The aircraft was given only partial clearance (IOC-1) for failing to meet the IAF’s requirement. A year after, it is stuck with the IOC-1 tag.
January 10, 2011, was supposed to be a big day for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme as it was on this day that the aircraft—under development for more than two decades—was to get the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), signalling that it has crossed the first hurdle to join Indian Air Force (IAF).
However, on that day, the aircraft was given only partial clearance (IOC-1) for failing to meet the IAF’s requirement. A year after, it is stuck with the IOC-1 tag.
Now, to enter the IAF, the aircraft will first have to get another IOC, which will be followed by rigorous flight testing by IAF pilots. It will also have to pitch for Final Operational Clearance (FOC), stating it is squadron-ready.
Again, to get close to being squadron-ready, the agencies involved in the development of the aircraft will have to deliver two versions of LCA limited series production—LSP-7 and 8—to Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment (ASTE), IAF’s flight testing institute.
However, the two aircraft—LSP-7 and 8—are yet to take to the skies. They were scheduled to be tested last year and released to the ASTE by now for user trials and for being certified as squadron-fit.
Ministry of defence sources told DNA that LSP-7 would take to the skies in a few weeks, following which it would be released to ASTE for carrying user trials.
During the user trials, the ‘angle of attack’ would be increased from the present 20°-22° to 26°-28° degrees and gravitation (G) limit would be raised from the present 6Gs to 8Gs.
Sources said if the aircraft are realised for user trials as per schedule, FOC could be obtained in two years.
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