The Honorable Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (24-03-2024) inaugurated the first training aircraft Bangabandhu Basic Trainer (BBT) prepared by the Bangladesh Air Force in a casual ceremony at the Tejgaon Air Force Base located at the Air Force Base Bashar in a casual ceremony. The Hon’ble Prime Minister was welcomed by Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan, BBP, BUP, NSWC, FAWC, PSC on the occasion.
The journey of making Bangabandhu Basic Trainer (BBT) started in January 2020 from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University. It is possible to make airplanes in Bangladesh too – this dream and idea started the journey. After reviewing the various processes at various stages, the journey of aircraft construction began under the guidance of the honorable Prime Minister, People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh Air Force launched under the slogan of freeing the skies of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Air Force Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s privileged daughter built Bangladesh’s first aircraft Bangabandhu Basic with their own technical technology, their own engineers and manpower under the guidance of the Honorable Prime Minister of the Government of BangladeshTrainer-1 (BBT-1).This aircraft is capable of flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet at a speed of 180 kmph. On February 12, 2023, the aircraft completed its first test flight and created new history.
Similarly, the process of building the BBT-2 (Bangabandhu Basic Trainer-2) aircraft in the practical process of intellectual knowledge of the engineers of the Bangladesh Air Force began in December 2021. BBT-2 successfully completed maiden flight on 26 October 2023 to meet specific training requirements.
Note that the low wing design ensures stability and balance in handling the aircraft. As a result of the ingenious efforts of the engineers, the BBT-2 fuselage is constructed using wood and the connecting parts are made of aviation grade steel and aluminum. This well-thought-out engineering approach ensures both structural reliability and weight efficiency of the aircraft. The aircraft is capable of flying at a maximum speed of 250 km at an altitude of 20,000 feet with a maximum payload of 500 kg. All in all, the Bangabandhu Basic Trainer-II has brought the flying capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force to a new level.
The construction of this aircraft is a strong step in the implementation of the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to build a digital Bangladesh. This achievement of the Bangladesh Air Force has opened a new chapter written in golden letters in the glorious history of Bangladesh.
The event was attended by senior military and civilian officials among others.
