[Updated Copy]
Much ahead of India's Festival of Lights -- Diwali -- India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is all set to do carpet bombing in Rajasthan! A high-profile team of engineers, test pilots, scientists and ground crew from ADA, HAL, NFTC and IAF have already touched down at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan for the light and sound show. As this blog goes live, the Tejas pilots have already done recce flights ahead of their crucial weapon trials -- ringing in some excitement to the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) phase.
Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that LSP-2, LSP-5, and (three platforms from the flight line) have already reached Jaisalmer and flying, after a brief stopover at Ozhar Air Force base in Nasik for refueling. "The crucial weapons trials are all set to begin now. We are planning to drop 1000 pounds and 400 pounds bombs at Chandan and Pokhran Ranges," say sources. "LSP-3 and LSP-4 were also scheduled to go earlier. But they are now being kept as a stand-by in Bangalore," sources said.
This is for the first time that Tejas would be undertaking precision bombing at a range closer to Indian border. "These are very sensitive trials. We are looking to secure accurate positions and target parameters. We will move on to Leh and then to Goa from here, later this year. There has been delays post-IOC declaration (January 10, 2011) and we hope to set the record straight from here," sources said.
Over 200 people are part of this weapon trial at Jaisalmer. Tejas had earlier undertaken weapon trials in Goa and Chitradurga.
Stay tuned for more on Jaisalmer trials...
