Here are my two cents about the LCA mk2.
* First, let me make it clear that the die hard jingo in me is extremely angry at this and most probably join benny in his stone pelting spree!
I did expect some changes in the mk2 design (at least hoping it would "look" a bit cooler!).. And that is not the case!
Now, after my rant mode was off, I decided to give this design a consideration and here is what I found out!
* ABSOLUTE SHOCKERS!
1. Intake design---
Looks like the shape of intakes will remain same with increase in size. We should have opted for diamond shaped intakes for more stealth.
2. No IRST---
Nobody here (AI) is willing to comment on that. IRST pod is the only solution now.
*GRAY AREAS
1. No AESA?
My angry queries were met with following cryptic questions--
- What makes me so sure that MMR will not be an AESA in the future? (Naam me kya rakha hai, dost?, they said.)
- Have I heard of something called
"project uttam"?
- Do I believe that IAF will field a craft without AESA 20 years from now?
Draw your own results from these questions, guys!
* NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT
1. No Canards-
There is absolutely no need for canards, we have enough lift and the cranked delta gives enough maneuverability. This has been tested and proved!
2. No CFT-
Not required at all. The IAF never asked for it. As for the fuel section, there are some surprises, keep on reading.
3. No TVC-
Adding TVC on such a light plane could be very very troublesome. Loss benefit ratio is more than one!