Let me add my own stupid comments by trying to answer your questions.Originally posted by narayanan:
I doubt if low speed handling is an issue - they can get other planes for training for that. Isn't an AJT meant to train pilots to deal with the high-speed landings, complex high-G maneuvers and precision position-keeping? I've heard somewhere that the transition from propeller planes with 60-knot landing speeds to the MiG-21 with its 200-knot-plus landing speed is one of the most horrible parts of IAF pilot training....
It may not be trivial to mimic the advanced instrumentation of a modern fighter, but then, the LCA IS supposed to be a modern fighter... they can go straight to weapons training in the same planes...
Sorry for posting something which is probably completely stupid - but why is it stupid?
Since MIG training is what we are looking for, the relevant question is whether the LCA can be made to fly like a MIG-21.
The following questions come to mind
1. Can the LCA be made to land at 200 knots to simulate the MIG. Don't know
2. Since the LCA has relaxed static stability, it should be able to turn on a dime. Can the control system be tweaked to make it turn with a much larger radius like the MIG? Probably yes.
3. The LCA has a much more advanced cockpit with HOTAS, HUD etc. Will these have to be removed to simulate the MIG-21
4. Can the LCA can be made to stall like the MIG-21?
There should be many more questions like this which if we can answer might provide the overall answer. Now tell me how stupid my post is.