NP-1 during its first EGR at Old Bangalore airport on September 26.
The naval prototype (NP-1) of the light combat aircraft (LCA) did the first engine ground run (EGR) successfully. According to sources, the first EGR was conducted on September 26 at about 6.30 pm. Tests like engine integration, activation of the various systems like flight control, hydraulics, fuel, electrical and avionics were done successfully. “The aircraft will now go through a phase of refinements followed by a series of final integration checks and taxi trials, before its first flight shortly,” sources said.
The NP-I had its roll-out on July 6, 2010 and Team ADA promised Antony that the first flight would take place before December 31, 2010. Earlier, in an interview to this blog, ADA chief P.S. Subramanyam had said that "tech challenges are delaying" the first flight of NP-1.
The fact that DRDO chose to officially inform the media about a significant development related to NP-1 a day after the EGR clearly shows the levels of enthusiasm the program is generating within. According to insiders, the new NFTC head wants to stay low-key, while dealing with the media!
Promise to Antony has gone with the wind. Let's hope for some good news soon!
Earlier report here
