saumitra_j wrote:Folks,
The third gent I met was involved in the Kaveri program. He told me that they are currently testing the endurance of the engine - they have done 3000 hours already. They need to do 4000 hours before they are certified to fit it on a twin engined aircraft - they have plans to fit it on the Mig 29 (did not get a chance to ask him where the airframe would come from...). Once they do 5000 hours, they will be certified to fit it on the LCA MK1.
I got conflicting info at the GTRE stall. When I asked a middle aged looking gent there about plans to fit and test Kaveri in a Mig-29 he was categorical that there are no such plans since CEMILAC will not allow to test an unproven engine in a manned platform. That did not make sense to me. I tried asking again in a different way but his response didn't change. He talked about testing the engine in IL-76 test bed. I had questions about how will they test Kaveri next if not in a proven twin engined airframe and why his claim of CEMILAC's objection was not making sense but decided not to press on.
At the ADA stall talked to another gent about AMCA. I asked him why the earlier designs in MCA avatar did not have a tail and the latest version does. He responded saying that as the design matured their simulations required the addition of rudders and elevators. I asked him if it was anything to do with earlier version's TVC control needing to handle the functions of the tail and he said current version also has TVC but did not elaborate. I had this thought that ADA perhaps did not want to take huge risk with a tailless aircraft and associated complex TVC controls, perhaps why they added the tail in final version. But he did not give any indicators. I did not press forward with my questions and my thinking (not wanting to be doubted for an agint
for prying a lot).
I attended on the last day and spend the noon post lunch visiting the stalls. Most of the stalls were busy dismantling their exhibits and packing. Also looks like many knowledgeable people stop hosting at the stalls around this time (compared to when I attended a weekday last time). Though I understand that last day last session feeling sets in to pack up and go back early, kind of dismays after spending a lot for entry. It will be better if the organizers charge a little less for the last day.
Did not see the Rudra or LCH doing manoeuvres. They just lifted off and flew across the sky.
A disappointment was being unable to check out the HAL Space Division pavilion to get the feel of the Mars landscape they recreated. They had barricaded around the perimeter of the entire HAL stall section. Quite a few models beyond the sight from the perimeter. I understand crowd control is a pain. But if they want to engage inquiring minds and inflame the passion for aviation, they need to be more open to the public on General visit days.
What was heart warming was the nascent fan base for Tejas among the general public. Many PYTs and guys cheered a lot whenever Tejas took to skies. Perhaps more than any other fighters (though the most cheers and oohs & aahs were reserved for the aerobatics teams).
Added later: It was also heart warming to see the stalls of Samtel avionics, Data Patterns and Alpha Technologies. Was telling my brother how they are chipping in and doing their utmost by way of sub systems for various programs.
In the Israeli, French and Russian sections I saw Indian female hosts instead of the regular phoren models from respective countries. There was a Make in India feeling in that way alright.
But they were not less prettier.