LCA News and Discussions, 22-Oct-2013

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 26 Dec 2013 09:13

Tejas IAF's Baby

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 26 Dec 2013 09:20

In Hindi

Sid · Post by **Sid** » 26 Dec 2013 09:51

^^
Thanks Austin.

Nice videos but horrible commentary. Don't they ever do facts check during editing?

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 26 Dec 2013 09:57

anthony acchan needed some text prepared perhaps.. he knows very well this need not extemporaneous mumbo jumbo... especially delivering the 4g++ platform wearing a dhoti.

.. he could have helped dhoti class get much more weight.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 26 Dec 2013 10:37

Any links to the IOC-2 video which has footage from HUD of the Tejas aircraft? Thanks.

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 26 Dec 2013 11:21

Flight Global:PICTURES: India’s Tejas receives initial operational clearance

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 26 Dec 2013 14:20

Thank you SaiK, NRao.

ManjaM · Post by **ManjaM** » 26 Dec 2013 17:40

Thanks Karan.

SidSom · Post by **SidSom** » 27 Dec 2013 10:43

Any news on IAF pilots flying the Tejas...?

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 27 Dec 2013 14:55

What is keeping them from a flight simulator when there is a mission simulator already

LCA Tejas mission simulator inaugurated

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 27 Dec 2013 15:51

Tejas is a contemporary aircraft: ADA Programme Director

srai · Post by **srai** » 27 Dec 2013 16:35

Austin wrote:Tejas is a contemporary aircraft: ADA Programme Director

...
To a question on what was the most difficult part in ‘Tejas’, he said designing and developing “the high angle of attack” and that the team developed its own methodology. This has considerably enhanced the combat performance of the aircraft. With flight control systems, the aircraft maintains an angle and in Tejas the team has designed till 24 degrees, while the aircraft in tests has performed upto 22 degrees. “We expect it to be at 26 degrees for the full operational clearance (FOC).” The maximum degrees in a fighter aircraft is said to be 28 degrees and the aircraft is likely to get there.
...

AoA up to 28 degrees!

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 27 Dec 2013 17:41

chackojoseph wrote:What is keeping them from a flight simulator when there is a mission simulator already

LCA Tejas mission simulator inaugurated

Seems like a flight sim to me. It may not be a moving one but its a flight sim alright.

Only thing is visuals could be a bit better, which means they have to bring professional graphic designers and animators onboard.

srin · Post by **srin** » 27 Dec 2013 17:46

Talking of simulators, I just posted in another thread something I came across. This is not a mission / combat simulator, but a flight simulator for design purposes.

Apologize if this was already posted: http://www.flightgear.org/Papers/ADAPap ... earch.html

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme has so far effectively used high-end image generators for research, development and qualification work on handling qualities. The flight simulation requirement for naval variant of LCA presented an opportunity to reassess the fidelity requirement of each and every component of the simulator considering technological advancements in PC hardware and graphics accelerators. The pressing need to innovate solutions which remain unaffected by import barriers whilst offering unlimited scope for upgradation led to configuring LCA(Navy) simulator around PCs with graphics accelerator cards and an OpenSource image generator software FlightGear <www.flightgear.org> suitably modified to suit our requirements. This paper discusses the price/performance advantage of PC based part-task simulator based on our experience on ski-jump launch and recovery simulation of LCA (Navy). This simulator has been successful in providing realistic simulation of carrier-based launch and recovery for the evaluation and refinement of flight control law. Essential visual simulation features are identified and their importance towards achieving visual fidelity are discussed

vic · Post by **vic** » 27 Dec 2013 18:09

SP-1 has been under assembly since 2010. It will take a few more months to roll out i.e. say mid or end of 2014. On same principle if even metal cutting for SP-3 to 6 has not been started then it is unlikely they will roll out in 2014 or even 2015. SP-3 to 6 may roll out in and around 2016-17. My guess is that it will take upto 2022 to roll out the ordered LCAs which are :-

40 for IAF
6 for Navy
LSP-6 and (PV-4??)
LCA Mark-2 (around 4?)

First batch of GE 414 engines are supposed to be delivered in mid of 2014 and the earliest I expect Mark-2 to roll out and take to skies would be in 2017-18 or so.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 27 Dec 2013 20:57

chackojoseph wrote:What is keeping them from a flight simulator when there is a mission simulator already

LCA Tejas mission simulator inaugurated

The simulator is set up inside a 9 meter diameter dome.

Are you referring to this

Edit :- Ok you are referring to this only, saw that your article is from 08.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 27 Dec 2013 21:22

vic wrote:SP-1 has been under assembly since 2010. It will take a few more months to roll out i.e. say mid or end of 2014. On same principle if even metal cutting for SP-3 to 6 has not been started then it is unlikely they will roll out in 2014 or even 2015. SP-3 to 6 may roll out in and around 2016-17.

They are this late because the IOC-2 configuration design has been frozen recently only and according to various posted articles SP-3 and 4 will be delivered by end 2014.

srai · Post by **srai** » 28 Dec 2013 04:26

vic wrote:SP-1 has been under assembly since 2010. It will take a few more months to roll out i.e. say mid or end of 2014. On same principle if even metal cutting for SP-3 to 6 has not been started then it is unlikely they will roll out in 2014 or even 2015. SP-3 to 6 may roll out in and around 2016-17. ...

That's not a valid assumption. With SP-1&2, HAL built the necessary infrastructure for serial production. This would have included RFP and selection of material and parts suppliers, and building new final assembly plant with various rigs, process, and manpower. Selected partners would have setup to start producing materials and parts as per specification. Since the first batch was going to be built on IOC-2 standards, HAL would have had to wait till IOC-2 standard was frozen. SP1&2 had been partially built on certain assumptions that certain parts would not change. Parts that were expected to change would have been deferred until ready. SP-3&4 are expected to be delivered by 2014 itself. By 2016, HAL should be able to deliver 8 LCAs a year as planned.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 28 Dec 2013 06:21

LCA Tejas Gets Initial Operational Clearance for Induction into IAF
IOC of LCA a Major Milestone in Self-Reliance: Antony
Flight Safety Record of Tejas is Unprecdented in Aviation History: ACM Browne

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today handed over the Release to Service Certificate of the country’s own Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, at a function in Bengaluru, marking the fruition of a long and difficult journey of three decades of efforts to make a fighter aircraft of international standards.

Described as Initial Operational Clearance-II of Tejas, the LCA is designed to ultimately replace the Mig 21 fleet of IAF. The timing of IOC- II for LCA coincides with the iconic Mig 21 FL fighter flying into IAF’s history just a week ago.

Visibly happy at today’s event, Shri Antony said, during the last three years, the capabilities of the aircraft have been improved significantly. “In recognition of the enhanced capabilities, IAF has decided to grant the aircraft a higher status, namely, the Initial Operational Clearance for induction into the Service”, he said.

Shri Antony candidly confessed that he had his share of anxieties regarding the future of LCA when he had taken over as the Defence Minister in 2006 but today we are putting behind the moments of self –doubt, frustrations and setbacks which we as a nation have gone through in the last 30 years.

“The improvements to the aircraft have enhanced the flight envelope of the aircraft and also weapon delivery capability of the aircraft. The performance at Iron Fist, Jaisalmer and the recent missile firing at Goa are examples of such improvements. The reliability of the aircraft and serviceability has also been enhanced. The number of flights nearing 500 within this year provides an indication of this. Operating at IAF bases namely, Jamnagar, Jaisalmer, Uttarlai, Gwaliar, Goa, Leh, Pathankot demonstrate the aircraft capability to operate from Air Force bases. There have also been occasions when the same aircraft has flown thrice on the same day, indicating the operational reliability of this home-bred fighter aircraft ”, he said.

Shri Antony said military aviation in the country has got a major boost with the approval of several new programmes. Some of these programmes include – Mk2 variants of Navy and Air Force; Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft; Unmanned Air Systems; Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and Medium Transport Aircraft, to name a few.
Describing the attainment of Initial Operational Clearance as an important milestone in the long journey towards indigenization through self-reliance, Shri Antony said, our public and private sector must work in tandem to develop and produce world-class military systems of the highest quality.

The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said 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 the induction of LCA Mk 1 into operational service. He said the progress of such a challenging experimental project without any accident or major incident is unprecedented in the history of aviation.

On a personal note, ACM Browne said as he prepares to hang his uniform at the end of this month, he would have gone home as a disappointed person if the IOC of the LCA had not been achieved.

Today’s event was attended among others by the Scientific Advisor to RM Shri Avinash Chander, Secretary Defence Production Shri GC Pati, Chairman of HAL Shri RK Tyagi, Programme Director of ADA Shri PS Subramanyam, DG- Aero and CE CEMILAC Dr K Tamil Mani.

A Long Journey

The Country had embarked on an ambitious plan to indigenously design and develop the Light Combat aircraft (LCA) to be inducted into IAF and Indian Navy inventory. The Programme has been spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bangalore under the Department of Defence R & D, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as its principal partner. A large number of Laboratories of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Central Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), certification agencies, Indian Air Force, academic institutions and Private/Public Sector Undertakings participated in the LCA development effort.

Indian Light Combat Aircraft, christened ‘Tejas’, is the smallest, light weight, single engine, single seat, supersonic, multirole, combat aircraft and is one of the best in its class in the world. The quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system ensures acceptable handling qualities while ensuring adequate safety throughout the flight envelope. The advanced Glass cockpit open architecture system complements piloting. Four variants of Tejas aircraft (Combat variant, Trainer and Naval variants) are being developed for land and carrier borne operations. {which is the fourth variant?}

The Initial Operational Clearance-1 (IOC-I) for ‘Tejas’ was achieved on 10 Jan 2011. In IOC-I, the Aircraft had a few limitations in terms of Combat performance, turn around time and its weaponisation which had to be refined and improved through Research & Development process. In addition to this, Wake penetration trials, all weather clearances were planned beyond IOC-1.

Since IOC-1, ‘Tejas’ has accomplished significant milestones. Till date, more than 2450 sorties have been completed to achieve the flight test goals towards IOC-2. The design issues were resolved with System Engineering approach and by periodical reviews with participation of external experts.

The salient features which have been achieved in IOC-2 include Safe flying up to High angle of Attack as mandated by the users. This has considerably enhanced the combat performance of the aircraft. The Flight control system evaluation has also been completed. The time for initial built-in test has been reduced considerably which enables faster turn around and enhanced operational readiness of aircraft. The Brake system has been improved significantly in terms of energy absorption capability during landing, thus ensuring prompt turn-around of the aircraft. Significant improvement in Cockpit ergonomic and lighting system has been accomplished for improved night flying. In-flight re-light capability was demonstrated to ensure enhanced safety and reliability of the aircraft. This is a major achievement. Avionics and Weapon system of the aircraft have been revamped for effective mission superiority. Helmet Mounted Display Sight (HMDS) has been fully integrated in Tejas and R73E missile firing has been successfully demonstrated using HMDS.

Multi Mode Weapon multirole capability of Tejas was demonstrated during its participation in Iron Fist. Air to Ground mission and Air to Air missions were demonstrated by dropping Laser Guided Bombs and R73E firing in single pass. Laser Guided Bomb firing has been achieved for IOC-2 to user’s satisfaction.

Aircraft readiness for missions in terms of its readiness and Operational Readiness Platform (ORP) and Turn Round Service (TRS) and easier maintainability has been achieved as per requirement thus enhancing operational readiness of the aircraft. Tejas has passed all the tests for “All Weather Clearance” of the aircraft. The Aircraft has been cleared for fly without any telemetry support.

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.

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.

LCA is powered by the F404/IN20- a well proven turbofan engine, designed and manufactured by General Electric Aircraft Engines, USA. The Engine is modular in construction, consisting of six modules, ensuring easy maintenance. The F404-GE-IN20 is a low bypass turbofan engine, with augmented thrust provided by the afterburner.

Production Facilities

The production facilities have been set up at HAL and the aircraft delivery is expected to commence from 2014. “We have plans to initially produce eight aircraft per year. Further plans are afoot to enhance the production rate to 16 aircraft per year in consultation with IAF and MoD. HAL is fully geared up to meet the challenging production schedule and hopes to fulfil the requirements of customers in a time bound manner”, says the Chairman, HAL, Dr RK Tyagi.

After the achievement of IOC II, HAL will go ahead with the Series Production of LCA Tejas. The Company has already established the structural assembly hangar and the assembly jigs have been calibrated with state of the Laser Trackers to an accuracy of 80 microns (0.08 mm) to meet stringent quality standards. A state of the art CNC drilling machine has been installed to ensure repeatability and reduce the cycle time.

Sitanshu Kar from Bengaluru

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=102056
(Release ID :102056)

sivab · Post by **sivab** » 28 Dec 2013 07:01

Dated article, but I did not see this posted earlier using search button. Has some very important details

http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories ... or_LCA.htm

India finalizes agreement for GE 414 engine for indigenous Light Combat Aircraft

...

DRDO Director General (and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister) Dr VK Saraswat told India Strategic in an interview that the agreement with GE was signed recently, and that he expected the aircraft to be a success for both the IAF and Navy.

...

It has taken nearly two years for the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which had selected the engine, to work out details like how and how much of the engine will be produced in India. A production contract is now being worked out between GE Aviation and HAL, which will manufacture them, in this regard.

Honeywell's F 125N engine was also selected recently to upgrade IAF's Jaguar aircraft, and a production arrangement is now being discussed. This engine will empower the aircraft to fly over high mountains, which at present, the Jaguars cannot do.

GE, which is already supplying its LM 2500 gas turbine engines for some newer Indian Navy ships, was given the necessary clearance by the US Government. It will supply an initial lot of 18 engines while the remaining will be progressively assembled/ made in India.

...

Under the GE-ADA contract, GE is to supply the latest version of the 414 engine beginning 2014, with improved Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC), single Crystal blade design, single engine safety features, and other electronic advances. The basic engine design, as it is used now for instance on the US Navy’s F/A 18 E/F Super Hornets, would stay the same but as new innovations are developed and adopted, they would also be passed on to India.

...

Details of the exact costs of ADA/HAL-GE arrangement is not known but an unconfirmed tender bid figure was mentioned at US$ 822 million.

...

DRDO is also in discussions with Boeing to acquire an aircraft testing wind tunnel, talks for which are still going on, according to Dr Saraswat.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 28 Dec 2013 07:13

In 2004, I had been to ADA to sell my companies expertise in 3D modelling. We had created a 3d model of 2 lca's maneuvering and at one point the two lca's flew few inches apart headon which was inspired by Suryakiran. Those who saw missed a heart beat and complimented on our skills. They then said the skills are exactly what they needed. However, there was no response later. I demoed that to HAL too. I wish, they had taken that offer, as I was willing to give them friendship prices for this national project.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 28 Dec 2013 07:29

^what do they mean by "innovations been passed on to India"?

I'd guess at the time of assembly whatever tech is available will be sold to India - latest and greatest.

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 28 Dec 2013 10:19

http://bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=20676

Hyderabad, Dec. 27:

The induction of the Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas into the Indian Air Force will be a ‘game changer’ for the country’s air defence preparedness, says Avinash Chander, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister.

“Though delayed, the India developed fighter aircraft has emerged as a ‘contemporary aircraft’, as good or in a way better than the competitors in its class,” Avinash Chander told Business Line.

The LCA signals the country’s indigenous capability to develop a major air-based weapon platform and a step towards achieving self-reliance in aircraft design, fabrication and manufacture. It has laid a sound base for a smooth take off in the efforts to develop more advanced fighter aircraft in the future, Avinash Chander, Chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said.

The fighter aircraft, which obtained the Initial Operation Clearance on December 20, is a step away from induction into the IAF to replace the ageing MiG-21 aircraft. The immediate plan was to induct six squadrons of the IAF with the Tejas. This means about 120 aircraft. Already, the IAF has placed orders for two squadrons. Similarly, the Indian Navy will have atleast 40 of the naval version of the fighter aircraft.

In the next 10 years, atleast 200 LCA numbers are expected to bolster the country’s air strike power. The HAL, which will manufacture these aircraft, will provide 16 a year. It has built capacity and will further ramp up production facilities.

The DRDO Chief saw a Rs 1 lakh - crore opportunity in the next decade in the defence aircraft industry for the country.

The gradual induction of the LCA will ensure a forex saving to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore. In addition, the savings on life cycle and maintenance costs will be close to that figure in the long run, he explained.

There is tremendous scope for small and medium enterprises to make components and sub-systems and supply to HAL. It will also lead to creation of expertise and industrial infrastructure in the country.

rajanb · Post by **rajanb** » 28 Dec 2013 11:07

chackojoseph wrote:In 2004, I had been to ADA to sell my companies expertise in 3D modelling. We had created a 3d model of 2 lca's maneuvering and at one point the two lca's flew few inches apart headon which was inspired by Suryakiran. Those who saw missed a heart beat and complimented on our skills. They then said the skills are exactly what they needed. However, there was no response later. I demoed that to HAL too. I wish, they had taken that offer, as I was willing to give them friendship prices for this national project.

I have the reason to why this happened Chacko. The same year, I was consulting for a company, which collaborated with IISc and and one of their Professors who was a visiting faculty to Stamford. IISc developed and had the copyright for a 3D modelling SW Called VIS and 3dMAS which they had developed.
This software could import data from Autodesk, CATIA and various other file types. ADA was using CATIA. For e.g., a CATIA rendition was converted to this software was found to be 27 times compressed in terms of data volume and using much lower computing power for a VRML file. It was powerful and could be used for Visualisation, design, gave you all the measurement, fully 3D etc. etc. and faster.
So the company owners, being very patriotic, and with the permission of the owners, gave ADA a license to make and use any number of copies as possible. In fact, I have seen the visualisation of the LCA Nose Cone, and also the canopy, at ADA using this SW on the desktop. They demonstrated the time it took to pull up the same stuff using CATIA and using VIS! So they used CATIA for the design and did the conversion to VIS overnight on the IBM gear so the team supervisors could do a full Visualistion and check next day on the progress.

The usage of this software was very intuitive. An experienced designer could pick it up in one day!

Just some of the attributes of VIS:

Virtual Interactive Solid (VIS)
new concise 3D representation
allows manipulation and interaction
VIS model includes – geometry,3D animation, hyperlinks

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 28 Dec 2013 15:32

rajanb,

Thank you for the post.

I also offered to fly the first Kaveri equipped LCA.....

and they rejected.

rajanb · Post by **rajanb** » 28 Dec 2013 18:44

^^^^
CJ, just trying to point out, since your post seemed to indicate that ADA was going about it in a slipshod way by your not hearing from them again, that they did opt for a cheap, light rendering tool instead of spending more money for additional CATIA licenses and extra powered desktops!
Cheers

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 28 Dec 2013 18:50

TEJAS Team Sets New Record of 500 Flights in One Calender Year
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=102188

RKumar · Post by **RKumar** » 28 Dec 2013 19:20

dinesha wrote:TEJAS Team Sets New Record of 500 Flights in One Calender Year
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=102188

TEJAS attained another significant milestone on 27th Dec 2013, by flying the 500th sortie this year, the highest achieved in a calendar year thus far. The achievement is significant, given that the highest number of sorties attained earlier in a calendar year was less than 300 sorties This feat follows close on the heels of attaining IOC on 20 Dec 13. The pace of the programme continues with greater enthusiasm towards achieving newer milestones.

Congratulating the Tejas team Shri Avinash Chander, SA to RM and Secretary Deptt of Defence R&D said, "the single most important factor behind the achievements is the synergy of teamed efforts of ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, HAL and IAF."

Year 2013 has been exceptionally successful year for Tejas in achieving key milestones while participating in seven detachments all over country, an excellent achievement in itself. Noteworthy accomplishments are In-flight relight (shutting off and then reigniting the single engine), high energy brake testing, flight envelope expansion, R73E missile firing with radar guidance, Air to ground weapon tests, Emergency jettisoning of entire store, Aircraft in wake tests, Wet Runway trials, demonstration of Swing Role capability during exercise IRON FIST. All these led to a big leap towards achieving IOC 2.

anupmisra · Post by **anupmisra** » 28 Dec 2013 22:24

I don't keep track of this thread regularly. Hence, my apologies in advance for not knowing. Has any Tejas variant been subjected to a head-to-head simulated dog-fight with another aircraft in the IAF armory?

PratikDas · Post by **PratikDas** » 28 Dec 2013 22:44

Anup ji, the short answer is no. Now that we have IOC, the IAF will have their most experienced pilots fly the LCA, not the rookies, due to the lack of a fully capable training simulator. These pilots can then take the plane through its moves. However, the plane has been certified to 6G manoeuvres for now. It is in the months to follow leading to FOC that ADA and HAL will work with CEMILAC to certify the plane to 8G manoeuvres. After that IAF pilots may not want to return to terra firma.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 28 Dec 2013 22:50

chacko.. get pally with vishnu of ndtv.. he knows how to? perhaps the only version that could house you or vishnu would be the trainer tandem seat. now that may be years away, but nothing wrong with media requesting for it. what a pleasure would that be flying on lca.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 29 Dec 2013 06:45

rajanb wrote:^^^^
CJ, just trying to point out, since your post seemed to indicate that ADA was going about it in a slipshod way by your not hearing from them again, that they did opt for a cheap, light rendering tool instead of spending more money for additional CATIA licenses and extra powered desktops!
Cheers

I am only little upset on the non availability of flight sim, even rudimentary to handle basic take off - landing and other basic maneuvers to begin with. Anyway, there is a much detailed one in making now. Just pulling out outputs will not make a flight sim. There is a lot more that goes into it.

SaiK,

The offer to fly lca with kaveri was conditional to if no wanted to take the risk. (read the first flight of marut to get context).

Hm... I never requested flying any planes, probably this one could be on exception.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 29 Dec 2013 10:49

chackojoseph wrote:
I am only little upset on the non availability of flight sim, even rudimentary to handle basic take off - landing and other basic maneuvers to begin with. Anyway, there is a much detailed one in making now. Just pulling out outputs will not make a flight sim. There is a lot more that goes into it.

Strictly speaking this is not true. ADA have always simulated the FCS using a simulated cockpit with computer monitors. A couple of years before the LCA had its first flight I had visited ADA and have actually "flown" the LCA on a simulator for a minute or two courtesy Wingco BB Misra who left the program before Kotiyal and others came in and conducted the first flight. Every time a test flight took place the results were compared with the simulation and the correlation was very good. So yes, while it is true that there is no formal "training simulator" that looks like an LCA cockpit and has all round or even 180 degree cockpit views and a tilting/rolling/shaking real live simulator, the flight can be simulated and tried by IAF pilots if need be because tests pilots have been doing it even before the LCA first flew.

Incidentally I had "flown" an IJT simulator with late Baldev Singh at Aero India shortly before he died. So even an IJT simulator exists even though it is not in service.

ArunK · Post by **ArunK** » 29 Dec 2013 15:10

Don't know if this item has been posted. But thought I would share.

http://www.mgrtv.com/bang-tejas-begins- ... ghter.html

Group Captain K.K. Venugopal pictured is my cousin. Needless to say our family is very proud of his contribution towards making Tejas what it is today.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 29 Dec 2013 15:29

shiv wrote:
chackojoseph wrote:
I am only little upset on the non availability of flight sim, even rudimentary to handle basic take off - landing and other basic maneuvers to begin with. Anyway, there is a much detailed one in making now. Just pulling out outputs will not make a flight sim. There is a lot more that goes into it.
Strictly speaking this is not true. ADA have always simulated the FCS using a simulated cockpit with computer monitors. A couple of years before the LCA had its first flight I had visited ADA and have actually "flown" the LCA on a simulator for a minute or two courtesy Wingco BB Misra who left the program before Kotiyal and others came in and conducted the first flight. Every time a test flight took place the results were compared with the simulation and the correlation was very good. So yes, while it is true that there is no formal "training simulator" that looks like an LCA cockpit and has all round or even 180 degree cockpit views and a tilting/rolling/shaking real live simulator, the flight can be simulated and tried by IAF pilots if need be because tests pilots have been doing it even before the LCA first flew.

Incidentally I had "flown" an IJT simulator with late Baldev Singh at Aero India shortly before he died. So even an IJT simulator exists even though it is not in service.

If you hang around long enough, someone is bound to take pity on you and let you fly the sim, as happily happened many a time in my case. My office being nearby (in those days!!) also helped.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 29 Dec 2013 16:39

Shiv,

The mission sim has already been mentioned by me.

Sagar G wrote:
chackojoseph wrote:What is keeping them from a flight simulator when there is a mission simulator already

LCA Tejas mission simulator inaugurated

The simulator is set up inside a 9 meter diameter dome.
Are you referring to this

Edit :- Ok you are referring to this only, saw that your article is from 08.

I am talking about non availability of sim for the IAF pilots use.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 29 Dec 2013 20:30

ArunK wrote:Don't know if this item has been posted. But thought I would share.

http://www.mgrtv.com/bang-tejas-begins- ... ghter.html

Group Captain K.K. Venugopal pictured is my cousin. Needless to say our family is very proud of his contribution towards making Tejas what it is today.

we all should be proud too.. posting it in full:

Bangalore: For 20 minutes, Group Captain Suneet Krishna, Group Captain K.K. Venugopal and Commodore Jaideep Avinash Maolankar, all ace test pilots, carried out virtual air-to-ground and air-to-air strikes over Bangalore’s skies on Friday morning to demonstrate that indigenous jet ‘Tejas’ is combat-ready, marking India’s entry into an exclusive club of countries with the capability to design and manufacture advanced fighter aircraft.

As defence minister A.K. Antony and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne looked on, these pilots took off with fighter jets fitted with laser guided bombs (LGBs), 1000-pound bombs and close-combat air-to-air missiles, picked up targets on the ground, intercepted aerial threats and simulated strikes, streaming every bit of action in the sky to mega screens on the ground.

The combat-readiness display and the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC-2) an hour later marked the fruition of a project which was launched 30 years ago.

Antony declared later that pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF) could start flying the ‘Tejas’ from tomorrow, signaling that it is ready for induction by the air strike wing. “It is a great day for India today. We need more fighters for the air force and the navy, and we should think of exporting them after some time,” he added. Air Chief Marshal Browne, who has been reviewing the project every month since 2007, remarked:

“The progress of such a challenging experimental project without any accident or major incident is unprecedented in the history of aviation.”

The first squadron of 40 ‘Tejas’ fighters would be based at Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu, he said adding “the profile of the aircraft will be accepted by the air force. In 2011, there were some things which we had to do and correct some design changes.

“All have been done now. Now we are fully satisfied with initial operational clearance.” Group Captain Suneet Krishna, who has been associated with the project from the early days, said the ‘Tejas’ meets all the requirements laid down by IAF and matches contemporary fighters technologically. “It is really combat-worthy.

We are concentrating on integration of weapons systems and radar systems now, and of course we will continue to improve its performance. We feel very proud as it is the hard work of thousands of people who have delivered the fighter. They are the real heroes. We are only the glamour-end of the programme,” he added.

LCA can match any mature fighter jet, says test pilot

Amit S. Upadhye | DC

Bangalore: They say pilots can give the best certificate for any flying machine. And Group Captain K. K. Venugopal, who has flown the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for close to 300 hours, is of the opinion that its avionics and stealth capability is world class.

He told Deccan Chronicle on Friday, that the LCA is far ahead of other aircraft in its class and matches other matured fighter aircraft such as Gripen, MiG Bison and China’s J.F. 17, currently being used by Pakistan Air Force.

“The LCA has a composite body and is lightweight (9 tonnes). Its avionics system can match any fourth generation aircraft in the world. It enables the pilots to carry out precision strikes during day and night. Its strike capabilities have been tested in the airfields of Jaisalmer and Goa,” Group Captain Venugopal said.

The relaxed static stability of LCA helps the pilot carry out maximum manoeuvres in the quickest possible time. “Its fly-by-wire flight control with an electronic interface enables the pilots an error-free flying,” he added.

Group Captain Venugopal, who has over 3,500 hours of flying experience, also mentioned that the coming 12 months will be crucial for the LCA project, when the combat accuracy and improvised communication systems will be tested.

“It is the first and important step in production of indigenous fighter jets. Indian pilots will soon be flying machines manufactured in the country by our scientists.
“It’s a proud feeling,” he added.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 29 Dec 2013 21:14

How did you guys miss this?

Posting in full: http://ajaishukla.blogspot.in/2013/12/t ... n-war.html

The Tejas fighter’s role in war

On December 20, the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) obtained Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), entering the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet where regular air force pilots will fly it. After 28 years of development, the Tejas is on course to obtain its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) by end-2014, clearing it for full combat. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is building forty Tejas fighters for two IAF squadrons.

Questions are rightly raised about what combat role the Tejas could play, given that its specifications were framed decades ago. Sceptics argue that a fighter so light, with such a short operating range, would have little role in an aerial battlefield where bigger, heavily armed fighters call the shots.

Tejas’ capabilities

An evaluation of the Tejas’ combat capability must consider its flying performance, its avionics and the weapon load it carries. At IOC, it already flies at Mach 1.6 (2,000 kmph); operates up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet); and carries 3,500 kg of mission payload, including weapons and sensors. Its combat radius is 300-350 km, which would be extended next year through in-flight refuelling. By FOC next year, this performance would be enhanced.

The Tejas has been designed as a multi-role fighter. It can engage enemy aircraft with the R-73 short-range air-to-air missile (SRAAM); by FOC next year, more potent air-to-air missiles, probably the Israeli Derby and Python, would be integrated. Against ground targets, the Tejas carries conventional and laser-guided bombs. Next year, it will have an integral 23 millimetre Gasha cannon.

The Tejas’ avionics --- radar, laser and inertial navigation system --- enhances the accuracy of these weapons. Its highly rated Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode radar provides multi-role capability, allowing the pilot to fire air-to-air missiles at enemy aircraft; and also bomb ground targets with a highly accurate navigation-attack system. The pilot operates his weapons through a head-up display (HUD), or through a helmet-mounted sighting system (HMSS) by merely looking at a target. Experienced fighter pilots say the Tejas is the IAF’s most “pilot friendly” fighter.

Although it is one of the world’s lightest fighters, the Tejas’ weapons load of 3,500 kg compares well with most IAF fighters, including the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, upgraded MiG-27 and the MiG-21. Depending on the mission --- strike, photoreconnaissance, or air defence --- its eight hard points can carry missiles, bombs, fuel drop tanks or a targeting pod. It can bomb targets and fire missiles as accurately as the Sukhoi-30MKI. The latter scores mainly in its longer range and bigger weapons load, both stemming from its much larger size.

The Tejas’ capability is best known to the air force and navy test pilots in the National Flight Test Centre, who have tested it in 2,400 flights. They claim it may be more versatile than the MiG-29 (primarily built for air-to-air combat); the MiG-27 and the Jaguar (both oriented to ground strike); and all variants of the MiG-21, including the multi-role BISON.

The Tejas’ likely adversary, the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 fighter, has a slightly larger flight envelope, but the Tejas’ superior avionics give it a combat edge over the PAF’s older F-16A/Bs (currently being upgraded in Turkey); and superior to their new JF-17 Thunder light fighter, co-developed with China. Only the PAF’s 18 new F-16C/D Block 52 fighters, flying since 2010-11 from Jacobabad, may be a match for the Tejas.

Said an NFTC test pilot during the IOC ceremony on December 20: “As a multi-role fighter, the Tejas is at least the equal of the IAF’s upgraded Mirage-2000. It can more than hold its own in our operational scenario.”

Battlefield employment

The IAF’s operational plans earlier had strike aircraft like Jaguars or MiG-27s attacking ground targets, while air defence fighters like the MiG-29 covered them from enemy aircraft. Now mission-specific aircraft are giving way to multi-role fighters, which can do both jobs. This doctrinal shift stemmed from the Mirage-2000, the IAF’s first multi-role fighter, which was inducted in the mid-1980s. The Mirage-2000 inspired the Tejas in both role and design.

Today, the IAF controls the aerial battle from airborne early warning and command (AEW&C) aircraft like the Phalcon, a giant radar mounted on a transport aircraft. Flying over the battle space and scanning 400 kilometres on all sides, the AEW&C identifies enemy aircraft and, over a secure datalink, allocates fighters from nearby bases to tackle the intruders. The AEW&C also orders up fighters to strike ground targets in the land battle.

“Tejas light fighters, located at forward airbases like Pathankot, Ambala, Sirsa or Jodhpur are ideal for missions in the vicinity of the border. They are close at hand and react quickly. Being far cheaper, they can be bought and used in larger numbers, saturating the enemy’s radar picture and complicating his decision-making,” says a senior former IAF planner.

“With an AEW&C guiding the Tejas directly to the target, it does not need a long operating range; and its combination of Elta-2032 radar and air-to-air missiles, are lethal against most contemporary fighters.”

Employing the Tejas for the tactical battle would allow the IAF’s heavy, multi-role fighters like the Su-30MKI and Rafale to be focused on targets deep inside enemy territory, which are beyond the range of the Tejas --- such as major air bases, military headquarters and strategic infrastructure. These fighters, which carry far more fuel and weapons, can take off from bases deep inside India, bomb targets deep inside enemy territory, and also shoot down enemy fighters.

Yet, heavy fighters have their downsides. Maintenance is complex, with half the Su-30MKI fleet usually unavailable for operations. Enemy radar picks up the heavy fighters more easily; the Tejas is smaller, and also stealthier, being largely fabricated from composite materials. Moreover, the loss of a Sukhoi-30 is a Rs 400 crore blow; a Tejas will probably costs one-third of that.

Many IAF planners advocate a balanced air force, with a mix of light and heavy fighters. Light fighters like the Tejas would respond to the tactical battle, while heavier fighters, with their longer range and greater strike power, could tackle more strategic targets.

The light fighter has a long tradition in the IAF. On December 17, Defence Minister AK Antony told parliament that 254 MiG-21s --- or 12 squadrons worth --- still remain in service. The Tejas provides an effective replacement for those obsolescent machines. HAL’s new assembly line in HAL Bangalore plans to build 8 Tejas Mark I fighters annually, stepping up capacity to 16 fighters per year. If the IAF absorbs HAL’s entire production capacity, it would have 3-4 squadrons of Mark I fighters; after which the Mark II would start rolling off the line. Creating 12 Tejas squadrons to replace the MiG-21 would retain a balanced air force, and also galvanise the aerospace production eco-system needed for developing the IAF’s future fighters.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 29 Dec 2013 22:39

Tejas MK1 = Upgraded Mirage 2000 is serious praise. The Mirage 2000-5 is no pushover.

Indranil · Post by **Indranil** » 29 Dec 2013 23:22

Did not miss it. Actually, I had asked him a few questions as well on his blog.

1. They were studying using the MLG doors as air brakes. Any developments on the same.
2. When can we expect to see the reshaped pylons. Are they planning to retrofit the LCA Mk1 types with Levcons (they were studying this possibility) for meeting the IAF ASR regarding sustained turn rate(STR)? Will Mk1 be able to meet the ASR regarding the STR with these changes or will we have to wait for Mk2 with its more powerful engines.
3. Many models of LCA show the inboard pylon to carry 2 1000 lb bombs in tandem. However, I have never seen an LCA fly with this configuration. Can the LCA do the same?
4. Currently supersonic 800 ltr external tanks are being designed/fabricated. We will see them by FOC. What about 1200 ltr tanks?
5. Will the Mk1 planes have co-cured co-bonded wing for lesser weight. They were also trying to reduce the weight by converting the slat doors, casing & mounting of LRUs and rear fuselage bulkheads and pylons into composite materials. Have any of these been achieved?
6. For increased maneuverability throughout the flight they were thinking of introducing an active fuel proportioner for better C.G. management. Any developments in this front?
7. Are the issues related to the toe-touch during ejection resolved since AI'11?
8. Has the minimum chute jettison speed reduced from the 40 kmph identified at AI'11?
9. In the last high-altitude tests, there were problems with the engines. Have suitable modifications been made?

He provided a few more nuggets of information in his answers.

Can't comment on ongoing design thought and, in some cases, I simply don't know. But here are some answers to some of your questions.

Levcons. You might see them on the naval Tejas.

STR. Let's see how close they come in flight testing during 2014. The envelope is still being expanded in testing. They could very well prove 26 degrees in AoA. That would mean flying to 28 degrees.

Supersonic 1200 tanks will be tested.

No co-cured bonded wings now. Design has been frozen for manufacture.

Active fuel proportioner: already there.