LCA Navy may fly again by mid-year

[Srinivas]

LCA Navy may fly again by mid-year

The LCA Navy, which has been on the ground for many months now since a short spate of just four flights starting in April last year, could take to the skies again later this year with major modifications underway to the platform’s landing gear, environment control system, fuel system, lightning protection, water ingress proofing etc.

The LCA Navy team is currently working to complete all modifications since the Shore Based Test Facility (STBF) at INS Hansa in Goa, where the LCA Navy will conduct ski-jump trials, will be ready for take-off and recovery ops by July-August this year. Sources in Team LCA Navy say that the landing gear changes have contributed to the delays as they involve a significant amount of re-engineering. The process is being done under the technical supervisory of consultant EADS, which had been contracted some years ago to help speed up the programme in this crucial test development and test phase. A second prototype NP2 is currently under build, and will incorporate all changes being effected on NP1. NP2 will feature the fully redesigned landing gear and all other changes. The project envisages a total of five prototypes.

LCA Navy may fly again by mid-year | idrw.org

 

[Koovie]

Why Naval Tejas??? We already have the Mig 29K and will likely go for a naval MMRCA version. Everything from then on will be 5th gen anyways, maybe a naval FGFA variant.

 

[Srinivas]

Why Naval Tejas??? We already have the Mig 29K and will likely go for a naval MMRCA version. Everything from then on will be 5th gen anyways, maybe a naval FGFA variant.

These are technology demonstrators and also help India to build its own defense industry as well. The technologies we get from PAK FA and Rafale will be customized and tested on LCA and once they get absorbed by our Industry we can build AMCA.

For INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya LCA Naval variant also be included along with MIG 29.

If LCA is a sucessful we can also venture into other countries market by selling it cheaper than any other country.

 

[Koovie]

These are technology demonstrators and also help India to build its own defense industry as well. The technologies we get from PAK FA and Rafale will be customized and tested on LCA and once they get absorbed by our Industry we can build AMCA.

For INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya LCA Naval variant also be included along with MIG 29.

If LCA is a sucessful we can also venture into other countries market by selling it cheaper than any other country.

I know, but HAL should rather concentrate on the current LCA, thats enough. The higher the number of projects, the higher the possibility of delay. HAL will have to work on the SU 30MKI production, the entire Rafale program, the FGFA program and many other things. And HAL is not really known for its project management skills....

 

[Srinivas]

I know, but HAL should rather concentrate on the current LCA, thats enough. The higher the number of projects, the higher the possibility of delay. HAL will have to work on the SU 30MKI production, the entire Rafale program, the FGFA program and many other things. And HAL is not really known for its project management skills....

It is all about absorbing the technology once you buy it.

we need lot of fighter jets at the newly commissioned base in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and also at other islands at which new bases are to be planned.

 

[Koovie]

It is all about absorbing the technology once you buy it.

we need lot of fighter jets at the newly commissioned base in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and also at other islands at which new bases are to be planned.

Yes we need large numbers and we will certainly have them with hundreds of Sukhois, Rafales, FGFAs, upgraded Mig 29UPGs, Mirage 2000-5s and Tejas in the IAF.

But we have enough Mig 29Ks on order for the Viki and IAC 1 (45 Mig 29Ks which is more than they can carry).

And IAC 2 will most likely carry something different anyway.

PS: One does not need carrier launched planes to operate from islands (Maybe sea water might be an issue but I guess one can fix that more easily)

 

[Srinivas]

Yes we need large numbers and we will certainly have them with hundreds of Sukhois, Rafales, FGFAs, upgraded Mig 29UPGs, Mirage 2000-5s and Tejas in the IAF.

But we have enough Mig 29Ks on order for the Viki and IAC 1 (45 Mig 29Ks which is more than they can carry).

And IAC 2 will most likely carry something different anyway.

PS: One does not need carrier launched planes to operate from islands (Maybe sea water might be an issue but I guess one can fix that more easily)

Naval requirements are completely different and N-LCA is a twin seater.

 

[Sergi]

Naval requirements are completely different and N-LCA is a twin seater.

Livefist: LCA Navy Targets First Flight This Year

The first prototype of the LCA Navy (NP-1) will be a two-seat trainer variant of the naval fighter, and will be followed by the single-seat NP-2 (of the kind shown in the photos above

 

[rashtriya.rifles]

HAL should stop working on dead projects and work on live project.. If they have no deliverable in naval aviation sector, they gonna drag their *** !! OFC !

 

[janon]

Why Naval Tejas??? We already have the Mig 29K and will likely go for a naval MMRCA version. Everything from then on will be 5th gen anyways, maybe a naval FGFA variant.

How else would we learn to navalize a fighter? If we want a homegrown 5th gen fighter to take off from our carriers (N-AMCA) we will HAVE to learn this, and we can only learn it with our own product.

Also, a naval Tejas is not such a bad idea, if you consider the fact that the aircrafts as well as the carriers are expected to serve for 30+ years. Imagine how much OPEX costs the IN can save during peacetime, if they fly sorties of N-LCA as opposed to twin engine jets like MIg-29K. Besides, a N-LCA isn't too puny, let's not forget what the navy flies off its carrier today. Compared to those harriers, even a N-LCA is a quantum jump in capability. Actually, thinking even further - since the NLCA will be comparable to the IAF's Mk2 version, they will be more capable than half of the IAF's inventory today.

So since such a capable platform will come at a fraction the cost of the other jets, will be a LOT cheaper to operate, and the money will all be spent within India, and since it will give our researchers and industry a lot of knowledge and experience, India HAS TO support the NLCA program. Happily, the IN is fully behind the initiative, although they have much more capable options. At least one of our services is serious about progressive indigenization, and in-house capability building.

Naval requirements are completely different and N-LCA is a twin seater.

I think only the trainer is a twin seater, just like the IAF's. The first prototype was a trainer version. The regular NLCAs will be single seaters. Isn't it?

 

[Srinivas]

I think only the trainer is a twin seater, just like the IAF's. The first prototype was a trainer version. The regular NLCAs will be single seaters. Isn't it?

Yes you are true