Bengaluru,June 11, 2026:
Honeywell has delivered three TPE331‑12B engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) HTT‑40 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force.The delivery extends Honeywell’s decades-long collaboration with HAL and advances India’s efforts to expand in-country aerospace manufacturing and long-term support.
The TPE331‑12B engine has long record of performance in global military training fleets, including extensive service with Britain’s Ministry of Defence on the Short Tucano. Its selection for the HTT‑40 brings a proven propulsion system to India’s newest trainer aircraft and supports the Air Force’s requirement for reliable, responsive performance in a demanding training environment.
“The TPE331’s single-shaft design delivers immediate throttle response, which is critical for pilot training,” said Thandava Edara, Vice President of engineering and head of aerospace engineering, India, Honeywell Technology Solutions. “Our work with HAL and the Indian Air Force underscores our shared commitment to strengthening local manufacturing, assembly and long‑term support capabilities in India.”
HAL and Honeywell have collaborated for decades on the TPE331 engine family, including Transfer of Technology (ToT) for manufacturing and repair of TPE331-5 engines used on the Do-228 aircraft, and the supply of key components across HAL programs.The HTT-40, HAL’s indigenously developed basic trainer aircraft, is now in production for the Indian Defence Forces and is powered by Honeywell’s TPE331-12B engines.
“These deliveries mark a significant milestone for the HTT-40 program, and we are confident future engine deliveries will continue on schedule,” said Mr. Ravi K, chairman and managing director, HAL.“We look forward to deepening this partnership.”
Honeywell will supply the first 16 engines for the fleet, after which HAL will begin local engine assembly and expand in-country repair and overhaul capabilities. Over the coming years, more than 80 engines are planned to support the HTT‑40 program, further building India’s expertise in engine sustainment. HAL’s experience with the TPE engine family will support long‑term operation and maintenance of the HTT‑40 aircraft.
Developed for multiple applications within military, regional airline, agricultural and general aviation aircraft, TPE series engines now include 18 engine models and 106 configurations. To date, more than 13,000 engines have been delivered with more than 122 million hours of flight time, making the TPE331 one of the most reliable and proven turboprop engines in the world.
