In Last few months we at idrw.org have been receiving similar emails from concerned Citizens, asking status and updates on the Lca Tejas Program. Our Previous articles had hinted about the sorry state of affairs on Indigenous aircrafts (HAL is struggling with Indigenous Aircrafts ).
Again Sources are not coming out with much useful information and certainly it seems like some kind of Media Gag has been imposed by developing agencies, all that Sources are saying is we are looking forward to Fire power demonstration to be held Next year by IAF which will showcase Tejas for the first time.
Idrw.org have contacted other sources which have provided some information on its current status , idrw.org are only putting down information provided by not so regular sources .
* Tejas after Fire power demonstration next year will be cleared for Air to Ground (A2G) Roles only, if IAF is satisfied with the outcomes of the exercise.
* Tejas not yet has cleared Air to Air (A2A) roles yet and aircrafts are currently been getting up-gradation (Radars and avionics and BVR and WVR missiles integrations) on older aircrafts (PV and LSP).
* Tejas once cleared of A2G roles will start A2A testing and it is expected that along with it and other test, FOC will be achieved in 2015.
* Unlikely that in early 2013 SP-1 and SP-2 will be handed over to IAF, Most likely it will be mid or late 2013.
* Flight envelope has been opened up, but nothing to write about says sources, since Target has not been achieved.
* Radar likely to be cleared for A2G mode in current stage.
* HAL might squeeze in first flight of LSP-8 by year end.
* A2G tests have been good and satisfactory as per sources, IAF to take the final call next year.
* Mid-air refuelling testing with IAFs IL-78 tankers should start next year.
* Slower rate of productions of LSP has created another sets of problem; many aircrafts (LSP) are not identical in terms of Avionics and structural changes (ex, Optimization of APU intakes and different pilot avionics layout in latter variant). Leading to delays in upgrading of older aircrafts with current changes.
idrw.org will post again if we have any other kind of information on it .
Where is LCA