srai wrote:JayS,
Gripen A example timelines you gave took 6-years
From what I remember, HAL will be trying out “Designed for Production” approach for a more smoother and quicker path to final build version. No more TD -> PV (differing specs) -> LSP (differing specs) -> SP that was undertaken for LCA Mk1. Instead it would be something like LSP -> SP. With LSP itself as close to final assembly specs and tolerance as possible.
if the first induction happened in 1993, when would the production have started for SP jets..?
First PT rolled out on 26th April 1987 on 50th Anni. of SAAB - interestingly a half completed PT was unveiled showing only starboard side.
First flight on 9 Dec 1988 - 18 month delay due to various issues
Three more prototypes followed, last of which had first flight in March 1991.
First Production aircraft entered Final assembly in Mid-1990.
First handover happened on 8 June 1993 (contract for 1st batch was signed way back in 82). (Actually this was second production aircraft, the first one was used as replacement for one of the crashed prototypes. So technically first production aircraft was ready in Sept 1992 itself).
As per that shitty report, 2022 is roll out and 3-4 year later it will go into production.
Gripen A rolled out in 1987 and Production for serial aircraft started sometime in 1990-91.
Test flight for Gripen A/B continues well after 1993. In fact it never really seems to have stopped, but smoothly transitioned into that for C/D. Again C/D was produced and handed over, even before some of its features were flight tested (e.g. IFR) of coarse they were cleared for use in service only after due certification only.
Also, what ADA had said, the very first prototype itself will be production standard. total 4 PT will be built and without any break production for SP will continue. They will not (and they should not) wait for certification milestones as was the case for LCA MK1. Of coarse induction in service will only happen after IOC.