HAL developing new varaint LCA-1P

[I_PLAY_BAD]

HAL developing LCA-1P with AESA Radar

Bangalore. India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme has been delayed indeed, but to make up for it, HAL is now working on developing a new variant, LCA-I P, which will be equipped with an advanced AESA Radar and an electro-optic Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor suite.


The timeline for this variant has been set at 2017, two years from now. The AESA radar will be supplied by Israel’s ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). ELTA had earlier supplied its AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) system for IAF’s IL-76 based Intelligence and surveillance aircraft, designated by IAF as AWACS (Airborne Warning & Control Systems) aircraft.

AESA, or Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, is the key component in the AWACS, enabling a 360 degree look-down-and-around capability to IAF for about 400 km. The aircraft is designed to guide combat fleets and ground assets in a war scenario. With no moving part, AESA is much faster in capability than earlier airborne radars in which rotodomes moved mechanically – and rather slowly – to scan different areas.

AESA in fact was always in the LCA programme, and there were discussions with some foreign companies as well as with the state-run BEL in developing it. Finally the choice has gone to ELTA, which in any case has been collaborating with BEL. LCA also has a sophisticated fly by wire system and glass cockpit. Once the programme gets going, HAL may manufacture some 200 aircraft for IAF and perhaps another 100 for the Navy.

AESA in the LCAs will obviously have a lower range, but it will be well integrated within the IAF network, and give a quantum technology jump to IAF’s combat capability. Notably, the 36 Rafales being acquired by IAF in the Government-to-Government deal will also have the AESA radar, developed by Thales.

IAF’s AWACS aircraft – three delivered, two on order – are already integrated with its combat, transport and land assets and also networked with aircraft of the Indian Navy.

HAL has in principle support from the Government, and is now working on the proposal with the IAF (Indian Air Force) in this regard. This variant will be developed on the existing LCA-MkI model, and will meet IAF’s requirements till the larger LCA Mk II is developed by 2021 with the more powerful GE 414 engine.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) T Suvarna Raju told India Strategic in an interview that HAL shared the technology concerns of the user – IAF – as well as the urgency for production of the aircraft in view of the falling numbers of IAF combat squadrons due to obsolescence. The AESA and EW suite will make the new LCA variant more advanced than the supersonic MiG 21s in capability, even though it will be a subsonic aircraft compared to the ageing aircraft of the Soviet vintage.

A key technology being adopted now is 3D printing, which will cut design and production time by months. This is now being used for engines but it is being adopted for various aspects of aircraft design and production.

P in the LCA-I P stands for prototype, but once accepted by IAF, it could be designated LCA-MkI-A or whatever.



LCA-MkI, which achieved IOC-II (Initial Operational Capability, stage II) in January 2014 for acceptance by IAF as it is produced and tested, is yet to get the FOC (Final Operational Capability) but the focus now is on adding the EW package, originally planned for the LCA-MkII.

The aircraft will continue to have the same GE 404 engine however in this variant, but the lack of adequate power will be compensated by the warfare capability generated by the new sensors, with AESA providing a formidable force multiplication. This type of radar uses multiple frequencies to electronically scan several targets simultaneously.

The earlier radars used to have mechanically moving parts, whose output was painfully slow compared to the new generation electronic technology.

Notably, US companies Raytheon and Northrop Grumman have an established lead in the AESA systems while in Europe, Thales has just about achieved it for installation on Rafale and Eurofighter aircraft. In fact, AESA was a key requirement for India’s MMRCA (Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft) competition, and the 36 Rafale jets being acquired from France should have both the AESA as well as the Infra Red Search and Track (IRST) system.

Israel is known for its excellence in electronic warfare systems, and ELTA should be able to meet IAF’s specific requirements.

Notably, IAF is not happy with the GE 404 engine, regarding it as underpowered for warfare. But only 40 aircraft are slated for production with this engine. For LCA-MkII aircraft, there is an agreement for 99 GE 414 engines already with the US engine maker. The production of that aircraft is due to begin from 2021.

The new LCA-MkI-P variant with the EW Package will also add some 50 kilos of more weight, but then, Mr Raju explained, the capability of the aircraft increases significantly, offsetting the disadvantage of a smaller engine.

The current LCA-MkI version uses 210 kilos with ballast in the nose to stabilize the aircraft. This will be removed, and the AESA and EW suite weighing about 250 kilos will be added. The net weight gain will be of about 50 kilos.

LCA-MkI and LCA-MkII are both single engine aircraft, hence the power of their engines to provide thrust to the aircraft and sustain their power-guzzling electric and electronic systems, particularly the radar, will always be critical.

There are two naval versions also with high landing gear as technology demonstrators. The naval version has to be much stronger than air force aircraft as every landing on the limited space of a carrier is like a crash landing, and the aircraft has to be stopped by one of the three onboard arrestor wires which latches on to a hook in the tail of the aircraft. If the attempt fails by chance, then the aircraft has to take off again, and that is why its engine(s) are kept on full power.

Mr Raju said that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was taking personal interest in the development of indigenous technologies and systems, including in the LCA, and HAL was working to speed up whatever it could do.

For one thing, it is proposing now to take full charge of the LCA development programme to become the single responsible agency. Right now, the design and development of the aircraft, engines, weapons package etc, are with DRDO and its Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

During a recent visit to HAL, this writer saw several young engineers, one of them trained in the UK. Like them, Mr Raju had joined HAL while young some 40 years back. He is as passionate now as he was perhaps then. He observed optimistically: We are taking steps in talent and technology to meet the timelines.

There is an emphasis on composite materials, for which Indian companies, both in public and private sectors, need to do a lot. Significantly, about half of the LCA is made of composite materials, which are lighter but stronger than the aircraft grade aluminum.

HAL has built seven LCA-MkI aircraft under LSP (Low Rate Series Production) and two under the SP (Series Production).

Significantly, LCA has passed several crucial tests in operating from tough summer and mountainous terrains as well as in firing missiles.

http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories3767_HAL_developing_LCA-1P_with_AESA_Radar.htm

So there is another 40 years delay in the fray. These idiots never learned.

 

[ersakthivel]

Where are the tejas SP? Isn't four SP supposed to have been delivered now? Hal has missed the deadline for SP2 "again". You can trust this junj called HAL all you want, I will trust it when they actually deliver.

The lead time from time of order to delivery is 3 years in fighter industry, even for advanced nations with mature production line for already fully developed fighters.

So IOC-2 was in december 2013,

What is today's date?

It is not as if SP-1, 2, 3 will roll on every month from the order date.

There is no fanboyism here in this hread, What is happening many guys go to gutter like forums and start believing all the lies and falsehoods put up there on purpose, And our defence jourANALysts also revel in keeping people ignorant about most technical, pocedural and manufacturing details.

What these jourANALysts will cleverly conceal is IAF could have ordered 120 tejas mk1 A versions proposed by HAL long before there by could have cut down on the future lead time.

HAL was asking IAF for such a continuous order from IAF, which till now IAF flatly refused. Where was their squadron depletion concern then?

The first 18 Su-30 Ks that were delivered after IAF paid billions of dollars in advance sat out the kargil war in shelters, because it simply did not have any ground weapons integrated and no bars radar.

The first mirage-2000s that were delivered also had nothing but the gun when they arrived in IAF.

Much worse the jaguar purchased by IAF had a faulty nav attack system at the time of delivery making it useless for the primary purpose it was bought , i.e DPSA role!!! It was only remedied latter with local talent after BAe flatly refused to fit it free of cost and demanded an astronomical sum for it belying their original promise of fixing it for free,

As I read in another forum tejas had much better ground attack capability and much better air to air capability than these billion dollar babes at the time of IOC-2 in 2013 itself. Becasue by 2013 IOC-2 itself tejas has clearly demonstrated WVR, LGB ground strike swing role, wake penetration, cold and hot weather trials , all weather clearance, supersonic at all attitudes, sea trials,capability to operate freely without telemetry support, alpha upto 24 deg, doing multiple sorties in a single day with lesser turnaround time, landing at LEh, etc, etc,

SO if IAF had ordered a squadron or two more the sky would not have crashed down on IAF's fighting capability.

SO who is a fanboy??

 

[Mad Indian]

The lead time from time of order to delivery is 3 years in fighter industry, even for advanced nations with mature production line for already fully developed fighters.

So IOC-2 was in december 2013,

What is today's date?

It is not as if SP-1, 2, 3 will roll on every month if from the next month of order.

There is no fanboyism here in this hread, What is happening many guys go to gutter like forums and start believing all the lies and falsehoods put up there on purpose, And our defence jourANALysts also revel in keeping people ignorant about most technical, pocedural and manufacturing details.

It was HAL's own timeline which was missed. It has no excuse when it misses its own timelines.


And that gutter forum you are alluding to has more meaningful discussions than the fanboys here. That is why everyone can see through the fanboy bs there while this forum is essentially an echo chamber.

 

[ersakthivel]

Too much fanboyism in this thread as usual, living up to DFI status as an echo chamber. I suggest people to visit alternative forums to really know about what happened to LCA and why it failed(and no IAF is not responsible for HAL's incompetence).

Are you suggesting bharathrakshak, In that case I welcome that suggestion,

Dont suggest pony namesake forums that are all moderated by PAKIS faking as indians and shedding crocodile tears about the depletion of IAF fighting capability due to "substandard Tejas mk1, mk1 A"

 

[ersakthivel]

It was HAL's own timeline which was missed. It has no excuse when it misses its own timelines.


And that gutter forum you are alluding to has more meaningful discussions than the fanboys here. That is why everyone can see through the fanboy bs there while this forum is essentially an echo chamber.

SP-1 and SP-2 are cobbled up from whatever remains of the continuously changed LSP parts of LSP series and they are going to be used for tactics development.

The real SP (2,3,4, onwards )series with 0.6 micron tolerance from the new state of the art HAL production line will need that 3 year lead time from the time of order(just 20 odd fighters) given in 2013 IOC-2.

It holds good for any global major Dassault or HAL or SAAB, becasue a fighter involves various subsystems developed by various vendors in very low quantity using specialized production techniques, like batch production, It is not like a Hero-Splendor assembly line of moving asembly line, This too they wont tell you in gutter like forums.

Many bots will type where is SP-3/ SP-4 in those gutter like forums , because they pretend to not to know it, despite these details floating on the net!!!

If you call it useful discussion you have a very wacky idea of what is useful!!!

 

[Mad Indian]

SP-1 and SP-2 are cobbled up from whatever remains of the continuously changed LSP parts of LSP series and they are going to be used for tactics development.

The real SP (2,3,4, onwards )series with 0.6 micron tolerance from the new state of the art HAL production line will need that 3 year lead time from the time of order(just 20 odd fighters) given in 2013 IOC-2.

It holds good for any global major Dassault or HAL or SAAB, becasue a fighter involves various subsystems developed by various vendors in very low quantity using specialized production techniques, like batch production, It is not like a Hero-Splendor assembly line of moving asembly line, This too they wont tell you in gutter like forums.

Many bots will type where is SP-3/ SP-4 in those gutter like forums , because they pretend to not to know it, despite these details floating on the net!!!

If you call it useful discussion you have a very wacky idea of what is useful!!!

Classical fan boy nonsense. I asked a simple question. Has HAL met its own timeline. You have written typical apologetic nonsense. If HAL knew it can't do something, then why did it claim that it could. Again, I am not interested in your apologetics and excuses. Other fanboys might eat up whatever nonsense excuse you give for this pathetic organisation , but I won't as I view it from a neutral perspective.


Again the key point being, HAL missed its own timeline. Its simple English.

 

[ersakthivel]

Classical fan boy bull shit. I asked a simple question. Has HAL met its own timeline. You have written typical apologetic bull shit. If HAL knew it can't do something, then why did it claim that it could. Again, I am not interested in your bs excuses. Other fanboys might eat up whatever nonsense excuse you give for this pathetic arc , but I won't as I view it from an neutral perspective.


Again the key point being, HAL missed its own timeline. Its simple English.

Rational answer,

HAL went door to to door begging GOI for funding a 2000 crore 0.6 micron state of the art production line for just 40 tejas!!!,whose per piece cost is 150 odd crores,

which fool will finance 2000 cr production line for an order whose turn over is just 5000 crore,How will he answer CAG report if he goes ahead boldly by financing it from HAL's internal accruals?Because IAF said after 40 tejas mk1s they will wait for 6 more years till mk2 is developed for next order,

SO what will HAL chief do with specialized trained staff and a vacant state of the art production line for 4 more years if he finances this 2000 crore from HAL's internal accruals?

The UPA GOI(as you can always expect) gave HAL a "genius" solution, Pour 1000 cr of your own money, beg for 500 crore from navy then beg for 500 crore from IAF, we all dont know how long it took for the money to arrive and when HAL procured machinery for the new production line, showing a clean production line is one thing and equipping it with all needed machines for production is one thing.

If you have the exact date of money released by IAF, NAVY and HAL for the production line, and the last date of purchase of the last needed machinery for the line from your discussions at "ANALysts ,think tanks, water tanks" from the "genius" forum where you here the war cries of where is SP-2, SP-3? please give me answers with source.

You may ask another genius type of question, Why cant HAL produce SP-2,3, etc from the same line used for LSPs, Annswer-It was an old production line not fit for serial production of the stae of the art 4.5th gen fighter and ADA chief was on record in an interview that this old production line has exacted 6 percent penalties in aerodynamics on tejas mk1 LSPs due to fit not matching expectations.

SP-1, SP-2 body works were completed before IOC-2 as part of LSP sereis and they have to be corrected for IOC-2 standard and checked , which is not a regular production process.

 

[Mad Indian]

Rational answer,

HAL went door to to door begging GOI for funding a 2000 crore 0.6 micron state of the art production line for just 40 tejas!!!,whose per piece cost is 150 odd crores,

which fool will finance 2000 cr production line for an order whose turn over is just 5000 crore,How will he answer CAG report if he goes ahead boldly by financing it from HAL's internal accruals?Because IAF said after 40 tejas mk1s they will wait for 6 more years till mk2 is developed for next order,

SO what will HAL chief do with specialized trained staff and a vacant state of the art production line for 4 more years if he finances this 2000 crore from HAL's internal accruals?

The UPA GOI(as you can always expect) gave HAL a "genius" solution, Pour 1000 cr of your own money, beg for 500 crore from navy then beg for 500 crore from IAF, we all dont know how long it took for the money to arrive and when HAL procured machinery for the new production line, showing a clean production line is one thing and equipping it with all needed machines for production is one thing.

If you have the exact date of money released by IAF, NAVY and HAL for the production line, and the last date of purchase of the last needed machinery for the line from your discussions at "ANALysts ,think tanks, water tanks" from the "genius" forum where you here the war cries of where is SP-2, SP-3? please give me answers with source.

You may ask another genius type of question, Why cant HAL produce SP-2,3, etc from the same line used for LSPs, Annswer-It was an old production line not fit for serial production of the stae of the art 4.5th gen fighter and ADA chief was on record in an interview that this old production line has exacted 6 percent penalties in aerodynamics on tejas mk1 LSPs due to fit not matching expectations.

SP-1, SP-2 body works were completed before IOC-2 as part of LSP sereis and they have to be corrected for IOC-2 standard and checked , which is not a regular production process.

Again you are the one peddling bs here and as such the onus is on you for backing your claims. My only claim was HAL has not delivered on its timeline which is already obvious. Besides, why didn't hal give a realistic timeline if it had funds shortage, even if I take your claims at face value . whose fault is that hal failed to give a realistic timeline if they had fund shortage. They themselves dint know about the funds shortage? What an incompetent bunch of losers. Time yo disband hal and sell it to private players

 

[ersakthivel]

Again you are the one peddling bs here and as such the onus is on you for backing your claims. My only claim was HAL has not delivered on its timeline which is already obvious. Besides, why didn't hal give a realistic timeline if it had funds shortage, even if I take your claims at face value . whose fault is that hal failed to give a realistic timeline if they had fund shortage. They themselves dint know about the funds shortage? What an incompetent bunch of losers. Time yo disband hal and sell it to private players

http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-bird-in-the-hand-113072200973_1.html

"While releasing Rs 1,500 crore to HAL, instructions must be issued that the production line must deliver six Tejas Mark I fighters in 2014, and hit its production target of ten fighters per year in 2015."


"JUly 22 2103 is the " date line for the article , SO as of july 1500 is not released is implied, because it says "instruction must be issued".

So as of July 2013 no funds were released for tejas production line, SO how do you expect HAL to deliver state of the art 0.6 micron tolerance tejas Sp-3,3 three years down the line?

I only post things that I have come across in credible articles. Not like in those GENIUS forums where people repeatedly lie habitually and expect it to turn into truth.

Also how lack of planning on part of IAF affected tejas program,

http://www.saiindia.gov.in/english/...rformance/2015/Defence/Report_17/17of2015.pdf

"
2.3.2 Meeting of weapon requirement on LCA as per ASR
As per the ASR, LCA is required to be provided with seven underwing/fuselage hard points for the carriage of bombs, rockets, missiles, Recce/laser designator pods and fuel tanks. The outboard stations were exclusively for the carriage of close combat missiles (CCMs). The aircraft should be able to carry a weapon load of at least 3000 kg.

Audit observed (May 2014) that IAF had revised17 the weapons requirement from time to time such as replacing R-60 missile with R-73E missile18, adding M-62 Russian Bombs, Counter Measures Dispensing System19, etc for integration on LCA. When impact of these changes on the LCA programme were enquired in audit, ADA stated (June 2014) that these changes had delayed the programme schedules as follows:
a) Change of Close Combat Missile from R-60 to R-73E had resulted in redesign of integral wing and associated manufacturing and testing efforts involving delay of 14 months.
b) Addition of Russian 500 Kg (M-62) bombs necessitated design and fabrication of adopter and software development which delayed the programme by 16 months.
c) Addition of CMDS led to design modifications and software development with an additional time of 18 months.

When the above delays caused due to changes in the weapons by IAF as reported by ADA was pointed out (September 2014) in audit, Air HQ stated (December 2014) that the extended schedule of design and development of LCA had resulted in several weapons and systems becoming obsolete/out of stock/operationally irrelevant and to retain operational edge, newer weapons had to be included. It was also stated that ADA being the programme manager could have inducted additional resources to realize the integration of the changed weapons in time.
Thus, due to design and development of LCA programme getting extended from time to time, IAF had to opt for newer weapons to retain operational edge of LCA. This consequently had a further impact on the timelines of the LCA programme.

2.3.3 Status of integration of weapons on LCA
Audit observed that delayed identification/procurement of weapons/integration also contributed to delays in LCA programme as discussed below:
i. Integration of R-73E Missiles
R-73E is an infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile capable of being targeted by a helmet-mounted sight allowing pilots to designate targets by looking at them. The R-73E is a highly maneuverable missile capable of making a significant difference in combat.
As per the ASR, R-60 a close combat missile was to be fitted on LCA. IAF revised (March 1997) the requirement to fitment of R-73E missile in place of R-60 missile. ADA concluded (August 2004) a contract with M/s Elbit, Israel, for integration of R-73E missile on LCA including consultancy thereon at a total cost of 3.69 Million USD (`17 crore) to be completed within 24 months (August 2006). There were delays in integration of R-73E missile on LCA due to redesign of integral wing and associated manufacturing and testing efforts (necessitated due to change from R-60 to R-73 missile). In the meanwhile, Air HQ while revising (December 2009) the weapon requirements, further specified that R-73E should be integrated with Multi-Mode Radar20 (MMR) and Helmet Mounted Display & Sight21 (HMDS) as an IOC requirement. The delivery schedule was amended several times (eight times involving a total of delay of 88 month) due to integration of R-73E missile with HMDS/MMR and related flight tests. The integration of R-73E missile with LCA was completed (December 2013) by ADA, after integration and release of R-73E using HMDS and MMR, and LCA achieved IOC (December 2013).
In response to audit observation (October 2014) regarding impact of delay in integration of R-73E missile on LCA on IOC schedule, ADA admitted (October 2014) that delay in integration of R-73E missile with HMDS and MMR had impacted the IOC schedule. ADA further stated (January 2015) that
the avionics integration of R-73E missile with MMR and HMDS sensor was delayed due to delay in development and flight testing of MMR/HMDS.
Thus, IAF specifying additional requirement of firing the R-73E missile using HMDS/MMR sensors in December 2009, which was not specified earlier in the ASR (1985), contributed to slippage of IOC schedule beyond the planned date of December 2010, which was achieved only in December 2013.

Quote from CAG report No.17 of 2015 as available below,
http://www.saiindia.gov.in/english/...rformance/2015/Defence/Report_17/17of2015.pdf

ii. Integration of Derby & Python-5 Missile"

The CAG lists the 53 deficiencies in Tejas mk1, Of these 45 are already sorted out as per IAf chief's comments in the recent press conference.

In fact this CAG report is a compilation of various CAG audits and most of those 53 deficiencies were rectified in IOC-2 2130 december itself.

 

[ersakthivel]

http://www.nal.res.in/pdf/AM 1- 2013.pdf

"Tajas has tailless, compound delta configuration with size and weight advantage and better close combat, high speed and high angle-of –attack characteristics. The longitudinal stability is relaxed to enhance agility, manoeuvrability and performance.

To improve high speed handling and reduce wave drag, the wing is optimised with camber & twist, wing body blending and area ruled fuselage. Tejas has an Airframe designed for strength and stiffness under specified loads in extreme environment with durability and damage tolerance. Tejas incorporates a highly reliable quadruplex digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System.

The new generation glass cockpit comprises Multi Function Displays (MFD), Head Up Display (HUD) and Stand by Instrumentation System driven by Open Architecture Mission and Display Computer. Any modern fighter is only as good as the weapons she can deliver on target.

The Tejas is designed to carry a veritable plethora of air to air, air to surface, precision guided and standoff weaponry. In the air to air arena, the Tejas carries long range beyond visual range weapons, with highly agile high off-bore sight missiles to tackle any close combat threat.

Tejas is equipped with a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system to ease handling by the pilot. The digital FBW system of the Tejas employs a powerful digital flight control computer (DFCC) comprising four computing channels, each with its own independent power supply and all housed in a single LRU.

Tejas is intentionally made longitudinally unstable to enhance manoeuvrability. The Control laws (CLAW) recover Stability and provide good Handling Qualities to the Pilot. .The autopilot provides pilot relief functions. This helps the pilot to do more head down activities (especially mission critical activities) without being concerned about the aircraft departing from its flight path.

The Tejas employs CFC materials for up to 45 per cent of its airframe, including in the fuselage (doors and skins), wings (skin, spars and ribs), elevons, tailfin, rudder, air brakes and landing gear doors. Composites are used to make an aircraft both lighter and stronger at the same time compared to an all-metal design, and the LCA’s percentage employment of CFCs is one of the highest among contemporary aircraft of its class


The use of composites in the LCA resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in the total number of parts compared to using a metallic frame The term Glass Cockpit refers to a modern cockpit in which all the round dialed electro-mechanical instruments have been replaced with Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head Up Display (HUD).

A glass cockpit uses several displays driven by flight management systems, which can be adjusted to display flight information as needed. This simplifies aircraft operation and navigation and allows pilots to focus only on the most pertinent information.

The Tejas is a tailless, compound delta platform. This platform is designed to keep the Tejas small and lightweight. The use of this platform also minimises the control surfaces needed (no tail planes or fore planes, just a single vertical tailfin), permits carriage of a wider range of external stores, and confers better close-combat, high-speed, and highalpha performance characteristics than conventional wing designs.

The coherent pulse-Doppler Multi Mode Radar is designed to operate equally effectively in the Air to Air and Air to Surface domains. Jointly developed as an Indian – Israeli venture, it features multi-target Air to Air Track, Hi Resolution Synthetic Aperture Mapping and specialized Air to Sea modes. Open Architecture Computer (OAC) designed and developed by ADA, combines the functions of earlier mission computer, display processor, video switching unit and mission preparation and retrieval unit. Real time simulator, Hardware-inLoop (Iron Bird) Simulator, Engineer-in Loop simulator Systems Development"

The Tejas is a pilot’s aeroplane and nowhere is this more evident than in her handling qualities and performance characteristics. She rockets off the runway and into the air in a mere 500 metres, and her control harmony and carefree handling characteristics are clearly demonstrated in the almost poetic ballet in the air that is the aerobatic display routine.

Tejas development programme has also accomplished the design and development of two -seater trainer aircraft for Indian Air Force (PV-5). Being a fully operational trainer this prototype is also obtaining the full operational clearance. LCA-Navy The success of Tejas programme for IAF drew the confidence of Indian Navy entrusting ADA with the Design and Development of Naval Version of LCA for operation from Aircraft Carriers.

Aerodynamic fixes to improve low speed performance for Carrier Operation, addition of Arrestor Hook for deck recovery, need for a stronger Undercarriage and Cockpit redesign for naval operations have made the LCA Navy development programme an immense challenge. World class infrastructure facilities created through the LCA programme have significantly increased the level of technical competence in the country, thereby giving the confidence to take up more complex fighter aircraft developments activities in the future.

ADA has taken up the Design and Development of next generation fighter-Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Technological capabilities acquired through LCA programme enabled ADA to participate in the development of 5th generation Combat Aircraft. Spin-off benefits Indigenous technology development initiative of `Tejas` Programme has potential spin-off benefits to other aircraft development Programme and to support aircraft operating in Defence Service.

Tejas has re-scripted the history of Indian Aeronautics in golden letters. Success story of Tejas is an epitome of corporate collaboration involving R&D laboratories of DRDO, CSIR, CEMILAC, DGAQA, Defence PSUs like HAL and BEL, among others,, Private sector participants and prominent educational institutions, all coordinated by nodal organisation ADA.

Tejas rejuvenated the field of Aeronautics in India with capabilities of Research, Design & Development, Fabrication, Assembly, Testing facilities, Air worthiness Certification and Quality Assurance undergoing a radical upgrade.

The sheer elegance and dignity with which it zooms to skies and accomplishes the mission with surgical precision is a privilege to watch.

It is the ultimate dream machine of a patriotic pilot who wants to score honours for his country. LCA is the smallest lightweight multi-role supersonic aircraft in the world. With stateof the–art technologies in every aspect of design and development, this single seat, single engine tactical fighter from India is among the best in the world in its class.

The mission of LCA programme is to design and develop a world class fighter for Indian Air Force to replace MiG series of aircraft and to create the technology base in the country for such a development. For Survival in today’s battlefield, agility and manoeuvrability are crucial.

The use of advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionics and control systems has given LCA all weather, day/night capability with excellent mission and point performance. LCA’s emergence has led to the development in state-of-the-art materials, manufacturing processes, computational and test facilities at the national level, taking the country to technological self-reliance.

Tejas is fitted with advanced sensors like Multi Mode Radar (MMR) Litening Pod (Day and Night imaging sensors). These when integrated with the on board weapon system, makes it a potent multi role combat aircraft.

ADA has developed a number of software packages in the areas of CAD, CAM, CAE, VR, CFD, and composites. A number of real time software for onboard application in the areas of Avionics, IFCS, Mission computer and software tools for Independent Verification & Validation (IV & V) have also been developed at ADA. All these packages have been extensively used for LCA and a few of them marketed within India and abroad.

Dream of the country’s first indigenous effort to build a carrier borne Naval Fighter aircraft got a fillip with the crossing of another significant milestone of the first Engine Ground Run (EGR) in Bangalore on September 26, 2011 of first LCA (Navy) prototype NP1. LCA Navy maiden flight The LCA Navy NP1 made its maiden flight in Bangalore on April 27, 2012, when Commodore J A Maolankar, Test Pilot and Wg Cdr Prabhu, Flight Test Engineer completed a 22 minutes flight.

During the flight the aircraft was put through various manoeuvers including low speed handling and even undertook a close formation flying at slow speed with another aircraft. With this India has crossed a major milestone in Design, Development, Manufacturing and Testing of a “four plus” generation Carrier Borne Fly-by-Wire STOBAR aircraft. LCA Navy is the second STOBAR (Ski Take Off But Arrested Recovery) Carrier Borne aircraft in the world, after the Russian deck based aircraft. However, this will be the only Carrier borne Fighter aircraft in the Light category

 

[ersakthivel]

Again you are the one peddling bs here and as such the onus is on you for backing your claims. My only claim was HAL has not delivered on its timeline which is already obvious. Besides, why didn't hal give a realistic timeline if it had funds shortage, even if I take your claims at face value . whose fault is that hal failed to give a realistic timeline if they had fund shortage. They themselves dint know about the funds shortage? What an incompetent bunch of losers. Time yo disband hal and sell it to private players

Why should HAL give realistic time line when it knew that IAF had no interest in deploying tejas in large numbers?

What is the freaking importance of delivering on a time line, when Airforce is only giving a total loss making order of just 40 and GOI not acceding to HAL's requests of funding the state of the art production line till july 2013?

HAL would have made the promise subject to the prompt availability of funding from IAF or GOI,( which are ready to shower the Dassaults, SUkhois , BAEs with multi billion dollar advance for fighters that arrive without any missiles, ground bombs and NAv attack systems,) BUt when it comes to tejas both the GOI and IAf expected HAL to pour 2000 crore in a state of the art production line, train specialize staff, and let it all idle after a 5000 crore just 40 fighter order, incur a mamooth loss on its financial investment and get a rap on the knuckles from CAG.

Then IAF should have recommended to GOI to appoint a mentally retarded guy as HAL director to do all this and deliver their SPs on time.(I personally feel that any of the three legged cheetah retired chairmarshals , who continuously savage tejas on dinner circuit would have fit the bill!!!)

Got it?
Nobody was serious about inducting tejas in large numbers till the Modi govt came in and you are accusing HAl of not delivering Sps on time and in the process incur massive financial loss!!!

http://tarmak007.blogspot.in/

"
Upgraded Tejas Mk1A will be more user-friendly: The official confirmed that the LCA MK1A would be an improved product with better maintainability to make it more user-friendly.
“We are planning MK1As with enhanced survivability embedded with an integrated EW suite, which would give an improved sensor performance over Mk1s. This is planned for the larger number of aircraft intended by IAF,” the official, who chose not to be named, said.


The official claimed that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has given ‘a new direction’ to the project through an accelerated approach during his frequent interactions.

He said HAL is geared up to roll out at least four series production aircraft by March 2016.
The first of Series Production (SP-1) aircraft has already been handed over to IAF and another 19 more are expected from HAL to complete the MK1 production schedules in the IOC format
"

Untill now no one has given this new direction to HAL or IAF on tejas, So things didnt move at all.

 

[Mad Indian]

http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-bird-in-the-hand-113072200973_1.html

"While releasing Rs 1,500 crore to HAL, instructions must be issued that the production line must deliver six Tejas Mark I fighters in 2014, and hit its production target of ten fighters per year in 2015."


"JUly 22 2103 is the " date line for the article , SO as of july 1500 is not released is implied, because it says "instruction must be issued".

So as of July 2013 no funds were released for tejas production line, SO how do you expect HAL to deliver state of the art 0.6 micron tolerance tejas Sp-3,3 three years down the line?

I only post things that I have come across in credible articles. Not like in those GENIUS forums where people repeatedly lie habitually and expect it to turn into truth.

How typical.

This just proves that most of you guys are just fanboys lacking even basic understanding. What does the opinion piece say? It says that LCA sp 1 will be delivered in early2014, sp2 in late 2014 and sp 3 in early 2015. So the opinion piece suggests that the hal should be given money to the tune of 1500 crores to ramp up its production speed at a rate of 6-10 fighters per year.

Now you are using this as an excuse to justify hal delaying even the sp2 and sp3 delivery by an ear. Do you think I am that stupid to see not see through your bull shit?

In case you(and your fellow fanboys) didn't understand your own link, what that opinion piece suggests was for increasing rate of production from current patheticity to something better like 10/year. But even that pathetic rate of production is being delayed now and it has nothing to do with the 1500 crores which was for augmenting production rate to 10/year. Which is what I said Hal is pathetic.

Now you have just proved you are a fanboy whose words I can't trust. @Sakal Gharelu Ustad see what I said about this forum being a fanboy echo chamber?

Also how lack of planning on part of IAF affected tejas program,

http://www.saiindia.gov.in/english/...rformance/2015/Defence/Report_17/17of2015.pdf

"
2.3.2 Meeting of weapon requirement on LCA as per ASR
As per the ASR, LCA is required to be provided with seven underwing/fuselage hard points for the carriage of bombs, rockets, missiles, Recce/laser designator pods and fuel tanks. The outboard stations were exclusively for the carriage of close combat missiles (CCMs). The aircraft should be able to carry a weapon load of at least 3000 kg.

Audit observed (May 2014) that IAF had revised17 the weapons requirement from time to time such as replacing R-60 missile with R-73E missile18, adding M-62 Russian Bombs, Counter Measures Dispensing System19, etc for integration on LCA. When impact of these changes on the LCA programme were enquired in audit, ADA stated (June 2014) that these changes had delayed the programme schedules as follows:
a) Change of Close Combat Missile from R-60 to R-73E had resulted in redesign of integral wing and associated manufacturing and testing efforts involving delay of 14 months.
b) Addition of Russian 500 Kg (M-62) bombs necessitated design and fabrication of adopter and software development which delayed the programme by 16 months.
c) Addition of CMDS led to design modifications and software development with an additional time of 18 months.

When the above delays caused due to changes in the weapons by IAF as reported by ADA was pointed out (September 2014) in audit, Air HQ stated (December 2014) that the extended schedule of design and development of LCA had resulted in several weapons and systems becoming obsolete/out of stock/operationally irrelevant and to retain operational edge, newer weapons had to be included. It was also stated that ADA being the programme manager could have inducted additional resources to realize the integration of the changed weapons in time.
Thus, due to design and development of LCA programme getting extended from time to time, IAF had to opt for newer weapons to retain operational edge of LCA. This consequently had a further impact on the timelines of the LCA programme.

2.3.3 Status of integration of weapons on LCA
Audit observed that delayed identification/procurement of weapons/integration also contributed to delays in LCA programme as discussed below:
i. Integration of R-73E Missiles
R-73E is an infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile capable of being targeted by a helmet-mounted sight allowing pilots to designate targets by looking at them. The R-73E is a highly maneuverable missile capable of making a significant difference in combat.
As per the ASR, R-60 a close combat missile was to be fitted on LCA. IAF revised (March 1997) the requirement to fitment of R-73E missile in place of R-60 missile. ADA concluded (August 2004) a contract with M/s Elbit, Israel, for integration of R-73E missile on LCA including consultancy thereon at a total cost of 3.69 Million USD (`17 crore) to be completed within 24 months (August 2006). There were delays in integration of R-73E missile on LCA due to redesign of integral wing and associated manufacturing and testing efforts (necessitated due to change from R-60 to R-73 missile). In the meanwhile, Air HQ while revising (December 2009) the weapon requirements, further specified that R-73E should be integrated with Multi-Mode Radar20 (MMR) and Helmet Mounted Display & Sight21 (HMDS) as an IOC requirement. The delivery schedule was amended several times (eight times involving a total of delay of 88 month) due to integration of R-73E missile with HMDS/MMR and related flight tests. The integration of R-73E missile with LCA was completed (December 2013) by ADA, after integration and release of R-73E using HMDS and MMR, and LCA achieved IOC (December 2013).
In response to audit observation (October 2014) regarding impact of delay in integration of R-73E missile on LCA on IOC schedule, ADA admitted (October 2014) that delay in integration of R-73E missile with HMDS and MMR had impacted the IOC schedule. ADA further stated (January 2015) that
the avionics integration of R-73E missile with MMR and HMDS sensor was delayed due to delay in development and flight testing of MMR/HMDS.
Thus, IAF specifying additional requirement of firing the R-73E missile using HMDS/MMR sensors in December 2009, which was not specified earlier in the ASR (1985), contributed to slippage of IOC schedule beyond the planned date of December 2010, which was achieved only in December 2013.

Quote from CAG report No.17 of 2015 as available below,
http://www.saiindia.gov.in/english/...rformance/2015/Defence/Report_17/17of2015.pdf

ii. Integration of Derby & Python-5 Missile"

The CAG lists the 53 deficiencies in Tejas mk1, Of these 45 are already sorted out as per IAf chief's comments in the recent press conference.

In fact this CAG report is a compilation of various CAG audits and most of those 53 deficiencies were rectified in IOC-2 2130 december itself.

Was this change demanded by IAF as part of the SP2 AND SP3? if not, another bs argument you have pulled .

Again, spend more time learning from the educated members in the other forum. They said that IAF made these changes in tune with the realities of 2014. Because ada failed to deliver tejas in 2000s which is what the original asr is far. Thats like giving black and white tv to a customer in 2015 which he ordered in 1980 and then bitching that the customer does not want the black and white tv in 2015. Keep peddling and your fellow fanboys would echo your nonsense. Keep this forum as an echo chamber

 

[Sakal Gharelu Ustad]

Giving all benefit of doubt to HAL about the roadblocks, I still think that if HAL cannot market its product well it is inefficient. Marketing yourself well should be the first target of any organization. If HAL can be pushed and punched by IAF all the time and all it (and HAL fanboys) can do is whine, then it still needs to go. Ever wondered why IAF always gets on top of HAL?

 

[jackprince]

Giving all benefit of doubt to HAL about the roadblocks, I still think that if HAL cannot market its product well it is inefficient. Marketing yourself well should be the first target of any organization. If HAL can be pushed and punched by IAF all the time and all it (and HAL fanboys) can do is whine, then it still needs to go. Ever wondered why IAF always gets on top of HAL?

IAF always gets on the top, because it is the service and people have an automatic acceptance of any of the services than a PSU. When the game of perception is played, hardly anything can beat services as they stand as a symbol of nationalism. Also, they are the ones who always provides the heroes, when HAL and DRDO only supplies the tools with which the heroes fight. The battle of image is always going to be uphill against the services.

Further, being a PSU, theoritically in an ideal world, HAL should not have had to market itself when it is providing a good service, as it is a Govt enterprise and supposed to provide service to another arm of the govt. But, when the question of battle of image arises, it is readily unserstandable that it is not ideal world as the arm of the govt. this PSU was created to support, does not want it. IAF has always proven that it would rather go for import than a domestic product, however costly that may be. Marut is the example.

IAF's leadership has proven itself to be as ardent foreign maal lover as IA. Never in a world anybody would even have this debate that has been going on since the beginning of this forum itself. Domestic products should have been given the priority as that is stratigically vital, and foreign machines should be bought to fill the gaps. But no, India perhaps is the only nation where the Indians themselves are willing to bargain away future benefits in exchange for immediate lust of shiny foreign toys.

Shame.

 

[Sakal Gharelu Ustad]

IAF always gets on the top, because it is the service and people have an automatic acceptance of any of the services than a PSU. When the game of perception is played, hardly anything can beat services as they stand as a symbol of nationalism. Also, they are the ones who always provides the heroes, when HAL and DRDO only supplies the tools with which the heroes fight. The battle of image is always going to be uphill against the services.

Further, being a PSU, theoritically in an ideal world, HAL should not have had to market itself when it is providing a good service, as it is a Govt enterprise and supposed to provide service to another arm of the govt. But, when the question of battle of image arises, it is readily unserstandable that it is not ideal world as the arm of the govt. this PSU was created to support, does not want it. IAF has always proven that it would rather go for import than a domestic product, however costly that may be. Marut is the example.

IAF's leadership has proven itself to be as ardent foreign maal lover as IA. Never in a world anybody would even have this debate that has been going on since the beginning of this forum itself. Domestic products should have been given the priority as that is stratigically vital, and foreign machines should be bought to fill the gaps. But no, India perhaps is the only nation where the Indians themselves are willing to bargain away future benefits in exchange for immediate lust of shiny foreign toys.

Shame.

Glad that ISRO never thought like HAL. Actually, your above response made me think am I really proud of any PSU!! From BSNL to Air India- they suck every where.

 

[jackprince]

Glad that ISRO never thought like HAL. Actually, your above response made me think am I really proud of any PSU!! From BSNL to Air India- they suck every where.

Oh, I know you are not proud of any of the PSUs. Most of the urban educated corporate mined people are not. Not even of ISRO, ADA, RINL, IOCL, HPCL, GAIL, NTPC, etc etc. They after all don't have the advertisement budget equal to their corporate counterparts. It is funny you could in a single breath praise ISRO, and criticise whole of PSUs.

Well, I have said all that I had to say about your love for foreign maal. @ersakthivel has always given reply to guys with proper source and to the point reply, detail analysis, which you guys sinply brushed off without properly countering any of the points. @Mad Indian I can understand, but you too?

Okey, I am done.

 

[ersakthivel]

How typical.

This just proves that most of you guys are just fanboys lacking even basic understanding. What does the opinion piece say? It says that LCA sp 1 will be delivered in early2014, sp2 in late 2014 and sp 3 in early 2015. So the opinion piece suggests that the hal should be given money to the tune of 1500 crores to ramp up its production speed at a rate of 6-10 fighters per year.

Now you are using this as an excuse to justify hal delaying even the sp2 and sp3 delivery by an ear. Do you think I am that stupid to see not see through your bull shit?

In case you(and your fellow fanboys) didn't understand your own link, what that opinion piece suggests was for increasing rate of production from current patheticity to something better like 10/year. But even that pathetic rate of production is being delayed now and it has nothing to do with the 1500 crores which was for augmenting production rate to 10/year. Which is what I said Hal is pathetic.

Now you have just proved you are a fanboy whose words I can't trust. @Sakal Gharelu Ustad see what I said about this forum being a fanboy echo chamber?


Was this change demanded by IAF as part of the SP2 AND SP3? if not, another bs argument you have pulled .

Again, spend more time learning from the educated members in the other forum. They said that IAF made these changes in tune with the realities of 2014. Because ada failed to deliver tejas in 2000s which is what the original asr is far. Thats like giving black and white tv to a customer in 2015 which he ordered in 1980 and then bitching that the customer does not want the black and white tv in 2015. Keep peddling and your fellow fanboys would echo your nonsense. Keep this forum as an echo chamber

It also says that FOC is to be achieved by 2014, Was it achieved? If it was not achieved and IOC itself was achieved only in decemebr 2103, leading to design freeze how can Sp-1 arrive in 2014?

Come on when the order quantity is an absurd loss making 40 units, which fool will accelerate production and wallow in losses.

How could you fail to notice the "opinion piece" asking for 3 more squadrons of tejas mk1 orders ?Selective reading perhaps?

Educated members from other forums?

The guy called Sancho who used to post series of BS just went out of the picture after a series of exposes by me in this forum, IS that the qualification of education?

Do you have comprehension issues or what?

WHY SHOULD HAL STICK TO TIME LINE WHEN ITS BALANCE SHEET IS SPLURGING RED, BY THE ULTERIOR MOTIVE OF IAF IN NOT GIVING ECONOMICALLY VIABLE ORDER BOOK AND THE LOOT MAR UPA GOVT NOT GIVING FUNDING TO HAL TO BUILD THE STATE OF THE AR ASSEMBLY LINE?

I KNOW YOU WILL NEVER ANSWER THIS QUESTION, BECAUSE IT WILL EXPOSE YOU AS A TOTAL MENTAL RETARD,

AS A PSU HAL MAKES MORE SU-30 MKI EVERY YEAR THAN THE NUMBER OF RAFALES MADE DASSAULT. WHY?

270 ORDER NUMBERS FROM IAF WHICH JUSTIFIES THE INVESTMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITY ON SU-30 MKI. NOTHING ELSE.

 

[Mad Indian]

From BSNL to Air India- they suck every where.

Bsnl last year made a profit of -8000crores

 

[pmaitra]

Off-topic posts moved. Thread re-opened.

Please post on topic.

 

[ersakthivel]

tejas mk 1P is Manohar Parrikar's way of calling IAf's and import lobby's bluff. With this single decision MOD has moved the goal post with the single mindedness seeding a viable modern mil aviation industry.

tejas mk1 A will exceed some IAF fighters in some parameters , and fall short of them in some parameters, which is true of any other fighter.

But one thing that cant be questioned is its usefulness to the nation in safeguarding strategic autonomy in however smaller way it is possible while providing critical tactical battlefield support to the soldiers on the front line in huge numbers because of its cost effectiveness.