LCA: News & Discussions - October 2016

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 10 Feb 2017 22:58

JTull wrote:
JayS wrote:
Finally...Hope it comes out what made GOI wait for more than a year to clear the proposal....
CCS approval could mean everything or nothing. It could be that the land has been acquired, environmental clearance received, future annual capital commitment for the facility and the aircraft secured. Or, it could only be that the capital expenditure for facility (incl land acquisition costs) have been approved. In any case it is progress.

I think it was the clearance for third production line

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 11 Feb 2017 00:16

Our capacity to be corrupt and anti local industry never fails to surprise. Small wonder then that we lag behind in industrial development.

Navy used to be a steadfast supporter of local production - I guess they have now seen the "benefits" of imports!

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 11 Feb 2017 00:44

I think it was a moonshot for navy anyways. Its still unknown variable at the moment. Perhaps after first flight, things will change. With Mig-29K availability probably on the lower side, they have to hedge their bets somehow and LCA got the can. I am glad they aren't adding in extra 29Ks.

negi · Post by **negi** » 11 Feb 2017 09:11

Mig-29K

(Kabhi Kabhi udta hai) . We will repeat Marut for n generations simply because we spread ourselves too thin . The only factor which made me think N-LCA will see light of the day was very heavy IN presence in N-LCA programme . The 29-K came bundled with Gorshkov (actually it was supposed to be other way round) however I don't see the 29-K beating the competition if new RFP is serious and deal concludes. I am curious how this circus will unfold for FA-18SH for sure won't be able to operate from Vik or the new IAC . Rafale-M ?

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 11 Feb 2017 10:51

Why is the IN complaining about the 29k? They had IAF's experience on availability to draw upon. Then they operated 19 or so before ordering more. So they were aware of the qualities of the aircraft and ordered additional numbers. Now a few years later they are shocked to find that the 29k is not up to the mark?? I guess sab chalta hai.

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 11 Feb 2017 15:07

✈Anantha Krishnan M✈ (@writetake) tweeted at 1:16 PM on Sat, Feb 11, 2017:

During #AeroIndia2019 (next show) #Tejas will fly with Kaveri engine. PV1 will be revived with changes in rear fuselage, says @DRDO_India

(https://twitter.com/writetake/status/83 ... 96384?s=03)

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 11 Feb 2017 16:21

wow. Best news. Kaveri and our own radar are the two main things we need to have before we can think of exports.

A Deshmukh · Post by **A Deshmukh** » 11 Feb 2017 17:24

I presume it is Kaveri+Snecma engine.
2 years is a short time. but if they achieve it it would be great.
speculation : Modi must have put a tight timeline and achievement target for Snecma under Rafale offsets.
Deliver on the engine for more Rafale orders.

Shankk · Post by **Shankk** » 12 Feb 2017 01:26

Aero India 2017: Tejas PV5, PV6 for customer flights

As per IDRW, Tejas PV5 and PV6 are being made ready for potential customers to fly and try during Aero India 2017.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Feb 2017 02:54

ashishvikas wrote:✈Anantha Krishnan M✈ (@writetake) tweeted at 1:16 PM on Sat, Feb 11, 2017:

During #AeroIndia2019 (next show) #Tejas will fly with Kaveri engine. PV1 will be revived with changes in rear fuselage, says @DRDO_India

(https://twitter.com/writetake/status/83 ... 96384?s=03)

Snecma has come through. It appears their $1 billion investment in the Kaveri program will pay off.

Excellent news. Lungi dance indeed.

abhik · Post by **abhik** » 12 Feb 2017 03:23

I don't think it the first time we have heard about Kaveri integration with LCA being only x years away. Better to hold off on the lungi dance till 2019.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 12 Feb 2017 03:59

A Deshmukh wrote:I presume it is Kaveri+Snecma engine.
2 years is a short time. but if they achieve it it would be great.
speculation : Modi must have put a tight timeline and achievement target for Snecma under Rafale offsets.
Deliver on the engine for more Rafale orders.

IIRC, that is what Snecma (Safran) promised. Having taken a hard look at the projects I guess they knew what they were getting into.

An observation: they are proposing to mate the Kaveri with PV-1, after they make modifications to the fuselage (which is to be expected).

A question: Any thoughts on that, can they move the engine to a production plane as-is?

Another question; Any plans after that for the Kaveri? IIRC, Snecma promised a 90 kN engine. Not sufficient for the AMCA. ANy plans to push it to 110 kN (as an example)?

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 12 Feb 2017 04:15

^ iirc the m88 is designed to be uprated upto 10.5 tons.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 12 Feb 2017 12:13

Heads up Bengalureans

Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar has been interviewed by Radio Channel Fever 104 FM and the interview will be broadcast at 6-10 PM today. He will be speaking about the Tejas and other stuff. Don't forget to tune in..

nirav · Post by **nirav** » 12 Feb 2017 19:00

Pls post relevant snippets if you get a chance to hear the interview

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 12 Feb 2017 19:32

IAF has a two-pronged plan for force accretion, reveals Air Chief

NG: What is the schedule for the induction of Rafale, Tejas Mk1 and MK 1A?

Air Chief: Induction of Rafale aircraft will commence in September 2019 and is expected to be completed by April 2022. Induction of Tejas aircraft in Initial Operational Clearance configuration is under progress. This will be followed by induction of Tejas in Final Operational Clearance configuration and Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. It is expected that the induction of Tejas will be completed by 2025-26.

JayS · Post by **JayS** » 12 Feb 2017 19:38

shiv wrote:Heads up Bengalureans

Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar has been interviewed by Radio Channel Fever 104 FM and the interview will be broadcast at 6-10 PM today. He will be speaking about the Tejas and other stuff. Don't forget to tune in..

Crap. in 1.5hrs the interview was only for about 5min and some 3 usual questions. So much of ads and songs in between. I couldn't take anymore. Hope you can get the interview recording.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 12 Feb 2017 21:23

JayS wrote:
shiv wrote:Heads up Bengalureans

Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar has been interviewed by Radio Channel Fever 104 FM and the interview will be broadcast at 6-10 PM today. He will be speaking about the Tejas and other stuff. Don't forget to tune in..
Crap. in 1.5hrs the interview was only for about 5min and some 3 usual questions. So much of ads and songs in between. I couldn't take anymore. Hope you can get the interview recording.

Phew! Recorded 1.5 hours and got 15 minutes interview. Will post in an appropriate place soon.

nirav · Post by **nirav** » 12 Feb 2017 21:25

Must be crazy..a jingo tuning in to get latest updates on the LCA and the station playing 'baby Ko bass pasand hai' ..

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 12 Feb 2017 22:56

LSP1: Derby mounted and with IFR prob
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4dKkFdVMAECp5a.jpg:large

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 12 Feb 2017 23:14

Aeronautical Development Agency pins hopes on LCA Mark II use by Navy

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 12 Feb 2017 23:37

suryag wrote:LSP1: Derby mounted and with IFR prob
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4dKkFdVMAECp5a.jpg:large

What's up with the nose tires?

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 12 Feb 2017 23:42

It's in plywood stage

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Feb 2017 23:53

That is a risk for a risk assessor

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Feb 2017 00:05

Rafale offers bombs and missiles for India’s indigenous LCA Tejas
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world-r ... jas-368327

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Feb 2017 00:20

Cybaru wrote:It's in plywood stage

Different angle of the same aircraft...take a look at the nose wheel...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4dLDhVUoAE8n69.jpg:large

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 13 Feb 2017 00:43

What's the issue?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Feb 2017 02:27

Saraswat fires ‘interceptor missiles’ targeting anti-NLCA targets
http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/ind ... -1.1725907

“What is the use of Aero India, if we can’t become self-reliant in the field of aerospace and defence?” he asked. “My PPTs have many slides from Aero 2013 which shows nothing has changed in the country. Only thing that is constant is change. But we are defying that,” he said.

Indranil · Post by **Indranil** » 13 Feb 2017 02:59

Saraswat Sahab, aap jiyo hazaaron saal. "What is the difference between Gripen E and LCA Mk2?" Even I can't fathom it.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Feb 2017 03:43

Whither Navy's LCA?
http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spot ... navys-lca/

By Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd)

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 13 Feb 2017 05:30

Rakesh wrote:Whither Navy's LCA?
http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spot ... navys-lca/

By Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd)

Now I am reminded of the Good Admiral talking about the Navy's attitude and plan of attack on the STRATFOR Magazine forum which hosted lots of ACM , Admiral and lots of Journos. I think Ajai Shukla was there too.

The admiral confidently explained the navy's stance including that of buying what could be potentially low use aircraft (tejas Mk1) because it completely aligns with the Naval indigenisation drive.

now fast forward to this article

I have read it twice and I cannot pick out where the Navy got surprised by the DRDI/ HAL / ADa/ Life/ Circumstances etc.
Has he just rehashed the situation in various para so well that it looks like a ciritcal article but I don't see any criticism towards the navy which has not been surprised and his criticism toward the various agencies does not stick. Throw as much as he will, its not even landing in their court.

They ordered 6 aircrafts because they knew the potential of MK1. Now its beginning to sound like they were promised a Merc and a Maruti is stuttering.

There is something that has fundamentally shifted that cannot be exposed at this moment, be it negotiating powers over potential suppliers/ makers but this hogwash of LCA Navy failing is not washing down well with me.

Here are my reasons in random order.

1. Navy wants 57 more combat aircraft
2. Navy does not want Mig-29K. You know that and I know that.
3. Vishaal is coming with EMALS ??
4. The single engined fighter demand of the IAF could be combined with Naval need of 57 aircraft if the IAF could do with an F-18.
5. Navy is not having the best time with the 29K, either serviceability or range of craft after launching where fuel and weapons are compromising the performance instead of aiding it.

All I can say is.
Dear Navy
Don't go for Sea Gripen, Sea Typhoon, Sea Viper else you shall be waiting till 2060.

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 13 Feb 2017 05:36

There is a way at the bottom to rate the article. I thought the author seemed to be "projecting" his views on ada/hal as navys views and bashing away just because he is unhappy with them. He is making hay for all the time the articles bashed IAF and IA for not sticking with indiginization like navy did.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 13 Feb 2017 05:45

The Admiral seems keen to attack DRDO without any vision for the future.

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 13 Feb 2017 05:46

I don't mind anyone projecting their views. Well thought out views from another can be reused to better ourselves.
However he seems to ride the sudden divorce news between Navy and LCA as his vehicle upon which he sits and critiques them for their mistakes of past 150 years.

Yet I saw him singing for them in that Startfor forum few years ago.

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 13 Feb 2017 05:58

Vivek K wrote:The Admiral seems keen to attack DRDO without any vision for the future.

Yes
and there is that. There is no mention of how to go with that 57 a/c and how to do it better than before.

Added Later: Sorry admins, is there a Navy LCA thread that I should take this to ?

JayS · Post by **JayS** » 13 Feb 2017 10:13

Khalsa wrote:
There is something that has fundamentally shifted that cannot be exposed at this moment, be it negotiating powers over potential suppliers/ makers but this hogwash of LCA Navy failing is not washing down well with me.

I am thinking that too. Why would suddenly IN be surprized that MK1 won't make the cut..? Anyone who has followed NLCA even cursorily knows that it was always meant as a TD. Real deal was MK2. In fact IN was the main promoter behind MK2. For IAF it was an after-thought.

Why IN would be surprized that MiG-29 are terrible in MRO..?? The MiG's coming with Vik were not the first MiG's we ever had. We have had them before. If its the same issue as with Su-30MKI, why not try the same solution that is working for Su30MKI..??

My thoughts are that some behind the curtain deal is happening with US. I think there is negotiation for a packaged deal. If we want EMALS we have to buy Aircrafts. And it think its going the wrong way. We will end up buying F/A18. MP has said multiple times there will be one single engine and one twin engine jet under MII coming up. This whole IN requirement of 57 jets is a charade to cover this deal. But I don't understand, even if this is true, why do they have to denigrate NLCA for that..??

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 13 Feb 2017 10:19

simple, to justify the purchase of phoren fighters.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 13 Feb 2017 10:42

All politicians talk big! Not one extra Arjun has been ordered and here is the Navy throwing away the NLCA!! Welcome to the BRPI- Banana Republic of India!

Neshant · Post by **Neshant** » 13 Feb 2017 10:44

Now watch how the entry of YET another foreign fighter gets rolled into an IAF order for 200 planes through the backdoor while the MK2 mass production plans are curtailed.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 13 Feb 2017 10:47

Support economies of other nations at the expense of your own!!