT-40s to operate alongside the Swiss built trainers.