Bangladesh’s first locally-made aircraft

The second prototype of the Bangabandhu Basic Trainer (BBT) aircraft was unveiled by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the Military Hardware Display 2024.

The development of BBT-1 and BBT-2 is a landmark for the country’s aviation industry.

Local designers, engineers and technicians of Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre (BAC) have built the aircraft using own technology in Lalmonirhat under the supervision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU).

Design

-Retractable tricycle landing gear (wheel at the nose)

-Low-wing design arrangement

-Frame made of wood, aviation-grade steel and aluminum

-2 seats; both pilots can operate 

-Built for training; can be used in light attacks 

-Can carry two extra passengers or a stretcher with a patient

BBT-1: First prototype of Bangabandhu Basic Trainer 

-Manufacturing began in January 2020

-Completed in one and a half years 

-Maiden flight on February 12, 2023

BBT-2: Bigger, safer, stronger 

-Manufacturing began in February 2022

-First flight on October 26, 2023

-Commercial set up to take 3-4 months

-Cost of raw materials is Tk1.5 crore

-Imported trainer aircraft costs Tk5-6 crore

Imported tools

-Engine: 100HP, Rolls-Royce M250 340 kW turboprop

-Propeller, avionics and safety equipment 

Key features

-Length: 6.10m

-Height: 1.84m

-Wing span: 8.18m

-Speed: 61-250km/hr

-Service ceiling: 20,000 feet 

-Weight carrying capacity: 500-800kg

Flying capacity

-5.5-6hrs at a stretch 

-1,000km in full tank 

-Fuel consumption is 12-16L/hour