Light Combat Aircraft naval variant may take maiden flight in 2 months

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme is expected to see a series of maiden flights in the next few months.

Three aircraft from the LCA stable, the Limited Series Production (LSP-7 and LSP-8) and the naval variant of the aircraft, Naval Prototype-1 (NP-1) will take to the skies.

The three variants, which were to be flight-tested earlier this year, have not been able to meet the deadlines due to technical reasons, incessant rains and a change at helm at the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC), which oversees all flight-tests related activities of LCA programme.

Sources involved in the programme said that the LSP-7 and LSP-8, which will eventually enter squadron service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), would be flown separately followed by the NP-1.

“The aircraft have been subjected to a series of tests which are mandatory before the first flight.” sources said.

The LSP-7 and LSP-8 will be the twelfth and thirteenth aircraft of the LCA programme and would be almost the final version of the aircraft after it enters service.

Under the LCA programme, two Technology Demonstrators (TD’s), five Prototype Vehicles (PV’s), eight LSP’s have been developed and 1,671 flights have been conducted so far since the first flight on January 4, 2001.

The LCA is expected to replace the ageing MiG-21s and to start with, the IAF would raise two squadrons.

Similarly, under the Navy’s programme, apart from the NP-1 another single seat aircraft NP-2 will be developed.

The LCA (Navy) will replace the depleting Sea Harrier squadron and operate along the MiG29 Ks by 2014. The Navy has placed an initial order for six LCA  aircraft.