Light Combat Aircraft (LCA):India

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This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.

History of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

The Times of India, December 20, 2014

History: LCA

2015:IAF finally receives first series

The Times of India

Jan 18 2015

Chethan Kumar

After a 32-year wait, the Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first series production version of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas (LCA-SP1). Its induction into a fighting squadron, however, will take longer. The IAF, sources said, is looking to raise the first squadron with a fleet of six to eight LCAs. Given the inadequate number of aircraft, this cannot be done before 2016.

A squadron, according to a retired Air Marshal, generally comprises 18 pilots. It has a service aircraft, a standby platform and a trainer.“However, the number could vary depending on the aircraft and other variables.“

Sources said that neither the SP-1 nor the SP-2 will make it to a fighting squadron; versions from the SP-3 and later will be considered.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chairman R K Tyagi, however, told STOI: “...The SP-1 has been handed over to the IAF by the defence minister. They have accepted the aircraft. Where but in the squadrons is its place?“ The SP1, which first flew in October 2014, has had only five flights and needs more hours before induction. Also, an initial operational clearance (IOC) configuration without the latest electronic warfare suite, long-range missile capabilities and mid-air refuelling means there may be further improvements required before it is finally in ducted into a squadron.

Saturday's ceremony was only symbolic, according to sources. “India can truly claim the LCA as a success only after the aircraft get commissioned into a squadron,“ the Air Marshal said. The IAF has placed an initial order of 40 aircraft, 20 of which will be in the IOC configuration. HAL can produce eight aircraft a year.

“After the second one reaches the IAF in March, the remaining six will be delivered before March 31, 2016; three out of these six will reach the IAF before June, 2015,“ Tyagi said. The cost of one SPstandard LCA could touch about Rs 160 crore, thanks to the delays; an earlier estimation was about Rs 120 crore.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar and chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha were in Bengaluru for a meeting of the panel that looks into the progress of LCA. While there was no news on what happened at the closed-door meet, sources said the handing-over ceremony was squeezed into Parrikar's schedule.