Source: Aviation Week
By: Tarmak007 Blogspot
India has set a Dec. 27 deadline to complete the certification process for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
According to P.S. Subramanyam, director for combat aircraft at the Aeronautical Development Agency, the deadline was set to make sure Tejas enters its much-awaited initial operational clearance phase. The certification process is monitored by the Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification.
“We are at it, and close to 400 scientists and engineers are currently working on the certification program,” he says. “We need to consolidate all that we have done in the last 20 years and put it to the scrutiny of the certification agency. We have set ourselves a target to complete the certification process and December 27 will be a significant day for India’s military aviation program.”
Subramanyam spoke before a select group of defense correspondents during the official logo launch of the Bangalore Defense and Aerospace Journalists’ Forum.
The LCA chief said that an additional 20 Tejas aircraft are on the way, bringing the total to 40. The first 40 will be MK-1s, while the next 86 will be Mk-2s, with a new powerplant. The Indian navy is projected to receive 56 of the aircraft, while 16 trainers also will be delivered.
Sources say the limited series production vehicle (LSP-5) is expected to fly very soon, with the LSP-6 (an experimental platform), LSP-7 and LSP-8 following suit.
“The engine ground run for LSP-5 is over, and we may conduct the first flight after sorting out some last-minute teething issues,” a source said.
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