Naval LCA Tejas

Prashant12

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Light Combat Aircraft’s 20 sorties get Navy on board


After the agonising suspense over Aero India, here’s some good news for Bengaluru – and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy programme, which had more or less been relegated to the hangars, has done a star turnaround and the Indian Navy is now fully backing it.

The programme was grounded since March 2017 following reports that the Indian Navy had rejected it as the LCA Navy did not meet the its requirements (it was said to overweight to operate on aircraft carriers).

However, on July 23, LCA Naval Prototype (NP-2) took to the skies once again indicating that the programme has been revived.


According to the flight log book of the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency, which is the nodal design and development agency of the LCA programme, since July 23, the aircraft has done 22 test sorties. (When the NP-2 took to the skies on July 23, it was the 56th flight of the aircraft and as on August 21, the LCA Navy has done 78 flights.)

Not just that. What impressed the Indian Navy was the fact after the naval LCA programme was rejuvenated a month ago, it achieved a significant milestone – the arrestor hook system worked perfectly at the Shore Based Test Facility, INS HansaGoa. (The arrestor hook on the aircraft, coupled with the elastic arresting wire on the aircraft carrier help the jet land on a very short stretch).

This milestone was significant as it enabled India to join a select club of nations for having the capability of deck landing of fighter aircraft. US, Europe, Russia and China have that same capability.

The LCA Naval programme commenced in 2003 and the first flight of the first prototype NP-1 was in 2012, and the maiden flight of the NP-2 was in 2015.

The NP-2, a single-seat fighter, is one of the two technology demonstrators of the LCA Navy programme with the other one being the NP-1, a two-seat trainer aircraft. The two technology demonstrators have been so far developed and both are Mark 1 (MK1) versions.

In 2016, questions were raised about the future of the LCA’s naval variant after Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had stated that the aircraft was not suited for its aircraft carriers and that it was looking at alternative aircraft.

However, now the Indian Navy now says that it fully supports the programme and that it never abandoned it.

“The navy supports the programme 100 per cent. The aircraft has always been a requirement for the navy. By the end of 2019, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) INS Vikrant is expected to begin sea trials and will be commissioned a couple of years thereafter. We want aircraft on top of it and we want the LCA Navy to be there,” a source in the Indian Navy said.


However, the source admitted that the LCA prototype at its present avatar does not meet the carrier capability requirements and that more work needs to be done before it is accepted by it.

“The current prototype NP-2’s engine is not powerful enough. There are questions which need to be answered whether it can take off and land with weapons. However, we fully support the project. The challenge at hand is whether the LCA Navy will make it to aircraft carrier when the sea trials starts. It is in this context that a request for proposal (RFP) will be issued by the navy for procuring 57 multi-role combat jets,” the source added.

Globally there are six jets which meets the Indian Navy’s demand -- Rafale, F-18 Super Hornet, MiG-29 K, F-35 B, F-35 C and Gripen.


Technical Features of the Aircraft

  • The LCA will operate from an aircraft carrier with a concept of Ski-jump Take off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR).
  • Aircraft gets airborne over a ski jump in about 200 m and lands over 90 m using an arrester hook engaging an arrester wire on the ship.
  • Derived from the Air Force version, it is a longitudinally unstable fly-by-wire aircraft, making it an agile war machine.
  • Flight Control system is augmented with Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON) aiding reduction in approach speed for carrier landing.
  • Auto throttle function reduces pilot load by maintaining constant angle of attack during the critical phase of a flare-less carrier landing
  • Fuel dump system enables safe landing by reducing weight during emergency landing after launch.

https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes....es-get-navy-on-board/articleshow/65521845.cms
 

Enquirer

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Light Combat Aircraft’s 20 sorties get Navy on board


After the agonising suspense over Aero India, here’s some good news for Bengaluru – and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy programme, which had more or less been relegated to the hangars, has done a star turnaround and the Indian Navy is now fully backing it.

The programme was grounded since March 2017 following reports that the Indian Navy had rejected it as the LCA Navy did not meet the its requirements (it was said to overweight to operate on aircraft carriers).

However, on July 23, LCA Naval Prototype (NP-2) took to the skies once again indicating that the programme has been revived.


According to the flight log book of the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency, which is the nodal design and development agency of the LCA programme, since July 23, the aircraft has done 22 test sorties. (When the NP-2 took to the skies on July 23, it was the 56th flight of the aircraft and as on August 21, the LCA Navy has done 78 flights.)

Not just that. What impressed the Indian Navy was the fact after the naval LCA programme was rejuvenated a month ago, it achieved a significant milestone – the arrestor hook system worked perfectly at the Shore Based Test Facility, INS HansaGoa. (The arrestor hook on the aircraft, coupled with the elastic arresting wire on the aircraft carrier help the jet land on a very short stretch).

This milestone was significant as it enabled India to join a select club of nations for having the capability of deck landing of fighter aircraft. US, Europe, Russia and China have that same capability.

The LCA Naval programme commenced in 2003 and the first flight of the first prototype NP-1 was in 2012, and the maiden flight of the NP-2 was in 2015.

The NP-2, a single-seat fighter, is one of the two technology demonstrators of the LCA Navy programme with the other one being the NP-1, a two-seat trainer aircraft. The two technology demonstrators have been so far developed and both are Mark 1 (MK1) versions.

In 2016, questions were raised about the future of the LCA’s naval variant after Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had stated that the aircraft was not suited for its aircraft carriers and that it was looking at alternative aircraft.

However, now the Indian Navy now says that it fully supports the programme and that it never abandoned it.

“The navy supports the programme 100 per cent. The aircraft has always been a requirement for the navy. By the end of 2019, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) INS Vikrant is expected to begin sea trials and will be commissioned a couple of years thereafter. We want aircraft on top of it and we want the LCA Navy to be there,” a source in the Indian Navy said.


However, the source admitted that the LCA prototype at its present avatar does not meet the carrier capability requirements and that more work needs to be done before it is accepted by it.

“The current prototype NP-2’s engine is not powerful enough. There are questions which need to be answered whether it can take off and land with weapons. However, we fully support the project. The challenge at hand is whether the LCA Navy will make it to aircraft carrier when the sea trials starts. It is in this context that a request for proposal (RFP) will be issued by the navy for procuring 57 multi-role combat jets,” the source added.

Globally there are six jets which meets the Indian Navy’s demand -- Rafale, F-18 Super Hornet, MiG-29 K, F-35 B, F-35 C and Gripen.


Technical Features of the Aircraft

  • The LCA will operate from an aircraft carrier with a concept of Ski-jump Take off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR).
  • Aircraft gets airborne over a ski jump in about 200 m and lands over 90 m using an arrester hook engaging an arrester wire on the ship.
  • Derived from the Air Force version, it is a longitudinally unstable fly-by-wire aircraft, making it an agile war machine.
  • Flight Control system is augmented with Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON) aiding reduction in approach speed for carrier landing.
  • Auto throttle function reduces pilot load by maintaining constant angle of attack during the critical phase of a flare-less carrier landing
  • Fuel dump system enables safe landing by reducing weight during emergency landing after launch.

https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes....es-get-navy-on-board/articleshow/65521845.cms
No mention of LCA Navy Mk2 though!!!
Is that project back in the works?
 

mayfair

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The entire NLCA project was on the verge of closure last year and now it has been revived with two prototypes in action.

The biggest challenge still appears to be the engine to generate enough thrust that would allow a adequately loaded NLCA to take off from a carrier.

I feel it would be wise to look up NLCA as a part of navy's off shore assets rather than confine it as a tech demonstrator.

Nevertheless, the valuable learning and experience gained here may help us achieve a navalised AMCA in the future.

One can surely dream.
 

Enquirer

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The entire NLCA project was on the verge of closure last year and now it has been revived with two prototypes in action.

The biggest challenge still appears to be the engine to generate enough thrust that would allow a adequately loaded NLCA to take off from a carrier.

I feel it would be wise to look up NLCA as a part of navy's off shore assets rather than confine it as a tech demonstrator.

Nevertheless, the valuable learning and experience gained here may help us achieve a navalised AMCA in the future.

One can surely dream.
Why not LCA Navy Mk2 with F414?
 

mayfair

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That would be ideal, but not sure if F414 would be sufficient for the thrust needed to allow a fully loaded NLCA to take off a carrier, unless we get a CATOBAR carrier. There seem to be no plans for a CATOBAR carrier at the moment, so our carrier aircraft will probably all be twin-engine birds.

Off my head the only single-engined (without VTOL features) carrier-based aircraft that I can think of is A-4 skyhawk.
 

patriots

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keen to see .np2 with full load ...sky jump in ins hansa....this will clear doubts of navy....but its highly doubtful ...
 

Enquirer

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That would be ideal, but not sure if F414 would be sufficient for the thrust needed to allow a fully loaded NLCA to take off a carrier, unless we get a CATOBAR carrier. There seem to be no plans for a CATOBAR carrier at the moment, so our carrier aircraft will probably all be twin-engine birds.
CATOBAR cannot be the immediate solution for LCA, as it's not designed for such operation. The nose wheel section will need strengthening.

Tejas Mk2 is being pegged with an MTOW of 17.5 tonnes & nearly 6 tonne payload! Assuming the Navy version will be a tonne heavier due to stronger landing gear, that still leaves room for 5 tonne payload. For Carrier takeoffs, if it can get qualified for even 4 tonne payload - it would be golden!!

Off my head the only single-engined (without VTOL features) carrier-based aircraft that I can think of is A-4 skyhawk.
F-35C - Single engined carrier based (thus far qualified for CATOBAR only)

The single-engine seems to be the sticking point now. IN wants twin engines - the classic Navy requirement when engines weren't that reliable!!
 

binayak95

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Add the Super Etendard to the A4 Skyhawk. But again, you need catapults. Skijumps will only take you so far.
That would be ideal, but not sure if F414 would be sufficient for the thrust needed to allow a fully loaded NLCA to take off a carrier, unless we get a CATOBAR carrier. There seem to be no plans for a CATOBAR carrier at the moment, so our carrier aircraft will probably all be twin-engine birds.

Off my head the only single-engined (without VTOL features) carrier-based aircraft that I can think of is A-4 skyhawk.
 

Babloo Singh

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keen to see .np2 with full load ...sky jump in ins hansa....this will clear doubts of navy....but its highly doubtful ...
Full load takeoff potential is difficult to demonstrate at a Shore based facility, Aircraft carriers travel at approx 25-30 Knots while launching planes, this speed adds up to planes speed when it gets airborne, adding to the lift wings are generating... it can't be simulated on a shore based facility.
All carrier based planes are designed keeping in mind that carrier will be traveling at given speed while launching them.
 

abingdonboy

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Full load takeoff potential is difficult to demonstrate at a Shore based facility, Aircraft carriers travel at approx 25-30 Knots while launching planes, this speed adds up to planes speed when it gets airborne, adding to the lift wings are generating... it can't be simulated on a shore based facility.
All carrier based planes are designed keeping in mind that carrier will be traveling at given speed while launching them.
Correction, a headwind doesn’t add to the speed of a plane but it does give a distinct increase in lift as more air flows over the wing. It’s the same reason planes land into the wind.
 

abingdonboy

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Light Combat Aircraft’s 20 sorties get Navy on board


After the agonising suspense over Aero India, here’s some good news for Bengaluru – and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy programme, which had more or less been relegated to the hangars, has done a star turnaround and the Indian Navy is now fully backing it.

The programme was grounded since March 2017 following reports that the Indian Navy had rejected it as the LCA Navy did not meet the its requirements (it was said to overweight to operate on aircraft carriers).

However, on July 23, LCA Naval Prototype (NP-2) took to the skies once again indicating that the programme has been revived.


According to the flight log book of the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Agency, which is the nodal design and development agency of the LCA programme, since July 23, the aircraft has done 22 test sorties. (When the NP-2 took to the skies on July 23, it was the 56th flight of the aircraft and as on August 21, the LCA Navy has done 78 flights.)

Not just that. What impressed the Indian Navy was the fact after the naval LCA programme was rejuvenated a month ago, it achieved a significant milestone – the arrestor hook system worked perfectly at the Shore Based Test Facility, INS HansaGoa. (The arrestor hook on the aircraft, coupled with the elastic arresting wire on the aircraft carrier help the jet land on a very short stretch).

This milestone was significant as it enabled India to join a select club of nations for having the capability of deck landing of fighter aircraft. US, Europe, Russia and China have that same capability.

The LCA Naval programme commenced in 2003 and the first flight of the first prototype NP-1 was in 2012, and the maiden flight of the NP-2 was in 2015.

The NP-2, a single-seat fighter, is one of the two technology demonstrators of the LCA Navy programme with the other one being the NP-1, a two-seat trainer aircraft. The two technology demonstrators have been so far developed and both are Mark 1 (MK1) versions.

In 2016, questions were raised about the future of the LCA’s naval variant after Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had stated that the aircraft was not suited for its aircraft carriers and that it was looking at alternative aircraft.

However, now the Indian Navy now says that it fully supports the programme and that it never abandoned it.

“The navy supports the programme 100 per cent. The aircraft has always been a requirement for the navy. By the end of 2019, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) INS Vikrant is expected to begin sea trials and will be commissioned a couple of years thereafter. We want aircraft on top of it and we want the LCA Navy to be there,” a source in the Indian Navy said.


However, the source admitted that the LCA prototype at its present avatar does not meet the carrier capability requirements and that more work needs to be done before it is accepted by it.

“The current prototype NP-2’s engine is not powerful enough. There are questions which need to be answered whether it can take off and land with weapons. However, we fully support the project. The challenge at hand is whether the LCA Navy will make it to aircraft carrier when the sea trials starts. It is in this context that a request for proposal (RFP) will be issued by the navy for procuring 57 multi-role combat jets,” the source added.

Globally there are six jets which meets the Indian Navy’s demand -- Rafale, F-18 Super Hornet, MiG-29 K, F-35 B, F-35 C and Gripen.


Technical Features of the Aircraft

  • The LCA will operate from an aircraft carrier with a concept of Ski-jump Take off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR).
  • Aircraft gets airborne over a ski jump in about 200 m and lands over 90 m using an arrester hook engaging an arrester wire on the ship.
  • Derived from the Air Force version, it is a longitudinally unstable fly-by-wire aircraft, making it an agile war machine.
  • Flight Control system is augmented with Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON) aiding reduction in approach speed for carrier landing.
  • Auto throttle function reduces pilot load by maintaining constant angle of attack during the critical phase of a flare-less carrier landing
  • Fuel dump system enables safe landing by reducing weight during emergency landing after launch.

https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes....es-get-navy-on-board/articleshow/65521845.cms
Lol Sea Gripen? It’s a paper that SAAB isn’t even pursuing as there is no user interest.

NLCA is FAR more developed than Sea Gripen already.

No mention of LCA Navy Mk2 though!!!
Is that project back in the works?
NLCA Mk.2 is very much progressing, it has its own development team distinct from AF MK.2 team.

They have even received their first F414.

The entire NLCA project was on the verge of closure last year and now it has been revived with two prototypes in action.

The biggest challenge still appears to be the engine to generate enough thrust that would allow a adequately loaded NLCA to take off from a carrier.

I feel it would be wise to look up NLCA as a part of navy's off shore assets rather than confine it as a tech demonstrator.

Nevertheless, the valuable learning and experience gained here may help us achieve a navalised AMCA in the future.

One can surely dream.
People forget where India started, the very notion that today it is demonstrating a carrier capable fighter is remarkable. Remember LCA was meant to be a simple mig 21 replacement for the interceptor role.

NLCA mk.1 is a rather crudely retrofitted carrier fighter based on the AF trainer.

NLCA MK.2 is going to be a HUGE step foreward for the IN and Indian industry. It will be India’s first ever purpose built carrier fighter designed from the outset for that role, it will have optimised nose and landing gear as well as wing design not to mention larger wing area.

Right now the IN still seems to be wary of the idea of it for a carrier role and it’s somewhat understandable but give it time and I feel they will find a place for it

Even the Mk.1 should be ordered (8-12 units perhaps) for carrier qualification training (considering the IN’s AJTs cannot land on a carrier like the T-45s of the USN).

Moving on from NLCA MK.2 to N-AMCA will be a logical jump, going from NLCA MK.1 to N-AMCA would be a disaster.


Future is bright if one keeps the faith and avoids imports at the cost of domestic R&D. India is going about capacity build up very logically and is building a very wide and firm foundation. No corners are being cut. This will pay off
 

abingdonboy

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+ I wouldn't buy into this BS about the IN ditching the NLCA project and then reviving it recently, clearly work was done on NP-2 in the meantime (tailhook and other modifications didn't happen overnight).

These are the same presstitutes that push the "hatchgate" cr@p in regards to Arihant.

It can't be a coincidence that this "IN cancels NLCA project" came about at the same time that the MRCBF RFI was being discussed. The international arms industry is known to be amongst the most corrupt and shady in the world and just look at the kind of reproting INdia's "best" defence journalists do and look at the kind of exposure they have to international companies- follow the money. Look at how the current trending news of the last few days has all been about Russian deals then look at who is reporting this and the kind of exposure they have to those OEMs, then in a few months the same journalist will go to the US and see his paymasters at Boeing and LM and we will hear about how amazing the F-18 is and how suited it is for India.
 

captscooby81

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Okay so this is interesting again this is just Wish of Admiral s hope

NLCA from the decks of IAC 2

NLCA.jpg
 

Filtercoffee

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These also are Single engined Naval retired aircraft - Hawker Sea Hawk, British Aerospace Sea Harrier, FJ1 ,FJ2, F2H, F3H, FJ4, F4D, F5D, F6U, F9, F9F, XF10F, F8, F8U 3 Crusader3, De Havilland Sea Venom, YAK 38, YAK 41 and Arsenal VG 90.
 

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