ADA Tejas (LCA) News and Discussions

[Trinetra]

I don't think that it will be much of a distraction to pilot. Check Mirage 2000I and Rafale refueling probe. I think it is more of camera angle which makes it appear that way.

I guess pilot have to get acquainted with the whole fighter structure during training to avoid if at all any distraction is there.. and it seems some western fighters also have the same structure.. But DRDO should work on retractable probe technology which fits to Tejas body structure..

 

[Trinetra]

You want to see an actual $hitty design:

The LCA's is inline with the centre of the fighter and in a conventional position allowing for a greater feild of view when conducting aerial refuelling, in the JF-17 the pilot has to turn his head to keep the probe in sight and thus keep his head orientated away from the cockpit displays- this in a plane with no HMD! This makes the entire IFR process entirely more dangerous with the JF-17.

Contrast that with the way the LCA project has been designed and you see the difference between professionals and amatuers.

This looks like a handle of the fighter to carry around fighter everywhere hypothetically speaking .. China has epic sense of knowledge in how make a shitty design..

 

[Saichand K]

I guess pilot have to get acquainted with the whole fighter structure during training to avoid if at all any distraction is there.. and it seems some western fighters also have the same structure.. But DRDO should work on retractable probe technology which fits to Tejas body structure..

For that space is a major constraint. That for a fighter like Tejas which is one of the smallest fighters in the world.

 

[wuzetian]

Why both these IFR probes look refined and the one on LCA looks shabby. Even the fitting base looks refined on both these whereas fitting base on LCA too looks shabby like some made a hole and plonked it.

Why are you so pessimistic [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23]

 

[Scrutator]

Why both these IFR probes look refined and the one on LCA looks shabby. Even the fitting base looks refined on both these whereas fitting base on LCA too looks shabby like some made a hole and plonked it.

Not sure what's so unrefined about this? It just needs a paint job!

 

[vikasd]

what is the highest height tejas can fly?

 

[Scrutator]

You want to see an actual $hitty design:

The LCA's is inline with the centre of the fighter and in a conventional position allowing for a greater feild of view when conducting aerial refuelling, in the JF-17 the pilot has to turn his head to keep the probe in sight and thus keep his head orientated away from the cockpit displays- this in a plane with no HMD! This makes the entire IFR process entirely more dangerous with the JF-17.

Contrast that with the way the LCA project has been designed and you see the difference between professionals and amatuers.

Not to mention...JF-17 does not have a full fly-by-wire capability.So, the pilot will have to manually keep the plane steady all through the refueling process!! LCA pilots could probably take a coffee break while their tank is getting filled

 

[Saichand K]

what is the highest height tejas can fly?

Please read through the threads, wiki before shooting questions.

 

[Saichand K]

Not to mention...JF-17 does not have a full fly-by-wire capability.So, the pilot will have to manually keep the plane steady all through the refueling process!! LCA pilots could probably take a coffee break while their tank is getting filled

Mean while another question that always bugged me is the drop tanks being used by HAL for Tejas plane. Compare with mirage 2000I or equivalents, they r all supersonic low drag drop tanks. Perhaps Tejas should also incorporate this. However, I did read some work by NAL on the design of supersonic drop tanks. Don't know how far it is fructified...

Tejas's drop tanks

Mirage 2000I drop tanks

F-16 drop tanks

 

[Scrutator]

Mean while another question that always bugged me is the drop tanks being used by HAL for Tejas plane. Compare with mirage 2000I or equivalents, they r all supersonic low drag drop tanks. Perhaps Tejas should also incorporate this. However, I did read some work by NAL on the design of supersonic drop tanks. Don't know how far it is fructified...

Tejas's drop tanks

Mirage 2000I drop tanks

F-16 drop tanks

I'll admit I haven't followed the developments on the drop tanks.
That said, logically speaking, perhaps the drop tanks could be made just a little more aerodynamic (with a more tapering front section). But overall, as we discussed earlier, it's not just the aerodynamic shape of each of individual components but the progression of the cumulative cross-sectional area that that makes a big difference (Whitcomb Area rule).
On a lighter note: If one is able to hit supersonic speeds with the external fuel tanks, why 'drop' them?

Maybe you're talking about CONFORMAL fuel tanks?

 

[singh100ful]

and now plans to develop a new twin-engine fighter for the navy’s carriers

Are they talking about Naval AMCA or some new twin engine fighter from scratch for the navy.

 

[singh100ful]

Doesn't it looks like the refuelling probe in Tejas fitted in middle of the nose compared to side in other aircrafts. By looking into it I have feeling it will obstruct pilot visibility unless they will modify it in final version..

I have a question, is there is any plan for retractable refuelling probe in MK1a version.

Also anybody went across like. Refuelling probe can't stand in high speed?

yeah, A retractable refuelling probe similar to the jaguar will be great.

 

[Narasimh]

Doesn't it looks like the refuelling probe in Tejas fitted in middle of the nose compared to side in other aircrafts. By looking into it I have feeling it will obstruct pilot visibility unless they will modify it in final version..

I have a question, is there is any plan for retractable refuelling probe in MK1a version.

Also anybody went across like. Refuelling probe can't stand in high speed?

its a small and light plane with space constraints... already ADA/HAL has to put "external" EW and Jammer equipment as part of Mark 1A design because there was no space inside to accommodate it.. Why to waste the space for retractable probe when functionally it's the same as this one. you already know many fighters have external probe without impeding their performance. so I dont think there should be any concern with regards to performance impact. Anyways this probe will be tested for all kinds of stress tests.

We need a cheap and functional fighter in large numbers for now. So lets keep the fancy stuff for AMCA and let LCA come in great numbers.

 

[Saichand K]

I'll admit I haven't followed the developments on the drop tanks.
That said, logically speaking, perhaps the drop tanks could be made just a little more aerodynamic (with a more tapering front section). But overall, as we discussed earlier, it's not just the aerodynamic shape of each of individual components but the progression of the cumulative cross-sectional area that that makes a big difference (Whitcomb Area rule).
On a lighter note: If one is able to hit supersonic speeds with the external fuel tanks, why 'drop' them?

Maybe you're talking about CONFORMAL fuel tanks?

Drop tanks are designed to extend range. Making the flight aerodynamic serves two purposes. 1) It makes it more maneuverable. 2) It extends the range. Hence, drop tanks' aerodynamics helps in extending the range which ofcourse is dependent on hi-lo-hi mission or so on....

I have been talking on using CFTs for Tejas (taking cue from Israeli F-16s) since quite some time. Since CFTs do not increase drag that much. Nobody responds to that here.

 

[Scrutator]

Drop tanks are designed to extend range. Making the flight aerodynamic serves two purposes. 1) It makes it more maneuverable. 2) It extends the range. Hence, drop tanks' aerodynamics helps in extending the range which ofcourse is dependent on hi-lo-hi mission or so on....

Sure. I was confused about 'supersonic' drop tanks. I thought when the need arises to go supersonic (by employing afterburners) as in encountering a SAM attack, the external fuel tanks are 'dropped' - and hence the name drop tanks. Routine cruising does not involve supersonic speeds (at least without the supercruising ability). In order to go supersonic with external fuel tanks on, the tanks are designed to conform with the overall body of the aircraft - as such the name Conformal fuel tanks. Just some confusion on the nomenclature.

But I agree, that external fuel tanks could be made into spindle shapes to reduce drag.

 

[SilentKiller]

Now this calls for a lungi dance!!

can't find exact request but very near..buraah

 

[kunal1123]

HAL sets up second Tejas production line

# By Anantha Krishnan M​

Published: Feb 2, 2017, 11:13 AM IST​

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Tejas SP5 aircraft being integrated at the new facility at Aircraft Division. Pics: Balachandra, HAL
Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has set up a second line for the series production of Tejas. The new line has come up at Aircraft Division in December 2016, with the facility now being equipped with full-fledged assembly jigs.
Currently Tejas SP-5 is being integrated here, while SP-4 already moved to the final stages of systems checking at the LCA Division. HAL has converted the erstwhile Kiran hangar to set up this additional production line.
The second line when fully operational can produce three aircraft per year.
HAL Chairman T Suvarna Raju told Mathrubhumi that his team is committed to delivering the remaining series production Tejas platforms without any delays.
“We had our share of concerns and all that has been put behind now. We had adopted all modern production philosophies to roll out a world class fighter. The feedback from the user has been encouraging. You will see SP-4 and SP-5 flying soon,” says Raju.

HAL hopes to roll out 3 Tejas from the new line, once fully operational.

The additional facility has been set up notwithstanding the approval from Ministry of Defence for another full-fledged Tejas production line. This is to augment the Tejas production so that the Indian Air Force could strengthen the No 45 Squadron.
HAL awaits the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security nod for the third Tejas production line. Around 30,000 sq meters of HAL land has been identified near Nekkundi for setting up structural assembly hangar, process shop and sheet metal shop, among others.
During a recent visit to Tejas facilities, V Sridharan, ED of LCA Division, gave an update on the series of new initiatives taken by HAL.
“We have established a new tarmac for the No 45 Squadron for day and night operations. A second dedicated drop tank test rig also has come up now, in addition to a new storage area space as well,” says Sridharan.
He said during the outstation detachment at AFS Thanjavur recently, SP-1 and SP-2 flew seven sorties in a single day.

The new tarmac at LCA Division for No 45 Squadron is capable night operations as well.

As reported earlier, a 2400 sqm LCA Final Assembly hangar with annexe building has already been established. Also, a state-of-the-art painting facility is operational now.
“This is the first of its kind in the country. It has a wet type downdraft paint booth facility,” adds Sridharan.
(The writer is the Content Consultant with Mathrubhumi (English Online) and tweets @writetake.)


http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news...s-production-line-aircraft-division-1.1700394

 

[kunal1123]

littile slow here it should be 17-18: 12, 18-19: 20, 19-20: 24

 

[abingdonboy]

littile slow here it should be 17-18: 12, 18-19: 20, 19-20: 24

Beyond 2019-20 the capacity will be greater than 24 with the 3rd production line:

 

[abingdonboy]

Beyond 2019-20 when the MK.1A is in service they will be churning out >24/year with that third production line meaning >200 LCA are assured now (no way would HAL invest in infrastructrure that saw the 83 unit order complete within 4-5 years).

Seriously impressive work from HAL (I know, crazy isn't it?!) they have hit the ground running and are scaling up as fast as they possibly can.

These guys have learnt their lessons and are now under-promising and over delivering, creating such impressive production capacity within just 4 years of series production commencing is no small feat. For 4 years the Chinese were only making 4-5 JF-17s a year, HAL will beat this rate within 18 months.


Things are finally looking VERY bright for the LCA project (won't comment on the Kaveri too much but adding that from some point after 2020 will be the cherry on top of the cake).


I also think this news seems to validate the IDRW news that the MK.2's production will be entirely handed over to a private player with HAL taking care of the MK.1A. Earlier HAL were trying to rope in a private player for this 3rd production line but I guess they didn't get any serious interest and thus are going alone.

+F*ck the F-16