Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned company in India, is about to start construction on the TPE331-12B Engine Facility for HTT-40 in the Engine Division (BC). This comes after HAL last year inked an agreement to supply and construct eighty-eight TPE331-12B engines and kits, as well as provide maintenance and support services, to power the Hindustan Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) for more than US$100 million.
Since 2014, the TPE331-12B engines powering the HTT-40 prototypes have been operating successfully. The signing of this “Manufacturing & Repair license agreement for Honeywell TPE331-12B Turboprop engine” last year was a significant step toward the completion of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) deal for 70 HAL HTT-40 aircraft.
The TPE331-12B engine is a single-shaft turboprop that features an integrated gearbox and inlet, a two-stage centrifugal compressor, a power turbine, a gearbox, a three-stage axial turbine, and an exhaust diffuser for the turbine. It also has an EEC for consistent power and exceptional performance.
The launch of the TPE331-12B Engine Facility is a noteworthy development for the aerospace sector in India. It will lessen India’s dependency on foreign suppliers by enabling HAL to produce and maintain the TPE331-12B engine domestically. In addition, the facility will strengthen the local economy and generate jobs.
