LCA NP1 all set for ski-jump trials at SBTF Goa | NP-2 likely to have first flight soon

By Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake 

Bengaluru, Dec 8: Scripting a new chapter in India’s naval aviation history, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Naval Prototype-1 (NP-1) is all set to undertake critical trials at INS Hansa in Goa for the first time. Sources confirm to OneIndia that the NP-1 undertook ‘extensive pre-requisite flying’ at HAL Airport in Bengaluru ahead of its expected ferry to Goa soon. 

“The aircraft is in a good shape now. In the last two weeks alone, we did five flights. Specified speed, Mach No, altitude, Angle of Attack, undercarriage operations and ground accelerations all have been tested and found satisfactory,” an official said. 

The NP-1 (trainer variant) was rolled out with great fanfare on July 6, 2010 and the aircraft had its maiden flight on April 27, 2012. As on December 6, 2014, the platform could only achieve 29 flights. 

NP-1 to perform a challenging task at SBTF: An advance team of experts have already landed at Goa ahead of the NP-1 campaign at INS Hansa. “Modifications on the NP-1 have already done for the ski-jump activities. Ski-jump is a technologically-challenging task achieved by India. Only very few countries (US and Ukraine among known nations) can boast of a facility like SBTF,” the official said. 

The SBTF is currently regularly used by the MiG 29Ks, before their operations onboard INS Vikramaditya. “The MiG 29Ks have been undertaking ski-jump and arrester hook landing for some time now. The LCA Navy will be doing only ski-jumps now. We will have two-week preparation time ahead of the first mission,” the official added. 

The NP-1 will be ferried (flown from point to point) from HAL Airport and it would cover the distance to Goa within an hour. It will be first a home-grown naval aviation platform will to land at INS Hansa. Commodore T A Maolankar from the National Flight Test Centre is expected to pilot NP-1 during Goa mission. 

he Navy is expected to give an official name for the LCA Navy soon as they were not keen to go with Tejas. It was former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee who named the IAF variant as Tejas. The ADA-HAL-Navy teams plans to invite PM Narendra Modi for the naming ceremony in future. 

The trials at the SBTF are crucial as it would give the team confidence to undertake further trials on NP-1. A second prototype (NP-2, fighter variant) is also getting ready at the HAL hangars, which is expected to have its maiden flight before the end of this year. 

Largest R&D programme in India: The LCA programme has become the largest R&D programme India has undertaken in the military aviation/ aerospace arena. Each LCA costs around Rs 250 crore, while the GSLV is pegged at Rs 220 crore, PSLV Rs 80-100 crore and Agni Rs 50 crore. 

“Though the aircraft is dogged with some problems right now, few local sorties have set the stage for the ferry. Joining NP-1 will be PV6 trainer and probably LSP7 from the Tejas flightline. The latter two may further proceed to Leh. In parallel, the HJT-36 (Intermediate Jet Trainer) is also scheduling sea level trials and asymmetric stores jettison exercises at Goa,” an official said. 

SBTF is a tech marvel: The SBTF replicates a static model of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) being built at the Cochin Shipyard. The SBTF has 14 deg parabolic profile ski-jump for take-off and an arresting gear for landing. The main objective of SBTF is for the certification of naval LCA for ship-borne operations, which is a mandatory requirement ahead of the aircraft’s operations onboard IAC for the carrier compatibility test (CCT). 

The SBTF is equipped with restraining gear system with ski-jump for take-off and an arresting gear system for landing. It also uses an optical landing system, TV landing control system, light signaling system and a series of auxiliary units, akin to the IAC. 

The story so far dogged in delays: Similar to its elder sibling Tejas, the Indian Air Force (IAF) variant of LCA, the NP-1 too got embroiled in serious developmental issues, delaying the project. In the past, its designers at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and makers at the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) had to deal with nagging issues linked to the arrestor hook, landing gear and LEVCONs (control surfaces which allow for better low-speed handling). 

In an interview to OneIndia recently, Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan had expressed concern over the delay in LCA naval programme. “It’s an important programme for us and we have the IAC (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) in Kochi getting ready and the SBTF waiting for LCA Navy. It’s important that the programme is speeded up,” the navy chief had said. 

Naval sources say that the Navy Chief is expected to review the progress of the project in Delhi on December 8. “The Chief will also be briefed about the scheduled events that are expected to be undertaken at SBTF,” a naval official said. 

Copyright@OneIndia

Tejas set to begin high-altitude trials in Leh

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) campaign of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is set to gain momentum with the high altitude trials scheduled this week in Leh. Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Director P.S. Subramanyam told Express on Tuesday that during the Leh trials, the aircraft engine will be started at lower than -10 (minus Ten) degree Celsius. "We will also evaluate the aircraft performance at low temperature and high altitude. This time, we need to also test the performance of various sensors at the hilly terrain," Subramanyam said.
Only one aircraft is participating during the current trials with ground support teams already being positioned at Nasik, Pathankot and Leh. "These trails will not exceed more than a week. We have the next phase of weapon trials in Jamnagar, scheduled in March," the ADA chief said. He said the number of test flights of Tejas dipped in January owing to the preparatory phase for the FOC campaign.
"Various activities for FOC have been initiated much before the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) event in December 2013. Most of the FOC parameters that we need to achieve have reached the half-way mark," he said. Currently the aircraft from the Tejas flight-line are being upgraded to FOC configuration to undertake flight trials.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Chairman R K Tyagi said that production activities at the company's the Light Combat Aircraft (Production Group) unit are pacing ahead as per the plan. "The project progress is being monitored on a daily basis now. We have completed the wings of the first series production (SP-1) aircraft and it has come out with nil deviations," Tyagi said. HAL is mandated to deliver SP-1 in the next three months.
In the FOC phase so far, the aircraft engine was switched on using a jet fuel starter three consecutive times (three times in a row), as mandated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). A rain-proof test was done on the limited series production (LSP-7) aircraft. The aircraft also was subjected to brake tests, while the integration work of the underbelly drop tank has begun at the HAL facility. HAL has also begun training of IAF technicians on the aircraft ahead of the Tejas squadron formation.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

TOP GUN: National honour for Tejas Test pilot Suneet

Express News Service
(City Express)

Grp Capt Suneet Krishna, a city-based Test pilot associated with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme has been selected for this year's Dr V M Ghatage Award. This annual award – tipped as a prestigious one among the flying clan – is being given away by the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), New Delhi.

Suneet, currently working with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is a seasoned Indian Air Force (IAF) Test pilot. According to sources in ADA, Suneet was posted to the Tejas programme in 2000. “He flew the chase aircraft when LCA first took to the skies in January 2001,” ADA sources said.

AeSI chose Suneet ahead of others for the award for his long-standing contribution to the Tejas programme. “Suneet has many milestones to his credit, including the first LCA Test pilot to cross 100 hours on various Tejas platforms. He is also among those who have logged maximum number of flying hours on Tejas,” ADA sources said. Suneet will receive the award during the AeSI annual general meeting scheduled to be held at Thiruvananthapuram on June 1.

On deputation from the IAF to the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) of ADA till recently, sources say that Suneet is now part of ADA as a permanent Test pilot. “The AeSI award is a testimony to Suneet's tireless efforts in making Tejas a world-class flying machine. As a Test pilot, Suneet along with other team members have given many valuable inputs to make Tejas a completely pilot-friendly fighter. He has contributed in bringing out many modifications to the Tejas' cockpit over the years,” ADA chief P.S. Subramanyam told City Express.

According to AeSI officlas, Suneet was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in 1989. “He is a qualified pilot attack instructor and completed the Experimental Test Pilots course in 1999, and thereafter has continued to be directly associated with flight test activities as a Test pilot till date. He has had several tenures in various organizations carrying out flight test duties,” sources said.

With over 4500 hours of flying on of 35 types of aircraft, AeSI sources say that Suneet has the unique distinction of carrying out two first flights of Tejas fighter. “The award is to acknowledge his deep involvement in the flight research and development program, testing the prototype digital flight control system hardware and software. Suneet's skill and experience contributed across the realm of fixed wing flight test activities carried out in the country, covering all aspects of prototype, production and operational flight test,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Tejas LSP-7 first flight video | Don't miss the roar of youngsters in HAL, our future, our pride

Stay-tuned for a Super Monday late-night edition!

Going live tonite: never-before-heard stories on Tejas pogram.

Happy New Year: Takeoff 2011 with Tejas' fireworks! Countdown for IOC begins & ADA says 'all set for Jan 10'

Here's a video of Tejas firing an R-73 missile during the recent weapon trials in Goa. 

Seedhi Baat, No Bakwas!

This is the first post of the Year 2011. A big Thank You to all for patronizing with the blog.

The countdown for Tejas’ IOC has begun. We are just 10 days away from that historic day, when the world will sit and watch Indian Defense Minister Antony handing over the IOC Certification document(s) to Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik. The same day the Indian media will hail the contribution of ADA, IAF, NFTC, NAL, DRDO and many more who have contributed to LCA’s success. Shutterbugs will get on to a shoot-at-sight mode. Antony & Co will take short and long-range Media missiles with ease, as they would know what we would ask. What’s the latest on MMRCA? What’s special at Aero India this time? What are the new measures taken for coastal surveillance? When will LCA-Navy fly? What? Why? Will? When? Also, we will get to see HAL showman Nayak and his pyrotechnics to catch the Mantriji’s attention.

The January 10 event will be called as Declaration of IOC, though the IAF top brass wanted to call it as IOC-1. Technically the English on the certificate will read something like this -- Certification for the Release to Services with assured safety and specified performance for IOC. “We haven’t closed the Request for Actions (RFAs) yet and there are some minor issues to be thrashed out. These are not safety critical or flight critical. Whatever concessions ADA-HAL have asked, are given,” says a military source.

As reported in these columns earlier, the Test pilots from ASTE will get to fly Tejas in March\April by which time LSP-7 and LSP-8 would have joined the flight-line. “Even while we roll out the first platform from the SP block (from the initial 20), the IAF pilots would have got the taste of Tejas. Their independent observations are crucial and we are ready for swift actions. As of now, activities relating to certification are over,” says another  source.

2011 will be action-packed for ADA and it is now confirmed that the desi plane-makers will officially call it as the Year of Tejas. The year will see the platform expanding its role and envelope with continuous user evaluation. Then the Tejas squadron formation & induction will follow suit. The trainers will get IOC, the LCA-Navy will fly (first quarter) and the design for Tejas MK-II (IAF & Navy) will be ready. The feasibility report for UCAV (Aura) will be finalized this year and funding would flow, subject to approvals. The MCA configuration will also be ready this year. It’s going to be a carnival time for those who make a living out of writing the plane stuff!

For the record, January 10 is the birthday of boxing legend George Foreman. He is revered as the greatest fighters of all time. Tejas couldn’t have asked for a better day to embrace history as it is turning out to be a day for true fighters. And, the Tejas IOC is sure to leave some deep punch marks on all Doubting Thomases and self-appointed defense experts!

Want to get onboard Tarmak007 as an active member?

X-Mas Special: Tejas' IOC saga -- It's a light, late, yet great story!

JUST OUT OF HANGAR

It’s now official. India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be given the initial operational clearance (IOC) in January 2011 and not on December 27. However, Tejas’ makers at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are burning the mid-night oil to get the platform and systems certified through the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), as per the original December-27 deadline.“As of now, we have fixed it has January 10 and this again is a verbal confirmation and nothing is in yet, in black and white. There are a host of VIPs who are scheduled to attend the event in Bangalore, including Defense Minister A.K. Antony. A final decision will be taken next week,” military sources tell Tarmak007.
While ADA-DRDO is still working out the final template of the event, there are multiple theories floating as to what the event would be finally called. While one set claims that it would be called Release to Service, another school of thought says it will be ‘Dedication of Tejas to the Nation.’ Then there’s a ‘third front’ which firmly believes that it can’t be called IOC as there are a couple of more platforms from the Tejas flight-line to be flown\tested and hence it has to be IOC-1.
Says a top source at ADA: “Release to Service of a product whose standard of preparation is for IOC. We are about to finish what was demanded. When an aircraft reaches the final phase, there will be some minor issues. This is not an Indian phenomenon, but seen world over.”
And, here are some confirmations:
1)   The squadron formation of Tejas will most likely happen only in mid-2011.
2)   The first platform (SP-1) from the initial block of 20 will be ready only by June\July 2011.
3)   LSP-7 and LSP-8 will be ready only in March/April 2011.
4)  Test pilots from IAF’s elite Bangalore-based unit -- Aircraft System and Testing Establishment (ASTE) -- will fly Tejas soon after all IOC formalities are done.
5)   Pilots from IAF will have to undergo the following before flying Tejas: intensive simulation training, studying the flight manuals and grasping the flight reference records. The pilots will also be given familiarization sessions.
“Normally our (IAF) Test pilots will have 2,000-3,000 hours of flying logged against their names. Squadron pilots will not\might not have this kind of expertise (w.r.t. number of hours as against test pilots) and hence pre-flight preparations become very vital. We will start with our evaluation trials with Test pilots (other than NFTC pilots). We have many experienced boys and some were up there flying the MMRCAs during the trials,” a senior IAF official tells Tarmak007.
Insiders confirm that the morale of Team Tejas is sky high with 98 per cent of certification process completed when this blog goes live on X-Mas eve. “By December 27, we will have one more flight of LSP-5 to test some points. We are ready. No issues with the dates spilling over to next year,” says an engineer with CEMILAC.
Interestingly, an IAF official, who attended a meeting of Tejas think-tank on December 21 in New Delhi, says the program as complex as Tejas, will have some last-minute issues. “Having come this far, we are keen to ensure that everything is in place. But, the truth is they (ADA-HAL) have asked for some concessions and we have given them, after discussions,” he said.
So folks! Independent-India’s first home-grown fighter plane is ready.
It’s light! But it’s late! But, isn’t it great?

To follow  blog, click  below.

Aviation shutterbug Sanjay Simha captures Tejas LSP-5 maiden flight

Photos Courtesy@ Sanjay Simha, Bangalore

Tracking the Tejas: Weather holds back LSP-5 flight again today

 

Hyderabad: Despite being cleared by the flight readiness review board and having undertaking the most-tempting high-speed taxi trials (HSTT) a number of times, the maiden flight of the Tejas limited series production (LSP-5) had to be postponed again today (Nov 17). Ruining LSP-5's  sky party in Bangalore was the weather again.

The LSP-5 has been waiting in the wing for more than a week now to kiss the Bangalore skies. This is the 11th test vehicle to joint the flightline of India's light combat aircraft (LCA) program.

"We had prepared the aircrfat ready last night hoping that the weather will clear today. The team was ready even though it is a closed holiday due to Id. Now, we are hoping for the best tomorrow and so that we could fly. Even we had an HSTT today," sources said.
Stay tuned for more updates. Hope the Weather Gods would shift their rain dance venue from Bangalore!

Keen to join Tarmak007 as a member? Please
click on the logo below:

Alert: LSP-5 cleared for flight

The fifth platform from Tejas LSP block (LSP-5) will kiss the sky any time now. Team Tejas seems to have sorted out major issues and the flight might take place any time now, weather-permitting.  "The flight is expected any moment. We are closing in on," says a source.
The flight readiness review board is said to have given the go-ahead on November 11, barring some test-points. "All we need is a clear sky," says the official.
Meanwhile, the LSP-5 had yet another high-speed taxi trials (HSTT) on Friday (Nov 12) at Old Bangalore airport. "The trials might continue for Saturday and Sunday too," the official said.
More updates soon.

For the recent post on LSP-5, please follow the link below

http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/2010/10/tracking-tejas-lsp-5-gearing-up-for.html
 To become a blog member, please click on the logo below:

Breaking on Tarmak007: DRDO's Diwali gift! Kaveri passess critical tests onboard IL-76 in Russia

Barely a month after the DRDO announced that the Tejas Mk-11 will powered by GE-414 power plant, there's some good news for the devotees of desi defence products. The Kaveri engine has finally passed the critical tests onboard IL-76 in Russia on November 3 crossing a major hurdle towards certification.

Russian sources confirmed to Tarmak007 late on Wednesday night that the tests results were extremely positive. "This is a huge sigh of relief for the Indian side as the platform had its share of problems earlier. We are waiting for the final trial parameters, but I can confirm to you that the Indian engine has finally proved all necessary test points. It's a huge technologocal breakthrough for India," a source tells.

DRDO officials are tight-lipped about the development and didn't want to comment on the historic achievement on the even of Diwali. A formal announcement is expected to be out today/soon/any moment from Delhi.

The Indian government had earlier this August had announced in Parliament that the Kaveri engine testing under simulated altitude and forward speed conditions were completed successfully in February 2010. “The Kaveri has been integrated with an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft at Gromov Flight Research Institute in Moscow for ground and flight tests. The engine tests under simulated altitude and forward speed conditions conducted in February 2010 [were] successful. Another engine has been integrated with IL-76 aircraft at Gromov Flight Research Institute, Moscow for ground and flight test which is expected to complete by October 2010. These two major milestones would make the engine certified for flight operations," Defense Minister A.K. Antony had told the Upper House of the Parliament on August 25, 2010. He had also even spelt out the reasons for the delay, then.

Finally, GTRE scientists and engineers couldn't have asked for a better Diwali gift, considering the non-stop battering they received from all corners, for the inordinate delay in developing Kaveri for Tejas.

For an earlier report on Kaveri engine on this blog & AW, hit:

http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/2010/08/kaveri-finally-inches-closer-to-be.html

To dive deep into Kaveri project, hit:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GTRE_GTX-35VS_Kaveri

UPDATE: 1
(A DRDO official press note issued at 4 pm today)

 An official release shows Kaveri engine (covered) onboard an IL-76 positioned at the Gormov Flight Research Institute in Russia. Photo: DRDO

And, a flight for Kaveri finally…

(DRDO Press Release)

The indigenously designed and developed Kaveri Engine was successfully flight tested by DRDO on Wednesday, the 03^rd Nov 2010 during the Flying Test Bed (FTB) Trials at Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI), Moscow, Russia. The engine running right from take-off to landing, flew for a period of over one hour up to at an altitude of 6000m at a speed of 0.6 mach in its maiden flight. The engine control, engine performance and engine health during the flight were found to be excellent.  With this test, Kaveri Engine has completed a major milestone of the development program. During the coming months further 50-60 test flights will be carried out to mature the engine in terms of reliability, safety and airworthiness. These trials would pave the way for further flight trials of Kaveri Engine with a fighter aircraft.

An existing IL-76 aircraft was modified as a Flying Test Bed for this trial, with Kaveri engine replacing one of the four engines of the aircraft. The modifications included instrumentation required for trials as well as integration of mechanical, electrical and fuel system. The engine was controlled by the pilot from the cockpit.  A number of taxi trials were carried out with Kaveri Engine integrated with the aircraft, before this maiden flight. The engine data was recorded in the aircraft as well as transmitted to ground station by telemetry.
A team of 20 scientists from GTRE (DRDO) have been working along with GFRI for these trials. Dr Prahlada, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller R&D (Aeronautics & Services Interaction) briefed the press about the significance of the first flight.

Kaveri engine is being developed for fighter aircrafts, at Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a DRDO laboratory based in Bangalore with the active support of several other DRDO labs, academic institutions and industry partners. During development phase, Kaveri engine has successfully completed various stages of development including component testing, safety tests, ground based engine tests, and endurance tests etc, both at GTRE as well as test facilities abroad.

Tracking the Tejas: LSP-5 gearing-up for first flight; lit cockpit for night flying & new com set onboard; will fly on autopilot mode for first time

LCA LSP-4 during the June 2, 2010 maiden flight. LSP-5 is now gearing up for first flight. Photo: DRDO
| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | October 28, 2010 |

India’s fifth limited-series production (LSP-5) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is ready for its first flight.

Indian sources confirm to AVIATION WEEK that a flight readiness review meeting was held recently and the LSP-5 will fly “soon,” weather permitting. LSP-4 had its first flight in June. 

“Two more high-speed taxi trials are remaining and after that we will be ready for the first flight,” says a senior official associated with the program. “It will have internal cockpit lighting for enabling night flying, with all corrections being done. We are also testing a new communication set, similar to that on the Dhruv chopper. This would again ensure commonality of inventory in the country.”

To become a blog member, please
click on the logo below:

To read the full story, please click on

the Aviation Week link below:

Newsbreaks will first appear on AW sites
and a gist would then be up on this blog.

Powering LCA Mk-2: GE F-414 vs EJ-200; talks shift to Delhi; decision soon

After months of extended analysis, comparison studies, and calculations, the hunt for a suitable engine for Tejas Mk-II seems to have reached the final phase. The contenders -- GE F-414 and EJ-200 -- are equally confident that they would make it to India's Tejas.

MoD sources confirm that the negotiations have now shifted to Delhi (from Bangalore) and there are couple of issues need to be sorted out. All top officials associated with the project have now reached Delhi on Sunday night and the next two days might be crucial. The Tejas is currently undergoing sea-trials in Goa.

A section of Indian media have been reporting for the last one month that EJ-200 is/will be the likely choice, but MoD sources refuse to say anything official yet. "We are continuing the talks from today," an official said.

Stay tuned for the latest.

Tejas party at NAS Hansa: 5 LCAs in Goa for sea-trials; AOA, PID & flutter tests on the cards

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | September 15, 2010 |

India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is currently undergoing sea trials at NAS Hansa, at Dabolim in Goa.

This is part of Tejas’s out-of-station flight-test plan, with pilots from the Bengaluru-based National Flight Test Center performing high angle-of-attack (AOA) maneuvers.

A source tells AVIATION WEEK that Tejas will undergo parameter identification (PID) and sea-level flutter vibration tests, with an all-external stores (bombs, fuel tanks, missiles) configuration.

“The PID is done [with] latest software version of the digital flight control computer being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment,” the source says. “There are many system integration checks and weapon modes to be tested. We need to check some more sea-level performance points in high-AOA mode.”

For the full story, please visit

the Aviation Week link below:

www.aviationweek.com/india

CEMILAC set to complete Tejas' certification by Dec 27; it will signal the start of a key phase, ADA chief P.S. tells BDAJF

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | September 14, 2010 |

India has set a Dec. 27 deadline to complete the certification process for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

According to P.S. Subramanyam, director for combat aircraft at the Aeronautical Development Agency, the deadline was set to make sure Tejas enters its much-awaited initial operational clearance phase. The certification process is monitored by the Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification.

“We are at it, and close to 400 scientists and engineers are currently working on the certification program,” he says. “We need to consolidate all that we have done in the last 20 years and put it to the scrutiny of the certification agency. We have set ourselves a target to complete the certification process and December 27 will be a significant day for India’s military aviation program.”

Subramanyam spoke before a select group of defense correspondents during the official logo launch of the Bangalore Defense and Aerospace Journalists’ Forum.

 For the full story, please visit the Aviation Week link below:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india
 This blog supports Inspired Indian Foundation -- the movement for unsung heroes:

www.inspiredindianfoundation.org
The blog also backs the activities of BDAJF:

India Thought Leaders: LCA (Navy) will add punch to Blue Water Vision, says Admiral Nirmal Verma

By Anantha Krishnan M. | Bangalore, |

India | July 09, 2010 | Aviation Week |

India rolled out the naval version (NP-1) of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) on July 6 in Bangalore with Defense Minister A.K. Antony leading the team. With the air force version of LCA (Tejas) now months away from its much-awaited initial operational clearance (IOC), the NP-1 rollout was hailed as a significant new chapter in Indian aviation. Amidst all the feel-good news stories on NP-1 in India’s media, it was important to check the pulse of the user, who would eventually have the final say on the platform’s worthiness. AVIATION WEEK caught up with Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Adm. Nirmal Verma to learn the significance of the NP-1 rollout and the way ahead.

AW: The LCA Navy was rolled out on July 6 after the project got the Cabinet Committee on Security’s nod in April 2003. How significant is this program for the Indian Navy?

CNS: The LCA (Navy) was sanctioned in March ’03 [following] the success of LCA (AF) in January 2001. They were planned as a possible replacement to our aging fleet of Sea Harriers, which have been in service since the ’80s. The vision of the Navy has always been to be an effective force, and hence LCA (Navy) shall play an important role in our future carrier operations doctrine. The LCA (Navy) design specifically caters [to] the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC1) scheduled to be delivered by Cochin Shipyard Ltd by 2014. The aircraft is expected to have state-of-art sensors and weapons and would be an integral part of our air arm. LCA (Navy) would add punch to the Navy’s blue water vision.

For the full interviw, click the link below:
www.aviationweek.com/india

AVIATION WEEK: Tejas squadron to be rasied in Bangalore before moving to Sulur; LSP-3 & PV-3 back after successful hot-weather trials

By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week

Bangalore, India | June 14, 2010

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will form the first squadron of the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas in Bangalore next year before it is moved to Sulur, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal P.K. Barbora tells AVIATION WEEK. (Sulur is located near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.) The initial formation of the LCA squadron in Bangalore is primarily due to IAF’s proximity to the aircraft’s designer, the Aeronautical Development Agency; its manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL); and IAF’s test pilots’ unit, the Aircraft System Testing Establishment. In addition, the National Flight Test Center (NFTC), which is monitoring all LCA-related flying activities, is also within HAL’s military airport. "Training becomes easier in Bangalore for the IAF pilots on the new platform. In addition, any teething problems that the pilots might face while getting accustomed to Tejas can be sorted out before they move to Sulur,” an NFTC source says.

Phase-II hot-weather trials over: Meanwhile, Tejas crossed a significant hurdle when two LCAs successfully performed in hot-weather trials (HWTs) at Nagpur last week. Sources told AVIATION WEEK that the week-long HWTs were part of Tejas’ phase II schedule. The first phase was completed in 2008. “All new systems onboard and avionics were tested with temperatures varying from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius (104 to 114 deg. F.). We had absolutely no issues with these flights, and both platforms rose to the occasion and performed as expected. We had close to 10 flights as part of the trials,” a source says. Confirming the successful HWTs, P.S. Subramanyam, program director for combat aircraft and director of the Aeronautics Development Agency, says that one limited series production-3 aircraft and another prototype vehicle-3 from the Tejas fleet were part of the HWTs at Nagpur.

For full report, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

For leaving your comment on LCA program, do hit the link below and partake in tarmak007 debate (tD-2). http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/2010/06/tarmka007-debate-td-2-indias-lca.html