N-LCA NP-2 First Flight Successful!

[Abingdonboy]

The NP1 had a far longer take off run than it would have on a carrier, not to mention that it was much lighter than a fully developed version with hook and all necessary systems.

Well to be fair this was the very first flight from the SBTF's ramp so they took it easily understandably. No doubt they will work up to more and more challenging flight tests. They didn't even use the RGS which would have allowed the NP-1 to get up to full power (with AB) before being released.

I'm not sure if the NP-1/2 were ever designed to go for carrier/afloat tests but we will have to wait and see. I think they may simply be tech demonstrators for the MK.2s.

 

[SOHEIL]

 

[Water Car Engineer]

So are the naval single seater mark 2s going to look like above, or the current look?

@Abingdonboy @sancho


Any ideas?

 

[Abingdonboy]

So are the naval single seater mark 2s going to look like above, or the current look?

@Abingdonboy @sancho


Any ideas?

I'd say wait till the MK.2 for the final design, the NP-2 is more of a tech demonstrator than anything else and the current design looks pretty crude, I'm sure there are some refinements to come.

 

[Krate M]

The NP1 had a far longer take off run than it would have on a carrier, not to mention that it was much lighter than a fully developed version with hook and all necessary systems.

And the test team knew that, expected that the angle might be lower but it was not, which is a good thing, it indicated higher thrust than expected.

 

[rahi2357]

congrats

 

[sancho]

So are the naval single seater mark 2s going to look like above, or the current look?
Any ideas?

Like we see it now, there is no need to go the complicated way of integrating the additional fuel tank in the twin seater, if that's not planned for the final operational version too.

And the test team knew that, expected that the angle might be lower but it was not, which is a good thing, it indicated higher thrust than expected.

The Indian Navy, which has ordered six of LCA Navy Mk.1 has indicated, albeit unofficially, that the Mk.1 platform is likely never to see actual carrier service. While the performance surprises of December aren't likely to change that, the numbers have changed. And that's something.

LIVEFIST: PART 1: Big Surprises In LCA Navy NP1's Ski-Jump Fight

 

[Krate M]

@sancho notice the two likely in the post.
Again wait for aeroindia.
Good article on NLCA by eroor.
Thanks for correcting my error of assuming only 2 mk1. Navy seems to have their plans clear.

 

[sancho]

@sancho notice the two likely in the post.
Again wait for aeroindia.
Good article on NLCA by eroor.
Thanks for correcting my error of assuming only 2 mk1. Navy seems to have their plans clear.

Aero India won't change anything on which prototype will be used for carrier tests, since that is purely IN's prerogative to decide.
Didn't corrected you, I had 2 MK1s in my mind too.

 

[Krate M]

Aero India won't change anything on which prototype will be used for carrier tests, since that is purely IN's prerogative to decide.
Didn't corrected you, I had 2 MK1s in my mind too.

Yeah but the info may be released in aeroindia. I think something changed in NLCA acquisition, not sure both of us had wrong info.