Dude, just read the full post man..Out of 1400 atleast 1200 have been already tested on LSPs..The remaining 200 is what is the difference between the Naval version, MK2 and Mk1..
In the Naval version connecting to Under carriage strengthening and arrestor hook, some 50 to 60 parameters are left, likewise u can imagine, how much work is left..
regarding the MK2, the air to air refuelling probe, and Fuselage changes for fitting in GE414 will almost comes to 150 parameters..
Now you guys tell how much work is left??
HAL, ADA accepted the bitter truth that, LCA MK1 is way beyond schedule, but in the process, they are also catching up time for MK2 version which will be the final one..MK1 as of now will be a training platform and a platform which will be helped to formulate strategies, train ground crews in maintaining, do all sorts of trail and error stuffs before they pitch it against any known 4+ generation fighter ..
Hence the 40+ number is for placing it in two bases and formulate the strategies and train the engineers and make it familiarise with the aircraft and fly recon missions and analyse the ability and Pros & Cons..Remember the testing pilots are experts and the strategies cannot be formed based on their inputs. they only provide inputs on functioning of equipments, such as compressors stalls under various altitude, flaps, afterburner effectiveness, when pulling up etc.
The real fighting strategies and maneouvours will be finalised by the line pilots only and it take many months if not years..
By the time they do that, MK2 will be rolling out of HALs..
Trust me the PAKIS are also doing the same thing with their JF17 now..They are just showing the weapons integrations and all other fancy videos to satisfy two things..
1. To show their own people that they are ready for any Indian adventurism and hence making the people and politicians satisfied..
2. Asusual to satisfy their EGO that they are always in toe to toe with any Indian Advancement if not ahead of us..
These are hard facts that no Indian, or Pakistani flier can refuse and also known to both of our planners..
By the way what the Pakis doing currently is a very good decision for their airforce considering the current economic and geo political scenarios to Induct JF17 first and do whatever trials or testing is required later on..
which will put them in a very good platform considering their arch rivals India..
Because they have inducted it first and then formulating the strategies and simultaneous inductions are also happening and hence they could provide real time corrections and changes required to the designers and engineers wherever they are(Be it in China or Pakistan) to improve the aircraft according to their needs..
That way, they will be ahead of us in terms of numbers when we finally start rolling out our aircraft..
Hence it is a good decision..
No, I don't work for HAL..
We just share these things when we sit for few drinks with my Ex colleagues who are currently working at HALs various sectors..
we were all the part of same organisation until few years back..