LCA-Tejas flies with in-flight refuelling probe for the first time

[Penguin]

There appear to be different versions.
although....
This here might be mock up

This appears to be a mock up of a retractable probe, Jaguar style (Probably is Jaguar not LCA)

This too is Jaguar (Jaguar 1B Trainer)

 

[GuardianRED]

There appear to be different versions.
although....
This here might be mock up

This appears to be a mock up of a retractable probe, Jaguar style (Probably is Jaguar not LCA)

Yes Both are mock ups

The First is of the LCA made as a static for Aero India (before there were sufficient frames)

The Second is the Mock up of the Jaguar IS cockpit with Darin III avionics for Aero India

 

[Abingdonboy]

Wouldn't it limit pilot's visibility just looking straight?

The entire purpose of this stage of testing is to validate the LCA's performance in IFR (flight control systems when flying in the wake of a large tanker, nozzle fuel acceptance, the internal fuel pumps of the LCA and shifting balance of the LCA as it is refuelled mid-air).

Aesthetics/refinements will come later, right now they are working on proof of concept.

Besides, if you are going to undertake safe IFR having the probe directly in the pilot's FOV is crucial- especially for night ops.


Mirage 2000TI:

Rafale:

Tejashit literally has the WORST IFR probe placement in ENTIRE world. Right infront of pilot. Like, wow...incompetence of indians beats its own record.

This has to be amongst the worst IMHO:

The LCA's is inline with the centre of the fighter and in a conventional position allowing for a greater feild of view when conducting aerial refuelling, in the JF-17 the pilot has to turn his head to keep the probe in sight and thus keep his head orientated away from the cockpit displays- this in a plane with no HMD! This makes the entire IFR process entirely more dangerous with the JF-17.

yup that looks ugly, a retractable would have been good one. probably this is just for capability demonstrator and they may refine it later.

Wouldnt this increase the drag on the body when flying faster?

it will .

They are designed to be drag neutral.

 

[Indika]

They are designed to be drag neutral.

Interesting,it would be great to read technical aspects on how they achieve it. I always had the notion the for better aerodynamics it should be a more smooth surface body.