Bangabandhu Basic Trainer

The Bangabandhu Basic Trainer is a type of light training aircraft used by the Bangladesh Air Force. It has two variants: the BBT-1 and BBT-2, both used for training purposes.

The BBT-1 was initiated in January 2020 as a joint project by the Bangladesh Aeronautical Centre, and the Aviation and Aerospace University, Bangladesh, with production based at Lalmonirhat Airport. ^[1] The BBT-1 is considered the first aircraft to be locally manufactured in Bangladesh. ^[2]

On 24 March 2024, the BBT-2 successfully completed its maiden flight.

BBT-1 at Military Hardware Display 2024

BBT-2

The BBT-2 is a military basic trainer and light attack aircraft developed jointly by the Bangladesh Aeronautical Centre (BAC) and Aermacchi, a subsidiary of the Italian defense company Leonardo. Featuring a retractable tricycle landing gear and a low-wing configuration, the modern aircraft is powered by a 340 kW Rolls-Royce M250 turboprop engine. It is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 354 km/h, with a range of 1,000 km and a service ceiling of approximately 6,500 m.

The BBT-2 has a two-person crew capacity and can accommodate two additional passengers or a stretcher with a patient in emergency situations. It is equipped with advanced avionics and safety systems sourced from leading U.S. and European manufacturers, including Honeywell, Garmin, and Martin-Baker. Designed as a side-by-side seat military trainer, the aircraft is currently undergoing test flights. The initial test flight took place in November 2023, and the BBT-2 successfully completed its official maiden flight on 24 March 2024.

References

1. "FACTBOX: Bangladesh's first locally-made aircraft". Dhaka Tribune.
2. "Bangladesh Air Force produces first-ever trainer aircraft". New Age. 24 March 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2025.