Team LCA gearing up for fifth naval prototype

[Abingdonboy]

RIAT is a very large military aircraft show held in UK every year..
indian navy was invited to show off their navy aircrats..but they declined...

Good what is with Pakistani members and fighters participating in air shows, this macs the the 5th such comment I have read by a Pakistani member saying LCA should take part in an international airshow (apart from Aero India because apparently that doesn't count). Let me just say an a/c taking part in such a show is in no way reflective of success of the a/c program as such just because a fighter does a few nice displays in an air show does not mean it is a good fighter or the program is a success, likewise the reverse is not true- taking the LCA to an airsow in Europe will not validate anything to anyone. But we all know where this is coming from- the only arena the JF-17 can compete with the LCA is the fact the former has participated in a few foreign air shows. Again this means NOTHING. Added to that it would be foolish to waste valuable resources and time transporting a prototype abroad to do displays, this will only delay the extensive testing program the LCA is currently embarking on. Once LCA is in full scale production and in IAF service then we can think about it. DRDO/HAL are not immature show offs who demand international attention/recognition-same can't be said for others.

good development

N LCA and LCA both should be successful so we can be able to achieve aim of 42 Squadron Strength

plus a significant part of money spent on LCAs (20% TO 25%) will go back in our economy as several components are Indian

The 42 SQD target is independent of the IN fighter strength but a target the IAF has set itself. This is good because in the future you will be able to add 6-11 IN fighter SQDs on top of the IAF SQD strength.

Any way since they are finally making a naval prototype , they should also try for VTOL versions taking help from US and Russia .

Doing so would be almost impossible as such design chratersitics that allow for VTOL flight have to be designed as an integral part of the design of the a/c right from the outset, trying to retrofit such capabilities onto a conventional fighter design is unbelievably complex and near on impossible.

 

[tvsram1992]

There is no VTOL F-35. The F-35B can land vertically, and it was designed to do so from scratch. From the beginning, they designed the F-35 in 3 different variants. None of them can take off vertically though. And the F-35B can land vertically, only because they designed it to do that from the beginning. Otherwise, you can't convert ordinary CTOL or STOL aircrafts into VTOL.

Since F35 thrust is higher it can take of vertically too , but why they wont use vertical take off in most cases as it consumes lot of fuel and payload will be compromised , and when they have short run way its better to take off like STOVL .

Doing so would be almost impossible as such design chratersitics that allow for VTOL flight have to be designed as an integral part of the design of the a/c right from the outset, trying to retrofit such capabilities onto a conventional fighter design is unbelievably complex and near on impossible.

It wouldnt change much external design though , engine and center part of the aircraft need to be modified heavily . Of course strengthening of airframe, landing gear etc... are already being done in NP1 . LCA NP is still in design phase though 5 prototypes have been blue printed already . It can be a good platform for doing R&D . If at all STOVL version is approved , i bet Team LCA would come up with out delays . I agree its complex to add high thrust engine ,modify software,design,airframe,adding stabilizers etc... but its possible if it is approved . Any way India will get the need some day or the other for STOVL aircrafts in future for its ACC's . STOVL helps in simultaneous take off and landing with out much problem and wiring and all the sh*t is not required and also easy maintenance .

 

[janon]

It wouldnt change much external design though , engine and center part of the aircraft need to be modified heavily . Of course strengthening of airframe, landing gear etc... are already being done in NP1 . LCA NP is still in design phase though 5 prototypes have been blue printed already . It can be a good platform for doing R&D . If at all STOVL version is approved , i bet Team LCA would come up with out delays . I agree its complex to add high thrust engine ,modify software,design,airframe,adding stabilizers etc... but its possible if it is approved . Any way India will get the need some day or the other for STOVL aircrafts in future for its ACC's . STOVL helps in simultaneous take off and landing with out much problem and wiring and all the sh*t is not required and also easy maintenance .

In short, a new aircraft.

 

[sancho]

In short, a new aircraft.

Exactly, there is way more to change than the basic look of F35B compared to the other versions tells us and with the shortcomings I meantioned, such a development is not worth it for India, especially not based on LCA.

 

[India defense]

VTOL for LCA.....is big joke...lets a great aircraft come out first.....

 

[tvsram1992]

In short, a new aircraft.

Not exactly but aircraft modification needs to be started from beginning . Weapon integration , avionics , composites , most of the design , developments,upgrades ... and many things remain same . Its like making Su30mki out of odd Su30 . Not to mention added advantage of hosting more fighters .
@sancho
LCA would be a good platform since its weight is low and AMCA is behind the schedule . Such an R&D could prove worthwhile in future . Any way we have our dear Russian and Americans to help us .

VTOL for LCA.....is big joke...lets a great aircraft come out first.....

To be frank LCA was a joke . Its proving itself now .
Why not develop VTOL technology ? Its like having a tech demonstrator

 

[sancho]

@sancho
LCA would be a good platform since its weight is low and AMCA is behind the schedule . Such an R&D could prove worthwhile in future . Any way we have our dear Russian and Americans to help us

Again, you can't re-design it afterwards, if at all you have to develop it from the start. Secondly, there is no need for VTOL fighters in INs future.

 

[Nishan_101]

MiG-29Ks are better!!!