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rohitvats
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by rohitvats »

chackojoseph wrote:rohitvats,

yes, the IAF's new requirement delayed the program. I specifically asked them. There was a redesign in the layout. Had the platform not sufficed, new platform would have been taken.
Accepted.
the deal could have signed in 2005 and the domestic AWACS been in testing phase now?

I asked CABS and they said yes. The main radar had been achieved and fabrication was left. Bulk of the sub systems too were COTS.
Which basically means that everything is ready as we speak - except the aircraft, fabrication and testing of the system?
Finally, are there similar instances of IAF adding incremental requirements which led to delay in the LCA development?

Yes, then the folks called it mark 2.
Again - you've not answered the question - the timeline it took to develop and reach present stage has been so because asked for increment(s) in LCA? What will come in Mark II is secondary.

One more point - how much of this 'increment' in LCA is justified on the grounds of the timeline it took for the a/c to reach a maturity stage (and hence, newer technologies/systems etc were available and necessary from IAF's POV) and how much of it was due to IAF poor ASR drafting skills?
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

Rohitvats,

Which basically means that everything is ready as we speak - except the aircraft, fabrication and testing of the system?

See, the physical modifications is the responsibility of Embraer including antenna on the top. CABS will have its installations and testing. The vendors will do their job. The final airworthiness certifications will be CEMILAC. Acceptance by IAF. So, its not a smooth answer.

Again - you've not answered the question - the timeline it took to develop and reach present stage has been so because asked for increment(s) in LCA? What will come in Mark II is secondary.

One more point - how much of this 'increment' in LCA is justified on the grounds of the timeline it took for the a/c to reach a maturity stage (and hence, newer technologies/systems etc were available and necessary from IAF's POV) and how much of it was due to IAF poor ASR drafting skills?


Sure, can you please tell me how much you know about the ASR draft on LCA, every bis and pieces. i will take that forward.

Do take time to type it out, i will be back after a few hours.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Kanson »

IAF is willing to support indigenous programs as long as the products arrive on time, Barbora says. “We are not asking for the Moon. We are willing to wait, but give us what has been promised as per the deadline. We understand it’s not easy to make an aircraft.”
:D
Everytime Barbora opens his mouth he create jitters for some or the other. So, now, he understands the nuisance of creating military class aircraft?! Good to hear that.

The product has to delievered as promised and that too as per deadline, then what kind of understanding he try to show towards the project that being not easy, only God knows.

In other words, the statement can be reframed as, Oh! drdo wallas, we extend the sympathy of knowing this project is not easy for you but you know we are not asking for moon even while we relish on fact that you doing this for this first time and we have nothing to do about it but we want the product as promised on the dotted lines and more importantly as per the timeframe.

I have to say these are nice encouraging words... :mrgreen:
“In the next 10 years, IAF will change. Rapid technological changes pose a huge challenge, and even we need to change. There are no shortcuts in technology and we need to do things [the] right way,” Barbora says.
Rather than advising to do like China and copy thick and fast atlast he found out there is no shortcuts in technology...Good improvement, i have to say. :wink:
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

Kanson wrote:
IAF is willing to support indigenous programs as long as the products arrive on time, Barbora says. “We are not asking for the Moon. We are willing to wait, but give us what has been promised as per the deadline. We understand it’s not easy to make an aircraft.”
:D
Everytime Barbora opens his mouth he create jitters for some or the other. So, now, he understands the nuisance of creating military class aircraft?! Good to hear that.

......
“In the next 10 years, IAF will change. Rapid technological changes pose a huge challenge, and even we need to change. There are no shortcuts in technology and we need to do things [the] right way,” Barbora says.
Rather than advising to do like China and copy thick and fast atlast he found out there is no shortcuts in technology...Good improvement, i have to say. :wink:
I actually was going to ask this question to rohitvats, but, let me put this in general.

what has IAf asked DRDo and they have not delivered on time? Please keep LCA and Akash out of this answer.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Vivek K »

MOD and IAF have to take quicker decisions and have better long range planning as well as a vision for the future. Blaming HAL for everything cannot shorten timelines. Foreign products follow the successess and failures of foreign policy and world geopolitics that can be unpredictable and volatile. Therefore indigenous development provides a good path for securing National Interests without compromising foreign policy and national security.

HAL has demonstrated tremendous skills in developing the LCA, the IJT, the Dhruv and the LCH. However, here too external factors can rock the boat as we saw in the LCA Program after POK - II and in addition to GTRE's failure. But with visionary leadersip, failures can be stepping stones to success therefore with continued investment and support, the Kaveri can come to fruition. Therefore the ingredients for a successful domestic aerospace industry exist and should be used by the IAF to develop its next generation of war-fighters. To ensure smaller timelines, some form of public-pvt partnership under the IAF's stewardship could be formed.

Look at the future aircraft development path chosen by IAF & MOD - as of now, we seem to be aimlessly pursuing the Russian FGFA program. The quantity and quality of Indian input to the program during its development is uncertain. Also, customization of the platform to Indian needs will perhaps be done after the Russian version is finalized thereby delaying timelines of delivery to IAF. We need a serious rethink of this and re-evaluation of the MCA as the future platform for the IAF.

Delays exist not only in local development. Delays exist in foreign purchases too - i.e. the MRCA, the AJT, etc.... Everyone would llike to have had the LCA in squadron service in 2005 but a lot of external factors (read sanctions) and internal factors (inadequate funding, lack of technologies) were responsible. We should not be apologists for HAL's delays or for the IAF's slow decision making. These entities should grow up, stop blaming each other in public and show more dedication to national security.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

:lol: Its time we create DRDO vs Armed Forces thread.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Kanson »

>>what has IAf asked DRDo and they have not delivered on time? Please keep LCA and Akash out of this answer.

Moon? :) I think i kept LCA out of this..ha ha ha..

>>Its time we create DRDO vs Armed Forces thread..

Pls do the honors Sir. Rahul might feel comfortable.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by vic »

There are 3 ways to solve DRDO problem:-

money money & money


The present budgets are tooooo low for building labs and attaining critical mass
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Cybaru »

Okay folks, can we keep this thread for LCA news and such.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Sanku »

My response in the right thread here.....

http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 78#p888878
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by rohitvats »

chackojoseph wrote:
<SNIP>

One more point - how much of this 'increment' in LCA is justified on the grounds of the timeline it took for the a/c to reach a maturity stage (and hence, newer technologies/systems etc were available and necessary from IAF's POV) and how much of it was due to IAF poor ASR drafting skills?[/b]

Sure, can you please tell me how much you know about the ASR draft on LCA, every bis and pieces. i will take that forward.

Do take time to type it out, i will be back after a few hours.
It is you who has mocked the ASR drafting skills of IAF - So, I'm sure you've reasons for the same and hence, have details of the ASR drafted for LCA and which part of the 'delay' in LCA programme was due to these shortcomings from IAF.

It is for you to answer these questions and not me. Let us see if you can answer these.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Karan M »

There were problems with the LCA ASR given then technology and are a challenge even with todays technology. The final solution that has been found is to put in a heavier thrust engine to compensate for the increased weight partly gained via revised specifications.

The biggest challenge for the LCA, past and current, has been to match advanced medium weight aircraft level of performance with overall size and specifications dictated by the MiG-21 "footprint".

The LCA is almost the same size as the MiG-21, but its performance is expected to be much higher. This makes its design and development extremely challenging as the designers have to seek the highest technology available to achieve the required performance. Reaching for the maximum possible at every stage, as a necessity, leads to issues with the triple constraint, time, money and scope.

These problems stem from the fact that both IAF and IA do not have dedicated own R&D/ development units which are manned by own engineers able to frame Requirements within the constraints of India's industrial capability, balancing growth needs versus IAF induction timelines. For drawing up ASR's or GSQRs, a pool of professionals is currently drawn and assigned to respective directorate which then work with developers. It is a more ad hoc process than can be allowed as experience levels vary and a lot of reliance is placed on third party information (e.g. consultants and OEMs plus literature from journals and magazines) all of which have drawbacks. The Directorates are often undermanned as well, and have to tackle multiple mules. The other problem is of scope creep. It is not uncommon for people deputed to the program to be retired/returned to the parent organization and their successors have different ideas on what is to be done. Most problematic though is service disinterest. This leads to an environment where changes are not incorporated as part of the original design process, iteratively, but come clustered together at times once the original item is developed and ready, causing delays and problems. This too has occurred for the LCA.

For the AEW&C, too, this happened. Changing accommodation midway is a substantial issue because it reduces the internal volume available. So the original design goes for a toss in some respects, and you end up having to redesign.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by rohitvats »

Mrinal wrote:There were problems with the LCA ASR given then technology and are a challenge even with todays technology. The final solution that has been found is to put in a heavier thrust engine to compensate for the increased weight partly gained via revised specifications.
Mrinal, I'm trying to get an answer for a very straight forward question - Was the IAF ASR for LCA poorly/loosely drafted and hence, led to delays in the program? Did IAF ask for the moon, a case of BBC, something which was simply not possible given the maturity level of Indian Technological base? Or were those demand just from IAF POV but given our maturity level plus the geo-political situation as obtained after POK-II, there were delays.

<SNIP>
These problems stem from the fact that both IAF and IA do not have dedicated own R&D/ development units which are manned by own engineers able to frame Requirements within the constraints of India's industrial capability, balancing growth needs versus IAF induction timelines.
This is a generic statement and while I'm aware of the GSQR fiascos, my question is especially wrt the LCA Story.

Funny thing is, ACM Barbora made a generic statement (about DRDO) and we had posters jumping up and down trying to defend the LCA (as if it needs defending) by giving unrelated analogies and throwing aspersions on IAF ASR - and somehow pin the blame on IAF for delays in LCA Development Story.

<SNIP>
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by negi »

As I see it there is no point in taking sides on this debate for both services as well as the MHC come under the Gobermund so when one takes a side and says oh DRDO and HAL do not have budgetary allocations on par with L&M or XYZ corp same holds true for the services as well their acquisition programmes like the HAWK (ok this is done but how much time did it take) , Artillery, Gorshkov, Scorpenes are all progressing at a snails pace , most importantly does India as on date have a template/guidelines which demarcate roles and tasks to be carried out by the either party when it comes to indigenous programmes likes Tejas/Arjun ?

Coming to IAF dropping the ball with regards to the drafting of the ASR the point to be noted is just like ADA and DRDO were designing their first ever combat AC, IAF too was getting into product development sphere which is completely different beast when compared to listing down requirements of a combat AC in a RFP floated for phoren suppliers.While DRDO & Co do design and development for a living the three forces in any point in time never had any exposure to driving a programme as complex as Tejas or even Arjun they have always been in the 'shopping' mode as far as weapons procurement is concerned, Navy has done well because if one would observe most of the shipyards have a lot of ex-IN personnel in the top level so Industry-service nexus/lobby or whatever one may wish to call it makes things easy as far as indeginisation is concerned.

All this talk about shifting goal posts, scope creep or even indifference towards the programme imo point to a more fundamental deficiency than mere animosity or bias against the desi stuff as far as services are concerned i.e. lack of exposure to driving a product development programme. Having said that I concede the fact that it is the services who have to walk that extra mile to make India's indigenous MHC a successful industry and if this means DM or MoD holding a danda behind then so be it.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

rohitvats wrote:
chackojoseph wrote:
<SNIP>

One more point - how much of this 'increment' in LCA is justified on the grounds of the timeline it took for the a/c to reach a maturity stage (andIt is for you to answer these questions and not me. Let us see if you can answer these.
rohitvats,

This is the second time you are challenging me into something. I have accepted it this time because I can tell a lot of stuff that will not burn my bridges with people I know.

Don't get offended, I am only trying to know my audience. its only fair. Because these kinds of discussions try to drift to no end. I am not trying to challenge you.

Besides, your questions have been answered, but, you are trying to look for specifics. I have already mentioned that DRDO got wiser in 2005 which ran parallel to LCA and AWACS specs. But, still , there were instances in LSP's that were delayed because of bickering.

If you can rise up to the occasion and please tell me what you already know about it, I will be glad to tell you. I will also tell you a something that happened when I called in to ask why a particular LSP was getting delayed.

Funny thing is, ACM Barbora made a generic statement (about DRDO) and we had posters jumping up and down trying to defend the LCA (as if it needs defending) by giving unrelated analogies and throwing aspersions on IAF ASR - and somehow pin the blame on IAF for delays in LCA Development Story.

Can you prove the AM made a generic statement? You must know something that you claim its not generaic. And don't run away from this question.
Last edited by chackojoseph on 16 Jun 2010 07:12, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

negi wrote:As I see it there is no point in taking sides on this debate for both services as well as the MHC come under the Gobermund so when one tse if one would observe most of the shipyards have a lot of ex-IN personnel in the top level so Industry-service nexus/lobby or whatever one may wish to call it makes things easy as far as indeginisation is concerned.

All this talk about shifting goal posts, scope creep or even indifference towards the programme imo point to a more fundamental deficiency than mere animosity or bias against the desi stuff as far as services are concerned i.e. lack of exposure to driving a product development programme. Having said that I concede the fact that it is the services who have to walk that extra mile to make India's indigenous MHC a successful industry and if this means DM or MoD holding a danda behind then so be it.
negi,

The trigger was the Air marshals speech. His claims on not asking the moon. Reminds me of old times.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by NRao »

What we are witnessing seems to be the settling process (as in as one fills a bottle/can with dhal, or the like, and we tend to shake the bottle to accommodate more). It seems to me that the politicians have told both sides to come to an agreement ASAP - as in right now.

IF this is true, we should witness a rash of acceptances from the armed forces, better and timely products from DRDO and the like, more participation from the private sector and funds from the GoI.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Kanson »

negi wrote:most importantly does India as on date have a template/guidelines which demarcate roles and tasks to be carried out by the either party when it comes to indigenous programmes likes Tejas/Arjun ?
Yes, after bitten by these programs, they are trying to put what you call as templates or what may be called improvements to project mangament.
Coming to IAF dropping the ball with regards to the drafting of the ASR the point to be noted is just like ADA and DRDO were designing their first ever combat AC, IAF too was getting into product development sphere which is completely different beast when compared to listing down requirements of a combat AC in a RFP floated for phoren suppliers.
Negi saab, more then one person pointed out in more than one project IAF's defeciency or shall we call as delay in framing ASR- Su-30, LCA and AEW. The delay by the IAF on the AEW is well known. So it is first project for the IAF so dash dash dash doesnt cut any ice.
While DRDO & Co do design and development for a living the three forces in any point in time never had any exposure to driving a programme as complex as Tejas or even Arjun they have always been in the 'shopping' mode as far as weapons procurement is concerned, Navy has done well because if one would observe most of the shipyards have a lot of ex-IN personnel in the top level so Industry-service nexus/lobby or whatever one may wish to call it makes things easy as far as indeginisation is concerned.
Correct, thats why people shouldnt throw stones sitting in glass house.
All this talk about shifting goal posts, scope creep or even indifference towards the programme imo point to a more fundamental deficiency than mere animosity or bias against the desi stuff as far as services are concerned i.e. lack of exposure to driving a product development programme. Having said that I concede the fact that it is the services who have to walk that extra mile to make India's indigenous MHC a successful industry and if this means DM or MoD holding a danda behind then so be it.
As usual your are correct. LCA programme was not touched with seriousness until there is depletion of the force level in numbers. If we got the Mirage-2000 as MRCA as planned, the amount of enthusiasm towards this project would have been lesser compared to what is present. So there exists a fundamental deficiency as far as project mangement goes.

Off lately, the continous "clarion call" on the LCA project by the present chief, ex-chief Kiccha and ACM to the extent of calling it is a joke when actually the project is comming to fruitification, i stress fruitification, reminds me of the similar tactics used by the Army wallas towards Arjun project. So people who are responding to these statements are only reacting and pointing the obvious mistakes. There is nothing any such that can termed as against the Services.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

Kanson wrote:Off lately, the continous "clarion call" on the LCA project by the present chief, ex-chief Kiccha and ACM to the extent of calling it is a joke when actually the project is comming to fruitification, i stress fruitification, reminds me of the similar tactics used by the Army wallas towards Arjun project. So people who are responding to these statements are only reacting and pointing the obvious mistakes. There is nothing any such that can termed as against the Services.
Oh sir, you forgot the IAF serving officer commenting about Akash with falling parts.

I also have another question, I know no one has an answer. what if AM Barbora is the guy or one of the types who in AM P Rajkumars book had advised that if the IAF goes to flight ceremony of LCA, then it will show IAF support?
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Kanson »

chackojoseph wrote:Oh sir, you forgot the IAF serving officer commenting about Akash with falling parts.
And the way they negotiated the Aksah deal more importantly the price negotitations is much more worse. Yes we are hard bargainers with foreign entities but thats happening within the same government agencies gives a different feeling. As pointed by you & others, the relationship is still a buyer-seller and not the way the Navy & drdo praised each other and considered them as family in NTOL ceremony.
I also have another question, I know no one has an answer. what if AM Barbora is the guy or one of the types who in AM P Rajkumars book had advised that if the IAF goes to flight ceremony of LCA, then it will show IAF support?
hmmm.... :) The way he changed his statement on no shortcut to technology says he started to interacting with the industry...or at the least he is listening to the people from the industry.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by disha »

prabhug wrote:
The air marshals pot shot has not gone down well with me
Is it not common ,defense people making sharp comments and without realizing the consequences ?
There is a world of difference between a lay "defense people" making a sharp comment and an ACM making a comment that gets reported in press. Note that, ACM does represent the IAF and its view and it is not just about what they express but how they express. He may have genuine reasons to be upset about HAL/ADA timelines, but to take potshots in media does open him up for questions.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by disha »

kapilrdave wrote:^^^^Hmmm... so you think 10 more years for induction is ok? Interesting.
Yes, in high tech items like combat aircraft, particularly ones which are 4/4.5 generation, that is perfectly normal. I would dare say that LCA program is a spectacular success. Particularly for India where the industrial design and technology base is *not* comparable to those of other countries like US/UK/Sweden/France etc. If we are compared to them, that is a good thing IMHO.
Earlier you said IAF should induct unfinished Tejas in numbers because Jaguars came in uncompleted shape!! Keep it up.
Exactly. Why show stepchild treatment for Tejas? Just like it was shown for Marut?

You need to re-read ACM's statement, all I pointed out was there were instances in the past where IAF did induct aircraft in uncompleted shape. Given that, why take potshots at LCA and why now when it is so close to IOC?

Anyway, no more posts from me on this. Though the debate will restart/reignited whenever IAF or HAL/ADA takes a potshot at each other in public media.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Sanku »

Whats so difficult about the simple things, dont get into a DRDO vs IAF debate on LCA thread. Shessh.......
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Anantz »

In fact during operation "Poomalai" I think it was called when An-32s airdropped supplies into Jaffna in 1987 or whatever and the Mirage 2000s that provided support had just their internal cannons and maybe heat seeking missiles!.
I think they used only Magic Missiles because they were carrying twin under wing drop tanks for the extra range. In the Mirage 2000, if you want Super 530D to be carried along you can fit only one center line drop tank. So for long range operation where it would require extra drop tanks it can carry only Magic Missile on the outer wing hard points. At that time, I think the Mirage was the only Fighter Interceptor with the IAF that could operate at long ranges for extended loiter time. Hence the case.

Ofcourse this problem has been solved with Mirage 2000-5 's four fuselage mounted Mica missiles, but that again is still not present with the IAF.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by negi »

You need to re-read ACM's statement, all I pointed out was there were instances in the past where IAF did induct aircraft in uncompleted shape
Well these are ridiculous in fact absurd points unless someone substantiates as to what were the alternatives inhouse/phoren ON SALE.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by KarthikSan »

----deleted----

Made a boo-boo :(
Last edited by KarthikSan on 16 Jun 2010 12:40, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by biswas »

^ That has already been posted on this forum by the man himself.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by kapilrdave »

disha wrote:
kapilrdave wrote:^^^^Hmmm... so you think 10 more years for induction is ok? Interesting.
Yes, in high tech items like combat aircraft, particularly ones which are 4/4.5 generation, that is perfectly normal. I would dare say that LCA program is a spectacular success. Particularly for India where the industrial design and technology base is *not* comparable to those of other countries like US/UK/Sweden/France etc. If we are compared to them, that is a good thing IMHO.
Earlier you said IAF should induct unfinished Tejas in numbers because Jaguars came in uncompleted shape!! Keep it up.
Exactly. Why show stepchild treatment for Tejas? Just like it was shown for Marut?

You need to re-read ACM's statement, all I pointed out was there were instances in the past where IAF did induct aircraft in uncompleted shape. Given that, why take potshots at LCA and why now when it is so close to IOC?

Anyway, no more posts from me on this. Though the debate will restart/reignited whenever IAF or HAL/ADA takes a potshot at each other in public media.
Well, I'm bit lazy in writing so I hoped my two lines were enough to ridicule your statements.

Anyways, now let me write it in length.

1). If I'm understanding you correctly, you mean to say that there should be absolutely no deadline for such cutting edge tech. If this is correct then I don't think many people will agree to you. And if you think that there should be a deadline then congratulations!! Mr. ACM is in full agreement with you!! Effectively he said that DRDO should meet it's own (revised) deadline. What's more, he okays the delays uptil now (by accepting complexity of the project) and is willing to induct Tejas!! When ACM says this it means something, isn't it? The good news is, as of latest developemnts the Tejas will meet the deadline.

2). Fantastic. Let's do it. Let's induct the unfinished Tejas in numbers. But there is a very tiny problem. Tejas is a fighter A/C and is meant to win the war against some steep adversaries. There is even tinier problem there. There will be a mortal sitting inside it called pilot. Stupid IAF thinks that he is of some importance. What will we do about these stupid little problems? I'm more than sure that you have a solution for both.

Now come up with unrelated arguments like Arjun and Jag and bla bla to which I will not care to respond.

Somebody please tell me, just why are we fighting this DRDO/HAL vs IAF war when Barbora has said that IAF wants Tejas and also when Tejas is coming good in time?
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

kapilrdave wrote:1). If I'm understanding you correctly, you mean to say that there should be absolutely no deadline for such cutting edge tech. If this is correct then I don't think many people will agree to you. And if you think that there should be a deadline then congratulations!! Mr. ACM is in full agreement with you!! Effectively he said that DRDO should meet it's own (revised) deadline. What's more, he okays the delays uptil now (by accepting complexity of the project) and is willing to induct Tejas!! When ACM says this it means something, isn't it? The good news is, as of latest developemnts the Tejas will meet the deadline.

2). Fantastic. Let's do it. Let's induct the unfinished Tejas in numbers. But there is a very tiny problem. Tejas is a fighter A/C and is meant to win the war against some steep adversaries. There is even tinier problem there. There will be a mortal sitting inside it called pilot. Stupid IAF thinks that he is of some importance. What will we do about these stupid little problems? I'm more than sure that you have a solution for both.

Now come up with unrelated arguments like Arjun and Jag and bla bla to which I will not care to respond.

Somebody please tell me, just why are we fighting this DRDO/HAL vs IAF war when Barbora has said that IAF wants Tejas and also when Tejas is coming good in time?
1) Even SU-27/30 had to be removed out of ever development in order to productnise it. There is an article about it from Russians. Tejas will not deadline because some ACM said something about it. MK-1 has been finalised for IOC. Mk-2 will be in continued development. Just like SU-27/30 project. Had this not been done, the project would have dragged on for years. Even if he accepts it or not, the complexity of making the aircraft will be there. There is no favor in acepting the plane as this is a project of national importance. He has his sub- role to play and there is a universe of decision takers for the project.

2) Tejas in its current form is better than MiG-21 by IAF's own admission.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by kapilrdave »

^^^^
1). That's why we are looking at IOC for MK-1 and keep everything else for MK-2. The talk is about MK-1. Although he has not made it clear but I think Barbora meant the timely delivery of MK-1 not MK-2 because It's MK-1 is in news these days.

2). Well, ACM has said that he wants Tejas that means once IOC is achieved (in time though) IAF will order more. Disha took it wrongly and said that come what may, Tejas should be ordered in number right away - effectively means before IOC. Point to be noted here is that the BVR capabilities is yet to be tested for Tejas.

Everything is going good for Tejas and hence for all of us, so let's just don't fight a was that doesn't exist.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

1) As even you are guessing, we do not know why he said that. In one of my other theories, he must be returning back at what Dr Swaraswat said during DRDO prize presentations. Mostly "kichad ucchaal" type comment.

IOC should be joint responsibility of DRDO and IAF. IAF has to fly them in Sulur and its a part of the IOC. DRDO has to supply them with enough aircraft's. The final spec has flown, so it should not be difficult for them to bring in newer ones. Both IAF and DRDO are in this toghter as of now and both know IOC will be delayed by 2 more years.

IMO I can see why Dr. Atre told me that IAF role gets confusing. To quote him "But at times I felt that they were not genuinely interested in LCA and acted as auditors rather than players. " The interest may have come up, but, rest of the attitude remains. Besides ACM Fali major has gone, I see little hope in current leadership. Once I told someone that ACM fali major should be appointed as an intermediary between IAF wallas and DRDO wallas.

2) If they order more numbers, FOC could be faster as more clones start plying. they could even test the production aircraft's.

Partially, I believe that IOC is now a matter of procedure onleee.
Last edited by chackojoseph on 16 Jun 2010 15:33, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by rohitvats »

chackojoseph wrote:
rohitvats,

This is the second time you are challenging me into something. I have accepted it this time because I can tell a lot of stuff that will not burn my bridges with people I know.

Don't get offended, I am only trying to know my audience. its only fair. Because these kinds of discussions try to drift to no end. I am not trying to challenge you.

CJ,

It is quite sad for me to see you respond this way - This is the second time you are challenging me into something. You think this is what this is all about? Challenging an fellow poster on BRF? And why? You think I'm trying to massage my ego here and play the one-upmanship game?

CJ, you made a claim - that IAF is known to screw up on ASR. I asked a very specific question - How do you know that IAF screwed LCA ASR? Because the whole context of debate was with reference to LCA. But what did you quote - example of AWECS System. When I pressed you further on the specifics, this is how you responded.

If you make an assertion - it is your duty to ensure that you have a back up of that. A back-up you can share in case someone asks you to do so - as I did in case of LCA. It is you who mocked the IAF on their shoddy ASR - and hence, it is you who needs to have back-up and not me. In case you know something but which cannot be shared in public domain - it is better not to even bring up the topic for debate. Because don't expect me to accept whatever you say by using the "hidden sources" argument. And btw, I hope you have sources both in the IAF and DRDO and can form a balanced opinion - for in case all your sources are within DRDO/DPSUs, it brings forth only one side of the story.
Besides, your questions have been answered, but, you are trying to look for specifics. I have already mentioned that DRDO got wiser in 2005 which ran parallel to LCA and AWACS specs. But, still , there were instances in LSP's that were delayed because of bickering.
My dear good sir, where have you answered my question - my question was very specific - How much delay is due to shoddy ASR and how much is due to technological challenges? It is you who needs to know specifics to make the profound statement that you did and not me - you either know the details or you don't. In case, you know partial details and using your judgement you arrive at a conclusion - please say so, that you think xyz might be the case. But let us not make statements as if they are the final word on the subject.

As for the LSP bickering thing - please do quote (in case you can) the whole episode with both sides of the story.
If you can rise up to the occasion and please tell me what you already know about it, I will be glad to tell you. I will also tell you a something that happened when I called in to ask why a particular LSP was getting delayed.
No, I don't know anything and hence, I never make statements claiming to contrary. It is you who made the statement and need to back up the same with hard facts.
Can you prove the AM made a generic statement? You must know something that you claim its not generaic. And don't run away from this question
And can you show me that he was refering to LCA? Becasue that is the conclusion which every one has drawn. And CJ, I never post anything from which I've run away. And in case I make a mistake, I've enough honor to accept it and bow out.
So, please move beyond in trying to second guess what my motives are and answer the question that has been asked of you.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by rohitvats »

Mrinal wrote: You already have your straightforward answer above.

The LCA ASRs were way too ambitious for then technology, and the IAF expected far too much.

<SNIP>
Mrinal, give me some time...I'll respond to your post. You've made some strong statement and I would want to read up on the literature before I reply.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by manjgu »

Mrinal,

whats wrong in ASR's being too ambitious ? the way IAF /DRDO are structured , how is the IAF supposed to know the technical abilities of DRDO ? The ASR's will be structured to address current/future threats and not the technical competence of DRDO. Isnt it for the DRDO to tell the IAF the feasibility/contraints/dependencies/timelines for implementing the ASR's?

unless these organizations are structured/staffed differently , i am sorry such problems will keep on cropping up.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

Dear Rohitvats,

You have had first experience on the kargil thread. All you had to do was shoot the question in my email. I have mentioned the limitations on mail. You still went ahead and did the same thing.

Secondly, as a jingo, I pointed out the double standard of ACM. I never said he mentioned LCA. Please read carefully.

My dear good sir, where have you answered my question - my question was very specific - How much delay is due to shoddy ASR and how much is due to technological challenges? It is you who needs to know specifics to make the profound statement that you did and not me - you either know the details or you don't. In case, you know partial details and using your judgement you arrive at a conclusion - please say so, that you think xyz might be the case. But let us not make statements as if they are the final word on the subject.

As for the LSP bickering thing - please do quote (in case you can) the whole episode with both sides of the story.


How much delay you want to know? Ok,

Two and a half years back, under a request from a jingo, I called up ADA. It was revealing. The LSP was supposed to be in air, but, our friends in a heated meeting over one part of the plane. The LSP finally flew after delay. I hope you will figure out the LSP. It had a cascading effect on the rest of the schedule. Friends from IAF wanted to add/modify something that could have been incorporated in next. It was a deviation from the original. I hope you don't want more details on the incident.

No, I don't know anything and hence, I never make statements claiming to contrary. It is you who made the statement and need to back up the same with hard facts.

Actually, see, when you ask a question, its logical the person who answers wants to know what do you know extra. What is wrong in that? See , its not a one way communication. I was expecting a genuine reply from you like a true jingo. Now days, even a TTE is asked to flash his Id before we hand over the ticket to him for inspection. I am only trying to give you an analogy. If i asnwer in a way, you will say, its not this I wanted, i wanted this way.

I learn't it from a class of mine.

Once, my biology teacher asked me a question. I replied.

she said "how?"

I replied.

She said "how?"

I replied.

she said "how?"

I replied.

Then she said, why don't you sit down? I had asked you only one question.

I was amazed, I asked he its you who kept me asking "How?"

Then she started laughing. She was a maharashtrian and "how' mean right, correct. :D

And can you show me that he was referring to LCA? Becasue that is the conclusion which every one has drawn. And CJ, I never post anything from which I've run away. And in case I make a mistake, I've enough honor to accept it and bow out.
So, please move beyond in trying to second guess what my motives are and answer the question that has been asked of you.


If you read my comments before your first question, I have not referred LCA, did I? I have not second guessed your motive. I think, you got that wrong there.

Actually, instead of bickering, I was planning to make a whole chart on the LCA schedules if you would have managed to type out what you know as a respected member of the forum. we could still do it.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

manjgu wrote:Mrinal,

whats wrong in ASR's being too ambitious ? the way IAF /DRDO are structured , how is the IAF supposed to know the technical abilities of DRDO ? The ASR's will be structured to address current/future threats and not the technical competence of DRDO. Isnt it for the DRDO to tell the IAF the feasibility/contraints/dependencies/timelines for implementing the ASR's?

unless these organizations are structured/staffed differently , i am sorry such problems will keep on cropping up.
A very ambitious ASR was counterproductive. Even DRDO knew its capabilities. They had assumed of international co-operation. They would have achieved it had it not been the sanctions.

ASR could have been redone to meet the national objective. They are anyway getting the MMRCA's for the meantime.

I once took on a journalist, i told him that hope your baby born will be the President of India. Else he is a failure.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by Sanku »

It was for DRDO to say no to a ambitious ASR. Probably to begin with they felt too scared to say "not possible in given time/money"; one of the strongest criticism usually by the forces is that DRDO is "we will get you the moon tomorrow, no problem" and then disappear. Including LCA is.

Being able to accurately judge their skills in the beginning, may be they lacked confidence to stand up to "tough nonsense" fauji's.

Hopefully they will learn on how to deal with the Fauji's because sure as hell, the fauji's are not going to change, which is perhaps not too bad, given that their attitude is optimized for their primary mission.

Hopefully they would have learnt project management skills as well. (not a knock, its tough being a good project manager, Dr Kalam is special because he was one of the finest)
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by chackojoseph »

One more thing. The speeding up of LCA project is not because IAF insists. IAF will have to wait for LCA if it wouldn't have been what it is today. Its sheer hard and smart work put in by DRDO.

For example, they could have chosen simpler design's. But they went for complex one and are in the league of modern designs. AFIK, IAf was anti ambitious design then. then they dared for proof of concept.

The systems and sub systems that are being tested on the incremental LSP's are very much their own making.

Each new bird that flies out there flies with host of new technologies and that is purely DRDO dream and not IAF's insistence.

Today, they are talking about incorporating AESA and other technologies. DRDO started working on AESA even before IAF started talking about it.

SU-30 avionics are international success stories.

The LGB is another success.

I hope ACM B remembers it.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by rohitvats »

chackojoseph wrote:
Dear Rohitvats,

You have had first experience on the kargil thread. All you had to do was shoot the question in my email. I have mentioned the limitations on mail. You still went ahead and did the same thing.

Secondly, as a jingo, I pointed out the double standard of ACM. I never said he mentioned LCA. Please read carefully.
Sorry Sir, that is not how it is going to work out with me at least - every time you post something or make a claim, you expect people to shoot out an e-mail to you? Do you think that is practically possible? Please correct me if I'm wrong - but I'm sure there is enough material in the open space to prove what your assertions were.

This is the reason I asked you not to allude to "confidential sources" when asked for details.

As for the you naming LCA somewhere - you forget that your drew allusions to LCA ASR by giving example of AWECS. I actually hate doing this but this is what you wrote -

If you remember the DRDO AWACS story, it was the first time that DRDO was specific that it was late due to IAF (ASR capability). Also, we heard that it was due to the experience with IAF on LCA that DRDO was specific about it

What do you want me to make of it?
How much delay you want to know? Ok,

Two and a half years back, under a request from a jingo, I called up ADA. It was revealing. The LSP was supposed to be in air, but, our friends in a heated meeting over one part of the plane. The LSP finally flew after delay. I hope you will figure out the LSP. It had a cascading effect on the rest of the schedule. Friends from IAF wanted to add/modify something that could have been incorporated in next. It was a deviation from the original. I hope you don't want more details on the incident.
Again, I had requested you to give both sides of the story - the above example is how the DRDO/people in-charge felt about it. There is no word why IAF wanted that piece of equipment during the LSP phase. And no, I cannot figure out the LSP, for I don't have the necessary technical background nor the required hold on the subject. And hence, I asked the question(s).
Actually, see, when you ask a question, its logical the person who answers wants to know what do you know extra. What is wrong in that? See , its not a one way communication. I was expecting a genuine reply from you like a true jingo. Now days, even a TTE is asked to flash his Id before we hand over the ticket to him for inspection. I am only trying to give you an analogy. If i asnwer in a way, you will say, its not this I wanted, i wanted this way.


CJ, what do you want to me to make out this statement? What kind of argument is this?

There is a thing or two that I know about the Orbat and T&OE of the Indian Army. Some time back, I made an effort to put down the T&OE of the IA on BRF so that everyone could be on the same plane. Even now, when an article or reports comes out, or there is a development, I try and analyze the same and put it on BRF.

If I take your line of reasoning - I should have not even done that. For I know for sure, that expect for some ex-IA types or with link to IA (and good links at that) or with very good reading of militaty matters, most of the BRFites would have no way of knowing the T&OE of IA or the Orbat. Should I ask each and every BRFite about what he knows before I pen down my thoughts or reply? Are we not here to share and learn?

And as for the analogy argument - Good Sir, In case you know the answer to the question that I raised, you could have easily penned down couple of bullet points highlighting the so called short-comings in the ASR. And no, I don't need to know the exact ASR - for I'm sure no one is public domain has seen it, but broad points. And the fact is - you've not been able to do that. It does not matter what I know - I've already told you that I know zilch. And that is why I'm not passing judgement on the IAF and LCA Development Story. I did that in case of Arjun - but I ensured I know enough on the subject ( I read your website end to end) before I made the first post. So, tomorrow if someone asks me if IA erred in case of Arjun, I'll say yes. And I'll give my reasons for the same.

You've passed judgement on the IAF in LCA Story and you need to provide an honest and straightforward answer.
If you read my comments before your first question, I have not referred LCA, did I? I have not second guessed your motive. I think, you got that wrong there.

Actually, instead of bickering, I was planning to make a whole chart on the LCA schedules if you would have managed to type out what you know as a respected member of the forum. we could still do it.
Sorry Sir, I don't know anything and hence, cannot be of any use in this case.

However, this is my last post on the topic - for this discussion is not going anywhere.

I have request for fellow BRFites - it seems that it has become fashionable to bash the Defence Services without bothering to read up on the topic and using proper logic and argument. Yes, the Defence Services have screwed up in many cases and please, go ahead and call a spade as spade. But let us not generalize and trivialize these things. Let us be very careful before we have the urge to pass a disparaging remark.
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Re: LCA News and Discussions

Post by dhiren k »

Is there any plan to change Tejas's overall airframe in MK 2 version to make it more aerodynamic,stealthy etc ?
If there has been so much delay in the MK1 version, will there not be any significant delay (upto 5 years) for the IOC of MK2 ?
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