LCA to be tested anytime now

With the induction of the LCA at an earlier date than what was feared, the prospects of the naval version of the aircraft would also materialise sooner than expected, they said.

While reports by the Defence Ministry to the parliamentary standing committee on defence stated that the LCA could be operational only by 2012, scientists from various organisations involved with the Rs 3,000 crore LCA project are presently in the crucial phase of trials before the first prototype is tested "any time now", the sources told PTI here today.

The scientists are elated over the prospects of the LCA being inducted into the Services eight years before what the defence ministry report to the standing committee estimated as the delayed schedule for the aircraft going operational.

According to a senior ADA scientist, decision regarding the sanctioning of the naval LCA project would be taken up only after the satisfactory results of the first LCA prototype tests.

However, the advancement of the deadline for LCA induction into the IAF, has opened up the prospects of an earlier sanctioning of the naval LCA project which will be a slight variation of the LCA keeping the Navy’s requirements in mind.

"As of now only the initial studies of the naval LCA project have been submitted to the Defence Ministry and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

"They have approved these initial studies. But once it is sanctioned, it might take another six years or so before the induction," the senior ADA scientist said.

The edge that will be gained by the IAF with the induction of LCA is seen from the array of sophisticated technological systems installed in the aircraft to provide a competitive firepower and pilot-support in a combat scenario.

Sources said the advanced multi-mode radar installed in the LCA takes care of detection, tracking, terrain avoidance and delivery of guided weapons.

The track-while-scan feature keeps track of multiple targets and also allows simultaneous multiple target engagement, the pulse-Doppler gives the look-down-shoot-down capability.

In the electronic warfare suite, electromagnetic and electro-optic receivers and jammers provide the necessary "soft-kill" capability, sources said.

Two multi-function displays present required information to the pilot. Critical information required in close combat situations is flashed onto the head-up display. Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) concept ensures availability of every control needed during a critical combat situation, all under the fingers of the Pilot.

The new-generation glass cockpit of LCA incorporates thelatest avionics systems and an effective Pilot-vehicle interface. A bubble canopy provides excellent all-round view to the Pilot, which is very critical during close air-to-air combat, sources said.