The LCA program is the failure. Yes, it has had successes within that failure. But at the end, you have a jet(
nothing wrong with the aerodynamics or concept of it) that has currently many shortcomings that keep it from being capable of front line service including glaring ones regarding maintenance processes.
So after a first flight in 2001 we have a jet that still has performance and manufacturing kinks to work out in its
original spec which the end user doesn't really want in the first place, and the newer spec isnt to see the light of day till 2021. Well, I am very hard pressed to find ANYTHING that defines the LCA program or even the Tejas fighter(
not the design or concept but as a whole product) a partial(
if the complete term is too acerbic) failure.
Source:
https://defence.pk/threads/hal-tejas-updates-news-discussions-thread-2.351401/page-117#ixzz4DxW9pOt7
Thats pretty harsh considering the high GQSR and the industry the LCA program built. Now the Tejas is far from a failure until lets say 2020 or beyond.
I think HAL/DRDO have a winning concept in the LCA but a little too small. A problem only now being addressed in MK2 forced by F414 engines.
Now the question of large scale production and support will be interesting to see.
The Gripen is similar concept with similar performance and even a shared history with the LCA program.
However the difference was largely in the wings and % of domestication. HAL/DRDO had to deliver on bulk cost ie production and support to be domestic.
The Gripen also has better response at all altitudes but the Tejas is simpler ie the wings are a single piece, lower cost, weight.
Its going to prove its self only with large scale production until then Tejas will be overshadowed by Gripen.
Even the Northrop F-20 Tigershark, a fighter that for all reports, for all records was a great jet in terms of everything it did; is defined as a failure by aviation experts simply because it never sold and it never found a customer. Here is a case of a fighter that despite its promising design and concept; isnt ready yet due to various issues of mismanagement in the program from both the IAF and those making the aircraft.
If there is a product that does not do "as advertised" after 15 years since it first flew and based on all public and private reports wont do "as advertised" for another couple of years; then it would require a ton of salt to get any aviation expert besides those with nationalist or vested(
foreign subcontractors, etc) motivations to call it a success
Source:
https://defence.pk/threads/hal-tejas-updates-news-discussions-thread-2.351401/page-117#ixzz4DxZ7tVE5
I agree but the F-20 isn't the LCA. The LCA has government backing while the F-20 like the JF-17 was designed for a foreign buyer.
Tejas production is happening, regardless. Now the JF-17 however failed as soon as the PLA completely saw the first demo of the FC-1. They new the Mig-21 flaws where higher in the JF-17 compared to the J-10 which was a little bigger and a fuel guzzler and even had engine issues. However the J-10 was a completely funded by Beijing and received the best support. PLA considers the J-10 a superior aircraft to the JF-17. JF-17 production now depends on PAF budget and Chengdu production. Not a lot of interested stakes holders any more.
That being said, I think we should wait another decade to be cynical of the Tejas since production has yet to really start.
And can you blame them?
The Tejas is coming out with a solid record in the air and superior to what the threat can and will possess for a long time.
Tejas is up against what?
J-7's whose production stopped when?
J-8?
JF-17 which has inadequate engine and payload?
J-10s? The only now received AESA after a 100+ run. PLA has a bigger budget. But Tejas has better higher altitude take-off and landing performance even compared to Mig-29 and Su-30s.
Su-27/30s also a 4th generation aircraft. Still in production!
F-16 in PAF inventory, have are not a threat in the the numbers they are in!
Superhornets, Raptors all pose the greatest challenge. Still the Tejas is modest defence in comparison.
At the very least the LCA program makes the AMCA program possible.