Tejas all set to get certification for IAF induction
For the record:
20 years after funds were released for it, India’s indigenously designed and developed frontline fighter aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, is all set to get the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC II) here on Friday that would pave the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force squadrons.
Mr. Rao, who has been associated with the project for 26 years, said “entire design and concept is ours and the Mach 1 LCA is better than its contemporaries such as Mirage 2000, F-16 and Gripen.”
Pertinent to the AMCA, and, as I have been saying for ages:Though Tejas have been equipped with GE engines, efforts are on to use Indian Kaveri engines on it. However, the lower thrust provided by the Indian engine remains an area of concern. The Indian engineers are also trying to develop their own radar system for the aircraft, which to begin with would be fitted with Israeli systems.
As I have said before, the AMCA will come within the next decade or even earlier. It has to.Mr. Rao said while the development of Tejas has taken a long time, it has led to the creation of huge log data on problems faced. “We are now in a better position to develop the fifth generation fighter aircraft, which come with stealth technology and super cruise, as also the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, which is at an advanced design stage.
The FGFA experience would have helped - especially in the testing phases. But, I just do not see much "experience" being gained from the FGFA under the current circumstances. IMVVHO, India now has critical mass and really not much can stop it.
The AMCA team had requested $2 billion in 2010 and were expecting it to be released. For whatever reason they decided to start that work after the IOC-II of the LCA. SO, I for one expect those funds to be released soon. Perhaps not $2 billion, but a good deal will be released.