LCA News and Discussions, 22-Oct-2013

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 20 Dec 2013 17:34

http://frontierindia.net/indias-homegro ... z2o1A2amLY

Tons of details here gentlemen. Good job Chacko!!

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 20 Dec 2013 17:50

LCA Tejas is capable of flying non- stop to destinations over 1700 km away (Ferry Range). It’s Radius of Action is upto 500 km depending upon the nature and duration of actual combat.

http://frontierindia.net/indias-homegro ... z2o1F8pVsn

Chacko, are these numbers confirmed? 1700 km ferry range seems awfully low. Or is that on internal fuel alone (no drop tanks)?

member_23360 · Post by **member_23360** » 20 Dec 2013 17:52

IAF chief is talking about MK2 and GE 414 as if without that LCA is not much of use for them, he should remember that Originally it was Navy who had requested GE 414 and Mk2 for Carrier operations !!

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 20 Dec 2013 17:53

nice one chacko.

historic moment to see IOC. next milestone would be induction of 1st LCA sqn for IAF.

nachiket, that should be internal fuel only.

member_20317 · Post by **member_20317** » 20 Dec 2013 18:09

Karan M wrote:http://frontierindia.net/indias-homegro ... z2o1A2amLY

Tons of details here gentlemen. Good job Chacko!!

Article gives the following data point. But is the ferry range with full Internal Fuel only or with both Full Internal and External Fuel?

LCA Tejas is capable of flying non- stop to destinations over 1700 km away (Ferry Range). It’s Radius of Action is upto 500 km depending upon the nature and duration of actual combat.

Also the following poster (Feb 2011) says [Mach 1.6, Ceiling Altitude Reached]. By now I guess they should have released some further information in this regard. Net has a lot of conflicting information.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 20 Dec 2013 18:14

IAF to induct six squadrons of Tejas, says Defence Minister Antony

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct six squadrons of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas after the multirole supersonic fighter gets the final operational clearance (FOC) by 2014-end, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said on Friday.

"The IAF will induct the first squadron of LCA Mark-1 from 2015 and second squadron from 2017. Production of Mark-1 will start soon.

"Later, IAF will accept four squadrons of Mark-II, while the Indian Navy will induct 40 of the aircraft's naval variant," Antony told reporters here after a function where Tejas received the initial operational clearance (IOC) for flight tests by the air force pilots.

Each squadron will have 20 aircraft and will replace the ageing Russian-made MiG-21 fleet the IAF will phase out gradually. The squadrons will be based at Sulur Air Force Base near Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu.

"The IAF requirement will go up to 200. The Mark-1 will be fitted with GE-404 engines and Mark-II GE-414 engine. As this aircraft meets the staff requirement of the IAF, it has accepted it. Improvements to the aircraft have enhanced its flight envelope and its weapon delivery capability," Antony said.

Indian Air Force chief N.A.K. Browne said the IAF pilots will start flying Tejas from Saturday over the next 12 months for its FOC by December 2014.

Noting LCA has become a reality, Antony said that the next 12 months will be critical for all the stakeholders for the FOC.

"They (defence agencies) have to do a lot. If they can do up this, they are capable of producing the most modern fighting aircraft, as only five-six countries have such a capability," he said.

The state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (Cemilac) are the defence agencies which have designed, developed, manufactured and certified the world's lightest and smallest combat jet.

"As we don't have an LCA simulator, our senior and very experienced pilots will fly Tejas over the next 12 months to assess its flying and combat capabilities for FOC and induction into the fleet," said Air Chief Marshal Browne, adding that an LCA simulator was on cards.

As the indigenous Kaveri engine of the state-run Gas Turbine and Research Establishment (GTRE) of the DRDO, which is yet to qualify for certification, HAL, the lead manufacturer of the LCA, will source the GE-404 and GE-414 aero-engines from the US-based General Electric (GE) for Mark-1 and Mark-II aircraft.

"The Kaveri engine is under development. It will take time. At the moment, we are using GE engines. Kaveri project is not abandoned. We can make it. Indigenisation of an aero-engine takes time. We have plan for that. If we can make aircraft like the LCA, warships, tanks and missiles, we can also make aero-engines," Antony said.

LakshO · Post by **LakshO** » 20 Dec 2013 19:10

Jan 2001 to Dec 2013 was one long, rough road to ride and finally, we are here. Kudos to all teams involved - IAF, ADA, DRDO, testing team etc.

On this happy occasion, my only regret is the power plant. I wish GTRE could get Kaveri to work

akashganga · Post by **akashganga** » 20 Dec 2013 19:11

Congratulations to team TEJAS/LCA and IAF. It is a great day for India. This is just a beginning of home grown advanced aircraft going in to service. I foresee more and more advanced home grown aircraft and high-tech stuff going into service in future. This a day to remember and celebrate. Team TEJAS/LCA are unsung heroes. They were not given credit and instead press wrote so many negative stories about them. In the end team TEJAS won. Satameva Jayate. Cheers India.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 20 Dec 2013 19:54

thank you chacko.. do you have an enlarged pic of the photo with the IOC certificate being handed over by AK to the air chief? just enough to read the text?

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 20 Dec 2013 19:56

LakshO wrote: I wish GTRE could get Kaveri to work

I removed the sad smile.. this is not a wish, but a mandatory requirement for the nation.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 20 Dec 2013 21:48

Paraphrasing the great Rajinikanth "Late'a vandhaalum, Latest'a varanum"

Congrats ADA, DRDO, HAL & all affiliated organizations!!

Indranil · Post by **Indranil** » 20 Dec 2013 22:26

JF-17's super ugly IFR probe makes me very inquisitive about the LCA's refueling probe. They have said that it will be retracting. At the very least, it can be like the semi retractable ones on the Mig-29 upgrades.

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 20 Dec 2013 23:32

Clicky

Live video feeds from the helmet sights of three Tejas fighters enthralled an audience of officials and journalists today at Bangalore's HAL Airport...

Anyway we can see links to these videos posted on BRF?

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 21 Dec 2013 00:53

^from jtull's clicky:
12 month to-do list:

1. Expand flight envelope to -3.5 to 8G (Currently -2 to 6G).
2. 24° angle of attack (Currently 22°).
3. In-flight refuelling capability (Integration of Cobham probe complete).
4. Demonstration of Rafael ADS Derby BVR air-to-air missile.
5. Demonstration of Rafael ADS Python-5 IIR close combat missile (Related post here).
6. Completion of integration & demonstration of KBP Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 23mm cannon.
7. New design drop tanks for supersonic flight.
8. New radome to improve radar and electromagnetic performance.
9. Validate more efficient cooling system for aircraft braking assembly.
10. Additional weapons testing, including PGMs.

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 21 Dec 2013 01:00

so nice to know of the good news of LCA IOC and handing over to IAF.

kudos to all involved.

Truly will be momentous if we can manufacture the engine locally.

member_27718 · Post by **member_27718** » 21 Dec 2013 03:06

One small question. As IOC-2 is achieved and IAF Pilots can start flying Tejas from Saturday. Does it mean all LSPs are on IOC-2 standard? And how many aircraft's will be available to IAF to test it for next one year?

srai · Post by **srai** » 21 Dec 2013 03:16

gauravsharma wrote:One small question. As IOC-2 is achieved and IAF Pilots can start flying Tejas from Saturday. Does it mean all LSPs are on IOC-2 standard? And how many aircraft's will be available to IAF to test it for next one year?

Only from SP-3 onwards (mid-2014) are going to be IOC-2 standard. SP-1 & 2 will have slight deviations since plate cutting had already begun before IOC-2 finalization. LSPs are at different configurations with the last two, LSP-7 & 8, being closest to SP-IOC2 level. The IAF plans to have 4 aircrafts (SP-3-6) in 2014 for squadron formation activities.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 05:30

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 05:44

The IAF Chief says it as it is.

IAF chief Norman Browne's speech today at the Tejas IOC ceremony.

“I am greatly honoured to be here today to witness the grant of IOC to TEJAS, our indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. This day marks a historic milestone and signifies India’s entry into a select group of nations capable of designing their own state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.

Having come a long way since the finalisation of Air Staff Requirements(ASR) in 1985, Tejas has completed an arduous journey through a complex and challenging design and development process and has achieved the required certification standards for airworthiness, manoeuvrability and air to air as well as air to ground weaponisation. It is indeed a proud day for the nation and particularly for the IAF; since the grant of IOC acknowledges the capabilities of this aircraft and paves the way for induction of LCA MK I into operational service.

Given the complex regional security paradigm, India faces unique challenges in its endeavour to secure national interests and ensure a stable environment for its socio-economic growth. Since aerospace power presents the most prompt and effective response options, the IAF has embarked upon a comprehensive enhancement of its capabilities with an overarching goal of acquiring full spectrum dominance. The wholehearted support and firm commitment by the Government has catalysed IAF’s transformational journey and has facilitated the successful induction of state-of-the-art platforms and weapon systems. This modernisation roadmap envisages many more such acquisitions in coming years and these capabilities will enable the IAF to field a host of sovereign options for our nation in its response to future security challenges.

However, the creation of a modern and capable military capability for our nation’s defence hinges entirely on the foundation of a robust indigenous industrial base. This is particularly true for the military aviation sector since it involves high end research and specialised production facilities. Design of a modern fighter aircraft encompasses an array of niche technologies that are very expensive and invariably subject to stringent technology denial regimes. Therefore, the success achieved in this important national project is highly significant since it demonstrates India’s scientific prowess and puts our nation firmly on the path of achieving self reliance in the critical aerospace sector.

The design and development process for LCA Tejas has added tremendous learning value for our scientific fraternity as well as HAL and has created a vast repository of knowledge during the design refinement and realignment over these years. These must not be lost as we move onto other programmes. Through the initial phases, the Technology Demonstrator as well as the Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft proved the fundamental strength of this platform while incorporating multiple enhancements for retaining LCA’s efficacy in the fast paced and technology driven operational environment. Today, the LCA project has seen successful integration of a state-of-the-art avionics suite in a well defined glass cockpit configuration. The aircraft uses significant composite structures and incorporates robust control laws for the digital fly-by-wire system. Successful integration of various types of air to air and air to ground weapons have added the much needed firepower to this fighter. All of these core technologies and design features have made Tejas a truly modern fighter aircraft inspite of being the smallest and lightest in its class.

I congratulate all the test pilots, scientists, engineers and technicians at ADA, NFTC, HAL and CEMILAC for making this day a reality. Their devotion and professionalism in this vital project has been instrumental in achieving the IOC certification. I also commend the senior leadership in the agencies involved with the LCA programme for their co-operation and commitment in ensuring continuous progress even in the face of seemingly insurmountable hurdles during the D&D process. Their significant contributions helped us overcome numerous impediments that threatened to stall this project from time to time.

I also appreciate the indispensible role played by each one of you in ensuring an immaculate flight safety record in the Tejas programme. The progress of such a challenging experimental project without any accident or incident is unprecedented in the history of aviation.

Personally, I greatly value my association with the Tejas programme since 2007; when I took over as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff. And as I prepare to hang up the uniform at this month-end, I would have gone home as a sad person; if the LCA IOC had not been achieved. So my sincere thanks to the LCA team for making this wish come true. Having experienced the trials and tribulations of this complex programme first hand, I acknowledge the tremendous hard work put in by all players in successful culmination of the first phase. I also would like to highlight several initiatives that were put in place in last few years to add impetus and resolve the inherent weakness of the management structure. Together with Mr Natarajan and subsequently with Dr Saraswat and now Dr Avinash Chandra, we were able to bring changes to the organisational and management echelons and this resulted in enhanced efficiency and productivity in the LCA programme.

The constitution of an IAF Project Monitoring Team along with the decision to ensure continuity of the test crew at NFTC have since paid rich dividends by providing necessary traction to the certification process. You will agree that these teams along with several internal committees have facilitated regular interface and close interactions between users and designers, thus enabling smooth conduct of trials in critical stages of the programme. It is important for us to imbibe the key lessons learnt in this process and exploit them gainfully as we move forward in this programme.

While the nation celebrates grant of IOC to Tejas, we cannot rest on these laurels since our work is well ‘cut out’ for the days ahead. With the series production of 20 IOC aircraft being an immediate goal, ADA with its associated design partners and HAL have to continue steering the project steadily towards achievement of FOC standards by Dec 2014, as directed by Hon’ble RM. It is also imperative that we establish a robust spare support supply chain for maintaining the fleet in the coming years. With the integration of new BVR missiles, integral guns and air to air refuelling capability, LCA will acquire increased potency and enhanced operational efficiency as envisaged at the FOC level.

As the programme gathers pace, we must remember that the final goal for all of us is not just the LCA Mk I, but the LCA Mk II. While our air warriors are fully geared up to induct and operationalise the two Mark I squadrons, IAF keenly looks forward to induction of four squadrons of LCA MK II as the final version in its projected force structure.

This calls for a focussed and coherent approach by all stake holders with determined efforts to overcome all existing weak areas in design and management. The two primary design drivers already identified by us are the critical GE 414 engine integration for enhanced thrust along with perhaps a better intake design and improved maintainability of the platform. With better HMI functionality and a more efficient avionic system architecture, these design improvements promise to add to LCA’s operational capabilities, as envisioned in the ASR. Under pinning these design improvements is the immediate need to adopt efficient management structures. Although we have the most qualified and capable designers and engineers as part of our team, reluctance to change impedes our ability to make mid course corrections and steer the project away from obvious pitfalls. The way ahead calls for close monitoring and monthly reviews at the highest levels. I therefore, urge all agencies to be ready to ‘bite the bullet’ and never hesitate in making tough decisions as they work towards the final induction of LCA MK II into IAF.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Government and in particular the Hon’ble RM for his persistence and for the guidance in this crucial programme. In fact, Hon’ble RM has been constantly driving the Tejas programme through his keen oversight and personal involvement and provided the necessary impetus at critical stages of the project. I thank you Sir for your patronage and assure you of IAF’s commitment to the realisation of this vital national goal.

On behalf of all personnel of Indian Air Force, I once again congratulate all the project participants from ADA, NAL, HAL, BEL, CEMILAC, the Navy and air warriors of the IAF for this remarkable achievement. The nation is indeed proud of you and your commitment to the all-important goal of self reliance in the defence sector. I wish you even greater success in your service to the nation as you prepare yourselves for the challenging yet exciting times ahead. Good luck, Happy Landings and God Speed.

Jai Hind!

So the next time some troll or half baked journo whines about MiG-21++ or three legged cheetah etc, point them to what the IAF thinks of the LCA today, as backed by none other than the CAS.

He is clear about the capabilities it brings to the table and you have firm commitment to 4 squadrons of MK2 (and given requirements, even those numbers may rise)

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 21 Dec 2013 05:48

Thank you KaranM and RahulM

nachiket, internal fuel. Enough for atleast 250 kms deep ingress and ops. Tankers are there if it ever required additional fuel.

Saik,

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 05:52

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/scienc ... 482654.ece

In its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, India has found an ideal replacement for the MiGs which have for decades been the mainstay of the country’s air defence, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said after handing over the Release to Service Certificate of the country’s own LCA to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne at a function in Bangalore.

The event marked the fruition of three decades of efforts to make a fighter aircraft of international standards. The Initial Operational Clearance-II of Tejas, the LCA has come barely a week after the flying of the iconic Mig 21 FL fighter into IAF’s history.

Speaking to the media at the grant of Initial Operational Clearance-II to the LCA MK-I, that has been designed and produced by Aeronautical Development Agency along with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said “this aircraft meets the staff requirement of the Indian Air Force and so they have accepted it.”

During the last three years, he said, the capabilities of the aircraft have been improved significantly and the Indian Air Force has thus decided to grant it the higher IOC for induction into service. “The improvements to the aircraft have enhanced the flight envelope of the aircraft and also its weapon delivery capability.”

Mr. Antony, who also witnessed a flight and operation capability display by three LCA MK I aircraft, said with the grant of the IOC-II, the aircraft has entered the production phase. “The LCA MK-I would go into immediate production and two squadrons comprising 40 aircraft would be raised by the Indian Air Force by 2015 and 2017 respectively and they would be based in Sulur in Tamil Nadu.”

After this the production of MK-II variant would be undertaken and IAF would raise four squadrons. In all about 200 aircraft would be inducted into the force. On why more aircraft would not be inducted, Air Chief Marshal Browne said it was so because the operational requirement for a particular type of aircraft were limited. “We require a balanced force which also has medium and heavy aircraft. The LCA seeks to replace the MiGs, whereas the medium range comprises aircraft like Mirage and the heavy like Sukhoi.”

About 250 MiGs still remain in the IAF which at the peak of their use had about 600 of them. The IAF had started decommissioning Mig 21 Type FL 77 category earlier this month.

Mr. Antony said with the IOC-2, the LCA project will become a reality now and IAF pilots will start flying the aircraft from “tomorrow”. He termed this development the “semi final” before the Final Operational Clearance due in December next year. In the coming year, mid-air refuelling capability would be added to the aircraft and beyond visual range (BVR) missiles would be installed before it goes for Final Operational Clearance in December 2014.

The Minister, however, urged the scientists working on the project not to get complacent as the next phase was critical.

As for the future, Mr. Antony said some of the projects on the anvil include the MK II variants for Navy and Air Force, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Unmanned Air Systems, Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and the Medium Transport Aircraft.

On the delays that plagued the project, Mr. Antony said lessons have been learnt and “we have reached a stage where we can say that we can make it”. He admitted that the production of the aircraft engine -- which is of General Electric 404 make as the indigenously developed Kaveri engine could not live up to the expectation – remains a challenge. “But we are still working on it and have not given up. The MK-II variant will have the GE 414 engine.”

Air Chief Marshal Browne said till now the flying was on telemetry by test pilots but now the service document has given full envelope and profile of aircraft. “With the integration of new BVR missiles, integral guns and air-to-air refuelling capability, the LCA will acquire increased potency and enhanced operational efficiency as envisaged at the FOC level.”

He said the final goal remained the LCA MK II which would be the “final version in its projected force structure”. This would have the critical GE 414 engine integration for enhanced thrust along with a better intake design and improved maintainability of the platform.

Stating that IAF has been closely monitoring this project through monthly review meetings in 2007, the Air chief said he was fully satisfied with the design changes that have been undertaken.

The Air Chief also spoke about how in the absence of training aircraft in the LCA series, the IAF was initially only deploying its experienced pilots. “The trainer aircraft will take some more time but will ultimately join the squadrons.”

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 21 Dec 2013 06:20

Karan M wrote:

So IFR has been integrated, and looks fixed as well with the pitot tube just under it. Which LSP is it?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 21 Dec 2013 06:36

indranilroy wrote:JF-17's super ugly IFR probe makes me very inquisitive about the LCA's refueling probe. They have said that it will be retracting. At the very least, it can be like the semi retractable ones on the Mig-29 upgrades.

it will be mirage2000/rafale type fixed probe. both seem to be doing fine with fixed probe albeit the folding probe of EF looks neater.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 21 Dec 2013 06:58

thanks chacko. you da man!

--

The way ahead calls for close monitoring and monthly reviews at the highest levels.

Yes! keep the lab boys under controlled pressure always.

I wish they keep it as routine, and mandatory for all projects henceforth.

Indranil · Post by **Indranil** » 21 Dec 2013 08:14

JTull wrote:
Karan M wrote:http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/430 ... an0001.jpg
So IFR has been integrated, and looks fixed as well with the pitot tube just under it. Which LSP is it?

Actually that is a very old picture. It comes from a brochure distributed at AI-11. A lot of water has flown since.

Singha wrote:
indranilroy wrote:JF-17's super ugly IFR probe makes me very inquisitive about the LCA's refueling probe. They have said that it will be retracting. At the very least, it can be like the semi retractable ones on the Mig-29 upgrades.
it will be mirage2000/rafale type fixed probe. both seem to be doing fine with fixed probe albeit the folding probe of EF looks neater.

I am not sure yet. In 2010, Cobham had said (to Neelam Mathews)

“We will develop and design a retractable refueling probe,” Griffiths says. “LCA is a tightly packed aircraft ... Unfortunately, we’re later in the design period. We will roll out the retractable [version] by 2013-14.”

Anyways, we will know soon. I am fine with both a fixed and retractable version. I understand the pros and cons of both.

Kakkaji · Post by **Kakkaji** » 21 Dec 2013 08:31

I think 2 squadrons Mk1 and 4 squadrons Mk2 are too few for the viability of the LCA program, or for maintaining IAF force levels. IMHO the IAF should order 5 + 10, or 4 + 12 squadrons of LCA Mk1 + Mk2.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 21 Dec 2013 09:07

Awesome news. Kudos to all involved in this magnificent project...

Since the establishment (both GoI and DRDO) have in principle agreed to let in dmestic private sector into defence production, should hand over large swathes of grunt work and manufacture/assembly to the Tatas, Mahindras and Reliances of the country...

Earlier this work gets underway, earlier can India scale up annual Mk-II and later AMCA production x10 when duty calls...

pragnya · Post by **pragnya** » 21 Dec 2013 10:06

fantastic achievement by ADA/DRDO/HAL and IAF. this is momentous and historic from an indian perspective.

JTull wrote:
Karan M wrote:
So IFR has been integrated, and looks fixed as well with the pitot tube just under it. Which LSP is it?

indranilroy wrote:Actually that is a very old picture. It comes from a brochure distributed at AI-11. A lot of water has flown since.

while it is true, it is a scan of a brochure from AI 2011 by a member here - Kakarat, IIRC - but it is an image taken at the hangar of a 'real' aircraft to be put on the brochure. considering the time frame of 1 year for FOC which includes IFR installation, my 'gut' is it must be LSP 6 which is being quietly plumbed/readied for the IFR so no time is wasted for the integration on prod aircrafts. can somebody say with certainty the picture is photoshopped??

this apart from the spin chute integration for AOA envelope expansion IMO.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 21 Dec 2013 11:03

"There are no serious technology challenges ahead" says PS Subramanyam, Director ADA

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 21 Dec 2013 11:08

^
lessons we have been saying long ahead - somethings our people read ahead:

Q. The navy is concerned at the lack of progress in the Naval LCA

The naval Tejas is a different challenge. We had incorrectly thought that deriving a naval variant from an air force variant would be easier. But, as we learnt, it is the other way round.

We began with an undercarriage built for the air force Tejas. But landing on an aircraft carrier involves a much higher descent rate, which means the landing gear must be much stronger. When the aircraft catches the arrestor hook, the deceleration is enormous. When we did the load analysis, the whole bottom gear had to be re-engineered.

I will not hesitate to say today that deriving a naval variant from an air force variant of the Tejas is a sub-optimal solution. But, having learnt this, the Mark II will be an optimal solution. We will not do any derivative from the air force version. It will be, ab initio, a naval design.

and we did wanted naval mca to be done first.

nash · Post by **nash** » 21 Dec 2013 13:05

Austin wrote:"There are no serious technology challenges ahead" says PS Subramanyam, Director ADA

From this interview what few things i got is:

1. There will be no PVs for MkII and building of LSPs will probably start in second half of 2014 and by end of 2015 we may see I flight.

2. Also in the design of MkII, naval prospective will get more preference , apart from this in case of AMCA also they will follow same approach if IN has any plan of naval AMCA.

3. They are still undecided of AMCA engine, i hope there is no repeat of kaveri-LCA saga. and if the started by 2019 after MkII in production then by 2025-27 we can see AMCA.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 21 Dec 2013 13:11

Tejas IOC movie from the hangars of HAL ADA

rajanb · Post by **rajanb** » 21 Dec 2013 13:35

Thanks Austin

rahuldevnath · Post by **rahuldevnath** » 21 Dec 2013 13:36

Sorry for the delay. But I will compensate for it, by providing better res and unintrusive watermarking!

Link to higher resolution album
https://picasaweb.google.com/1129079562 ... directlink

JTull · Post by **JTull** » 21 Dec 2013 13:59

Austin wrote:Tejas IOC movie from the hangars of HAL ADA

Thanks Austin.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 17:43

Great pics. Rahul - first one is excellent.

Some more details:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/ ... 955174.ece

DRDO’s most prominent voice Dr K Tamil Mani, Director-General (Aeronautical Systems), said his organisation is working parallel to get a few Indian weapons integrated on Tejas.

“Though to integrate Indian weapons is not a planned test point for the final operational clearance (FOC) of Tejas, we have started working on it for some time now. The Astra missile integration with an improvised range of 80-plus km (currently 40-45 km) is the next big challenge. We have also planned some PGMs (precision-guided munitions) for Tejas, including glide bombs and GPS-guided bombs,” Mani said.

“We want to take up the Indian weapon integration as a parallel programme, which is progressing as per our plan. In military aviation, the modern thought process is to share the strength. No country makes every component all alone in a fighter plane. So to say that Tejas is not 100 per cent Indian, doesn’t hold any ground. We want to take the indigenous content in Tejas to 80 per cent from the current 60 per cent. It is an achievable target and we have the strength,” he said.

An onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS) is also in the pipeline for Tejas. The OBOGS development work is being undertaken by the Bangalore-based DRDO life sciences lab Defence Bioengineering andElectromedical Laboratory.

“The OBOGS enables the pilots to fly at high altitudes and on long duration sorties without the help of oxygen cylinders. We are also planning to get an Indian company to supply the tyres for Tejas, which currently runs on Dunlop,” Mani explained.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/ ... 957184.ece

From press release:

IOC-2 shall enable Air Force to carry out air superiority and offensive air support missions, forward air field operations, all weather multi role operations, Electronic counter measures and night flying operations.

Indicates a SPJ has been integrated.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 17:45

According to Antony, a total of six squadrons of the MK I and MK II variants will be inducted into the IAF and 40 planes into the Navy with an option of increasing the numbers upto 200. The MK II variant is in the final stage of design and will come up for a preliminary design review in mid-January, according to Director ADA.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/ ... 957053.ece

srai · Post by **srai** » 21 Dec 2013 18:17

^^^

It would seem the IAF as part of streamlining its inventory has now adopted a practice of inducting at least 6 squadrons of a new aircraft type. We see that in planned procurements, Rafale and Tejas. Revised planned order for FGFA is also at around 6 or 7 squadrons. There will likely be an option for further 2 to 4 squadrons.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 21 Dec 2013 18:53

Pardon me for asking is there any danger of GE stopping supply of engines? With all happenings around between us and India is there any guaranteed production of engines in India, spare parts etc?

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 21 Dec 2013 19:04

we can stockpile parts but even i think choice of EJ for LCA would have been better. but if US sanctions LCA again, thye can kiss goodbye to any large military deals for a long long time. Indian military will not trust them again.