Naval LCA at striking distance for deck operations from INS Vikramaditya

A combo of photos merged digitally show how it would look like when NLCA takes off from the deck of INS Vikramaditya.

By Anantha Krishnan M 

@Onmanorama

Bengaluru: The naval variant of home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (NLCA) is at a striking distance from undertaking the much-awaited, maiden carrier landing and taking off on board INS Vikramaditya. The Indian Navy is currently studying all the data before giving the go-ahead to the team to undertake deck landing on the mighty aircraft carrier.
Two pilots from the Test team have flown close to 30-plus approaches to INS Vikramaditya during the recent campaign. The pilots flew very close over the ship deck. The approaches were to understand the characteristics and controllability of the aircraft.

Read full report, here:https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2019/12/30/naval-nca-striking-distance-deck-operations-ins-vikramaditya.html

History in the making: Video of Tejas demo at BIAS2016

Tejas appears from 2.40 minutes on this video link.

Here are some my reports that went live

yesterday in different news networks:

SWARAJYA: http://swarajyamag.com/biz/silencing-critics-tejas-all-set-for-ballet-in-bahrain/

ONEINDIA: http://www.oneindia.com/india/tejas-scripts-history-bahrain-with-stunning-demo-indian-air-force-hal-1989907.html

MATHRUBHUMI: http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/tejas-creates-history-with-8-minute-flight-in-bahrain-english-news-1.813894

NLCA NP-2 maiden flight successful

 A routine report on OneIndia, here: http://bit.ly/1LYblbV

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

It's raining bombs in Pokhran! Tejas drops LGBs

It's official. It's raining bombs in Pokhran! Three test platforms from the Tejas flight-line -- LSP-2, LSP-5 and PV-3 -- is scripting a new chapter in India's light combat aircraft program. As reported by Tarmak007 earlier, the crucial weapon trails of Tejas are currently underway at the Chandan and Pokhran ranges of Rajasthan. Sources confirm that 10-12 sorties have been completed so far. Pick of these fire-works were the dropping of laser-guided bombs (LGBs), which according to sources was demonstrated by Tejas as per the plan.

"The practice bombing sorties gave good results. We are here till the month-end. Now, we have lined-up crucial drop-tank jettison tests. This included the trials of empty, partially-full and full drop-tank tests. It is a time-consuming exercise. Yesterday we had 2 sorties of empty jettison and practice bombing sessions. We dropped 1000 pounds, 400 pounds and even 25 pounds bombs. LGBs were also released," a senior official, part of the 200-strong contingent said.

Sources claim that the initial results of these weapon trials were "'really encouraging'' and the team will soon start analyzing the inputs. "Once we get the complete data, then we will be able to map all the profiles of these trials. Remember that these are extremely critical ones as we are currently undertaking the missions at various modes, different altitudes and at differing Mach numbers,"the official said.

Team Tejas will have to complete their missions at the allotted slots and hence the role of time-keepers and planners become critical. "The range has heavy traffic owing to other trials by various agencies. It is a huge challenge to perform these missions at clock-like precision," the official said.

Sources confirm that one mobile telemetry has been already positioned at Jaisalmer, while another is at the Ozar Air Base in Nasik. Back-up equipment, additional ground crew and support platforms (LSP-3, LSP-4) are also put on a stand-by.

That's all for now. More soon...

Breaking on Tarmak007: Tejas set to bomb Pokhran & Chandan Ranges

[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...

Part 4: This day, that age: Exactly 41 years (10 Jan '70) after India lost Groupie Suranjan Das in the HF-24 crash, Tejas gets IOC (10 Jan '11)

Group Capt Suranjan Das
died in the HF-24 Mk IR crash
on 10 January 1970 

It's like the this date, that age story. I couldn’t believe when I chanced upon a very interesting piece of information today. And, when I got it confirmed from my pilot friend Air-Vice Marshal (Retd) A.V. M. Ajit Lamba, honestly I was stunned. It was on 10 January 1970 India lost a great Test pilot in Group Capt Suranjan Das in the HF-24 Mk IR crash. And today, exactly 41 years later, Tejas is been given the IOC. Mere coincidence may be! While as cub reporter, pursuing a dream in defence writing, I was told by many about the impact that fatal crash had on India’s military aviation program. We literally abandoned making a home-grown fighter for the next 15 years, until the ASR for LCA was out in 1985. Though it was a chance-pit-stop at a piece of info on the Web, I thought it would be a befitting tribute to Groupie Suranjan Das, by mentioning a line about him. And, in Bangalore, I hit the Suranjan Das Road every day.

So, finally, finally, India’s Tejas enters the IOC phase. Exactly at 11:23 am (IST) CEMILAC chief Dr Tamil Mani handed over the Release to Service Documents (RSD) to India’s Defense Minister A.K. Antony, who in-turn passed it on to IAF boss Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik.

ADA Chief P.S. Subramanyam said that ‘the best is still ahead of us.’ He spoke about the deadlines like 2012 for FOC, Tejas MK-II by December 2014 and the production version by June 2016 and so on. He also made an interesting appeal that the academic institutions must help India in the stealth activities.

The next man to speak was Dr V.K. Saraswat, Captain, Team DRDO. He said IOC was a new page in the history of aviation in India. He said the level of technology in the country has gone up. He complimented the role played by private players.

R.K. Singh, Secretary Defense Production, said that the Arjun MBT delivery will be completed this fiscal and the Army, according to him, is extremely happy. He said HAL’s IJT will get IOC in June and then touched upon FGFA and stuff like that.

And, came the man in blue -- the IAF Chief. I have always seen him simply serious. “The IOC we have been dreaming about for a long time. We have been waiting ever since the ASR was out in 1985. Over the years, reassessment and realignment of the project was necessary to keep pace with the changing times. Some work needs to be done before IOC. We hope the agreed list of concessions, wanted by ADA and HAL, will be ready by June,” he said.

Anotny with the FDAJB cap.

Enter Antony, patting Dr Kota Harinarayana. He called him the Bhageeratha of 21^st Century. “He is an example for others to emulate,” Antony said. In fact, Dr Kota’s name was mentioned by all speakers and the gathering applauded. Dr Kota was seated in the front row. Antony went on: “We wanted to strengthen our armed forces with most modern platforms. We have cleared today 20 more LCAs (means 20 + the conformation for the next 20).”

Then it was time for the flying display and press meet. The display was just okay considering that the NFTC had decided not to perform anything spectacular, but have a very quiet and low key flying. That was the brief from the top. PV2, PV3 and LSP4 took-off and landed.

Before the press meet, Antony had a very informal interaction with journalists. The Forum of Defence and Aerospace Journalists, Bangalore (FDAJB) members made use of the opportunity to gift him a cap with FDAJB embroidered on it. Right through the entire press meet, he was donning the FDAJB cap. We thanked him for giving us increased exposure to India’s defense establishment(s).

Honestly there was nothing great to report from the press meet. The brief was not to ask any questions other than related to LCA. The standard of questions were definitely under par, barring a few. Plus only one question per person. And, the guy who broke this rule and fired questions (from Bangalore) at will, asked shockers! Still, the best catch of the day, is below.

•  Total of 4 Tejas (2 + 2) will be inducted before December 2011. (Antony)
• Tejas Squadron to be raised in Bangalore for operational convenience and then will be moved to Sulur. (CAS)
• To start with it will have 2 squadrons. (CAS)
• MCA project is moving ahead with funds for technology development released. (Saraswat)
•  The Sencma-Kaveri pact should bring the results in 3-5 years. (Saraswat)
• Tejas is in the class of Mig 21++, but not yet a 4^th generation machine. It will eventually become one. (CAS)
• Initially we are planning to manufacture 10 Tejas per year and the scene will change with increased orders. (HAL)
• Tejas is currently 60% indigenous and eventually will be 75 per cent by FOC. (Saraswat)
• Money is not an issue and the government will fund any R&D project.  (Antony)
• HAL modernization in the pipeline. (Antony)

Follow blog
A report in Aviation Week on Tejas IOC

Part 3: Celebrating Tejas IOC: When shutterbug Rahul went on a shoot-at-sight-spree to capture some sensational stills

    (Photos taken with Nikon D90)

Part-II: Celebrating Tejas IOC: Postcards from Garden City

 Photos: Bhaktar Babu, Bangalore Beat

Part-1: Celebrating Tejas IOC: A video, courtesy ADA

Super Sunday on Tarmak007 on the eve of Tejas' IOC!

Tracking the Tejas! 10 years; 11 platforms; 1,510 sorties; 894 hours; 0 incidents (Touch Wood)

(The timelines are drawn from first flight onwards and not before that. Data Source: ADA-NFTC-DRDO. Compiled by: Tarmak007)

JUST IN: Tejas jettisons first drop tank over ATR

The word is just out that India's Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) just jettisoned the first ever drop tank over the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga. Sources tell Tarmak007 that the flight was piloted by Gp Capt Suneet Krishna of NFTC and everything went ahead as planned. This is part of the ongoing last-phase trials of Tejas ahead of the IOC on December 27. Will update if any more info drops in.

Breaking on Tarmak007: Tejas 'bombs' Chitradurga test range

Sequence of  stores release by Tejas at Chitradurga test range. Photos: DRDO

Tejas today dropped the first bomb at Challakere DRDO Test Range in Chitradurga.  A Tejas PV-2 piloted by Gp Capt (Retd) R.R. Tyagi dropped practice bombs on the target. ADA had fixed air-to-ground target and Range Safety Officer (RSO) bunkers at the range site for the stores release.  A mobile telemetry from NFTC was also positioned at the test range. (Earlier report in AW & blog here) 

(DRDO Press Release issued at 6:45 pm below)

The Chitradurga range became activated today with the bomb dropping trails from LCA Tejas. Consequent to operationalisation of Bangalore International Airport (BIA), Air-to-ground range at Kolar was deactivated, as it was coming in the traffic path of the BIA.  Accordingly, the Karnataka state government had allocated suitable land at Chellakere near Chitradurga to set-up a full-fledged Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), for use by all the aeronautical system developers in the country.  While work is going on to set-up the facility under the guidance of Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), National Flight Test Centre (NFTC), ADA, took the initiative to activate the air-to-ground range for the ongoing air-to-ground weapon and drop tank jettison trials of Tejas, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft.

“Thus, the Chellakere DRDO Test Range became operational with the first ever bomb testing experiments of LCA, though the total infrastructure and other logistic facilities are yet to be completed while the financial support is also in full form is awaited.  With this back ground, this facility   has reached a new height by carrying out the experiments of LCA” said Dr Prahlada the Chief Controller - DRDO.  He opined that this successful tests conducted today also signifies a   major milestone in the field of aeronautical developments in the country which is of a proud moment for the entire scientific community.   Other than LCA tests, this facility will also be used for various tests of UAV flights and electronic warfare systems in the days to come.

Shri PS Subramanyam, Programme Director (CA) & Director, ADA said that on December 15, 2010, Tejas PV-2 aircraft piloted by Gp Capt (Retd) RR Tyagi dropped practice bombs on the target. Thus NFTC, ADA became the first to use the facility for weapon testing on Tejas. For this purpose, air-to-ground target and Range Safety Officer (RSO) bunkers were constructed at the range site.  NFTC mobile telemetry with Test Director and critical system monitoring personnel were also positioned at the test range.  The mobile telemetry was linked to the base station Bangalore, through BSNL fiber optic link to monitor the test aircraft data and video in real-time.  Availability of the range at a reasonable distance from Bangalore is expected to have a beneficial effect on clearance to air-to-ground weapon, integrated with various sensors onboard Tejas.

The activation of air-to-ground range at Chitradurga built and operated by NFTC, ADA was made possible with the active support and assistance from the local authorities, Deputy Commissioner Shri Amlan Aditya Biswas, IAS and Superintendent of Police, Shri Labhu Ram, IPS.

Last phase of Tejas sea trials ahead of IOC; text-book launch of R-73: PS

COUNTDOWN BEGINS:
JUST 26 DAYS MORE

India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) moved one step closer to its much-awaited initial operational clearance (IOC) when a limited series production (LSP-4) platform fired a Russian-made R-73 air-to-air close combat missile at INS Hansa in Goa on Nov. 30. Tejas Program Director P.S. Subramaniam tells Tarmak007 that LSP-4 flew at 12 km. (7.5 mi.) altitude and reached Mach 0.7. “The missile [separated] from the platform as per the textbook prescription and there was no plume effect on the engine,” he says. “This is the first time a Tejas platform flew with a missile and later fired in the IOC-standard avionics system. The pilots also tested Tejas on a side-slip mode.”This could be the last phase of sea trials in Goa, ahead of IOC. The team is expected to perform drop tank separations in the next few days. The Indian Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) says the one of the main objectives of the current phase of flight trials is clearing the firing envelope of the missile from the Tejas.“The very fact that the missile was integrated and tested on an Indian platform without the participation of the OEM [Russia], shows the strength of India in handling such complex technologies. It is significant for all of us,” Subramaniam says.Team Tejas is fast approaching the December deadline to finish formalities ahead of attaining the program’s Release to Service standards.

Got this amazing quote on Tejas, via email from SAM, a blog member: "Those who flew her never criticized her; those who criticized her never flew her."

To join the Track-Tejas-Team, click the

 link below and become a blog member.