LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

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ramana
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by ramana »

MAWS is no Karna's kavach but adds liability for LCA type light aircraft which do not intend to be in those type of situations.

If it were flying a transport aircraft yes MAWS is desiderata.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Karan M »

Well, any fighter would benefit from the presence of a MAWS. The MAWS can help in BVR, WVR, against SAMs - so highly useful. When tied to some automated defense system - say automatic triggering of RWR/Chaff/Flares/SPJ - it can be a real help. It is mostly passive. Only EF uses active RF MAWS so fighters can fly silent. However, it adds weight, volume & for compact aircraft aerodynamic concerns. For LCA, i believe last is the critical part. EMI/EMC is one thing, but you add four bulky boxes on the airframe, and suddenly drag, flight envelope will be messed up. If it can affect a bruiser the size of the Su-30, it will most certainly affect the LCA. Having said that, the F-16 pylon style approach may help. See page 6 (https://www.terma.com/media/286668/4346 ... ochure.pdf). Again, clearing the flight envelope and adding stores.

IMO - RWR is essential. Radar + Radar guided missiles
Chaff & flares - ditto for radar and IR guided systems. Some new techniques are emerging against even IIR units
SPJ -essential for an air to air fighter or one targeted by air to air. Over time, add wider band arrays.

Over and beyond this, one can add MAWS, towed decoys etc.
ramana
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by ramana »

Good summary. Should put lurkers to sleep.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Zynda »

Karan M wrote:Having said that, the F-16 pylon style approach may help. See page 6 (https://www.terma.com/media/286668/4346 ... ochure.pdf). Again, clearing the flight envelope and adding stores.
Sweet!!! Along with providing a housing for protection systems, full weapon carrying capacity is retained. Should be pursued once other EW systems are completed, up & running to a satisfactory level.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Kartik »

Karan M wrote:Well, any fighter would benefit from the presence of a MAWS. The MAWS can help in BVR, WVR, against SAMs - so highly useful. When tied to some automated defense system - say automatic triggering of RWR/Chaff/Flares/SPJ - it can be a real help. It is mostly passive. Only EF uses active RF MAWS so fighters can fly silent. However, it adds weight, volume & for compact aircraft aerodynamic concerns. For LCA, i believe last is the critical part. EMI/EMC is one thing, but you add four bulky boxes on the airframe, and suddenly drag, flight envelope will be messed up. If it can affect a bruiser the size of the Su-30, it will most certainly affect the LCA. Having said that, the F-16 pylon style approach may help. See page 6 (https://www.terma.com/media/286668/4346 ... ochure.pdf). Again, clearing the flight envelope and adding stores.

IMO - RWR is essential. Radar + Radar guided missiles
Chaff & flares - ditto for radar and IR guided systems. Some new techniques are emerging against even IIR units
SPJ -essential for an air to air fighter or one targeted by air to air. Over time, add wider band arrays.

Over and beyond this, one can add MAWS, towed decoys etc.
The FC-1/JF-17 features a MAWS, as does the Gripen E. So it can be installed on a light fighter despite the weight and volume restrictions. Drag can be managed IMO through careful placement, since these are small bumps on the aircraft's fuselage and wings.

Image
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Karan M »

Kartik, it has to be designed for. Adding it later, is not easy. The Tejas is truly a compact light fighter. The JF-17, not so much.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Karan M »

There is literally no real estate space inside the Tejas to add an internal MAWS and adding additional MAWS apertures will worsen the aerodynamics.

For Su-30 MKI, CEMILAC, DARE, IAF etc went through huge effort to even find a schema to add the MAWS to it. Original plan to cut holes and add the boxes was quickly dropped. Same issue with LCA.

This is the reason why podded jammer is now being talked of for Mk1A. If you want to add internal EW suite, where will you fit it, without messing up maintenance, minimizing wire length (Tx to antenna wire = losses), EMI/EMC, avoiding hydraulics issues overlap etc etc.

Mk2 would have seen entire schema redesign plus 0.5 mtr plug. Extra space to move some avionics boxes around, reroute wires etc.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by brar_w »

Without the MK2's increase in size the most cost effective way would be the PIDS type approach linked above.

Image
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Kartik »

Is that MAWS sensor mounted on a pylon?
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by brar_w »

Not sure what the graphic shows mounted (could be MAWS or other aperture) but there are MAWS out there that are compatible with the PIDS+ so it as a design can accommodate them on aircraft not designed to support them from the start (or if the operator does not want to engage in a redesign). Again something similar can be done on the LCA MK1 by working with more modern technology at a later date.

EDIT -

Image

Image

https://www.terma.com/media/105019/4868 ... screen.pdf
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Indranil »

I don't know what the plan of record is. But the above solution is a good one. I wish we don't go down that spiral of, "oh! but what percentage of LCA is indigenous". If DARE can't do this, import.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by tsarkar »

Kartik wrote:The FC-1/JF-17 features a MAWS
That is a Chinese/Pakistani propaganda prototype. Not sure if there is even anything under the blisters. :rotfl:

I'm yet to see a single production example with RWR or MAWS.

Even for IFR, they posted a fake mockup of South African style mid body probe for Nawaz Sharief Photo Op whereas the Chinese tested a more conventional nose probe. BTW Pak Block 2 still doesnt have IFR.
Last edited by tsarkar on 20 Jul 2017 18:49, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Cain Marko »

But but won't the pylon mounted MAWS also result in aerodynamic issues....
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by brar_w »

Given the trade off it is well worth the effort given that it is essentially a mount and can be taken off much like the external SPJ. If you want a completely clean install you have to commit to a pretty significant design change with all the cost, risk and schedule that it entails.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by srai »

brar_w wrote:Without the MK2's increase in size the most cost effective way would be the PIDS type approach linked above.

Image
Seems like a pretty good approach. Looks like these pylons can carry bombs as well.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by shaun »

Issues that came up in installing MAWS on MKI , was weight of the sensors and Drdo lacking platforms . Issues were ironed out but don't know about it's present status.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by brar_w »

srai wrote:Seems like a pretty good approach. Looks like these pylons can carry bombs as well.
The interface and space is provided although there may be a restriction on certain types of weapons that could be carried when the MAWS is installed (PIDS+ configuration).

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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Kartik »

Indranil wrote:I don't know what the plan of record is. But the above solution is a good one. I wish we don't go down that spiral of, "oh! but what percentage of LCA is indigenous". If DARE can't do this, import.
Agreed. But it won't be a simple install. The LCA's current pylons will need to be modified and studies will be needed to see the effect on drag and interference with other weapons. But definitely doable.

Like you mentioned, no idea whether there is any plan to install MAWS on LCA Mk1A or not..or even on Mk2. Any idea if the MAWS was considered a part of the EW suite?
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by srai »

^^^
Haven't seen any posters that mentions MAWS as part of EW suite for LCA. Integrated RWJ is the next upgrade to the current Mk.1 RWR EW suite.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by srai »

brar_w wrote:Without the MK2's increase in size the most cost effective way would be the PIDS type approach linked above.

Image
Similar MAWS approach being taken by DARE for MKI.

Image
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Austin »

The pylon mounter MAWS looks beefy and likely draggy too , Plus they would need power which I assume the current engine can provide but no harm in doing such studies , We need MAWS across all the platform else few lakh Rs MANPAD can take out aircraft worth crore just because the aircraft does not know its under attack
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by shaun »

srai wrote:
Similar MAWS approach being taken by DARE for MKI.

Image
The pod will be carrying all the 6 sensors , don't think so.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by srai »

^^^
Well, the poster shows at least 4 being carried in that pylon interface (front and back for each outermost pylons). Missing are 2. Probably one on top (can see a blue spot) and one on the bottom of the main fuselage.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Bala Vignesh »

Can this be mounted in lieu of the LDP, on the inlet hardpoint?? Would free up the rest of the underwing and belly hardpoint for weapons carriage. Not​ sure how much disturbance will be induced in the air flow due to this.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Karan M »

shaun wrote:Issues that came up in installing MAWS on MKI , was weight of the sensors and Drdo lacking platforms . Issues were ironed out but don't know about it's present status.
Not merely weight but installation. Cutting holes in MKI and putting them on airframe for full coverage affected aerodynamics.

The DARE pylon approach is better & can be adapted for the LCA.

But it needs to be tested.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Karan M »

Bala Vignesh wrote:Can this be mounted in lieu of the LDP, on the inlet hardpoint?? Would free up the rest of the underwing and belly hardpoint for weapons carriage. Not​ sure how much disturbance will be induced in the air flow due to this.
MAWS are optic sensors. One for top coverage, one below, two below each wing, front and back.

So only two sensors wont work.

However, a pod with at least five sensors may help.
https://www.terma.com/media/324728/mase_pod.pdf

Your coverage above the aircraft will be reduced but a bubble for the rest may exist. Challenge is LCA has large wing.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Karan M »

In fact DRDO had released a pic of a SIVA pod with exactly such an arrangement of multiple apertures. I suspect it was a MAWS test
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by AdityaM »

Not sure if this video has been posted before. If it has, then I will delete it.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Manish_Sharma »

Mort Walker wrote:What we are seeing now is the cost of strategic neglect by successive governments. If today there an additional 400 LCA, 1000 extra pieces of 155mm guns, and 500 additional Arjuns - it would have made this situation much easier to handle.

My guess is that eventually the IA will withdraw from Dok La given the strategic constraints. The argument will be made to fight another day and then everyone goes back to sleep dreaming of the next 5th gen. fighter aircraft.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Mort Walker »

Today the IAF combat aircraft should have been 400 LCA, 400 Su-30MKI, 200 Mig-29, and 40 Mirage 2000 (in the process of being phased out for an additional 200 LCA) and everything else sent to recycling.

Lifetime cost savings would have been considerable.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Cybaru »

shaun wrote:
srai wrote:
Similar MAWS approach being taken by DARE for MKI.

Image
The pod will be carrying all the 6 sensors , don't think so.
Has this passed trials? What phase is this product in? This is pretty cool. Hope they do this for LCA soon.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by SaiK »

This was planned only for MKI per reports and it was a joint (or parts supplied by) DARE+Israel venture to build this.
BTW, did they resolve the oversize sensor issues (CAG/2015)?
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Manish_P »

Very nice
AdityaM wrote:Not sure if this video has been posted before. If it has, then I will delete it.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by ashishvikas »

Tejas-LCA Admin on Facebook confirms no foreign AESA coming for MK1-A.

Is it true that Uttam will be integrated on MK.1A from day 1 and not a foreign AESA sir?
> Yes


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 9156428208
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Marten »

ashishvikas wrote:Tejas-LCA Admin on Facebook confirms no foreign AESA coming for MK1-A.

Is it true that Uttam will be integrated on MK.1A from day 1 and not a foreign AESA sir?
> Yes


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 9156428208
Does this mean MK1a is due only in June 2018? Perhaps since the number of test points are lower, they could qualify the upgrades in a quicker manner. Would have been nice if we could learn if they have found space for the retracting mechanism or an alternative solution for the IFR while designing Uttam mount points.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by SaiK »

Every negativity is true till we buy the F-16s or Gripen.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by ramana »

Deejay What are the merits of the IFR for LCA right now?

Is it a must or a want?

Will the quest for a want further delay it further?

I think this MAWS is a red herring want.
Its needed on other planes but not on LCA which operates beyond MANPADs and carries BVR.
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by SaiK »

pl ignore if you have linked this earlier this month. If not, something positive to chew on.
http://www.dailydefencenews.com/nirbhay ... -material/

On the naval variant of Tejas–Mark II (light combat aircraft), Dr. Christopher said the prototype was ready and had fulfilled the parameters of ski-jump on board aircraft carriers. But the Navy had been insisting on twin engines and they were working on the power of the engines. “We are also looking for strategic partners and the partner may be a foreign firm that would provide back-end support,” he said.
perplexing statements, countering a twin engine requirement to the power of the engines, with a masala news laced later on backend support. it must be DDM
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Vivek K »

Is insistence on IFR prior to FOC a red herring? Especially for a force with only 6 refuellers. I wonder what is the availability of the IL-78s. Since these are not your typical commercial aircraft, what is the uptime of the 78s - 50% or less? How many 78s would be available for LCAs tasked with homeland defence? Or will the refuellers be reserved for the MKIs, M2k, Mig 29 and Jags that would be performing deep strike. Wouldn't you want to use the LCA and its useful load to take on and destroy incoming aircraft?

What is the next production aircraft and has HAL established manufacture of 16 a/c per year?
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Re: LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

Post by Dileep »

ashishvikas wrote:Tejas-LCA Admin on Facebook confirms no foreign AESA coming for MK1-A.

Is it true that Uttam will be integrated on MK.1A from day 1 and not a foreign AESA sir?
> Yes


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 9156428208
There is strong push for uttam from the top, so it is going to happen.

BTW, there is no news of the impasse being passe. No news here is not good news.
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