Article Posted on : - Nov 27, 2009

A file photo

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) developed LCA under its Aeronautical Develpoment Agency (ADA) section and launched it in 1985.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is a light weight, multi-role combat aircraft. LCA is a tailless delta wing aircraft which makes it light and strong with a single vertical fin. It consists of less joints and rivets which makes the aircraft more reliable. LCA is designed to enhance manoeuvrability, and it pocesses quadruplex fly-by-wire controls under "control-configured vehicle" technique. Its bodies consist of titanium, aluminium-lithium alloys and carbon-fiber composites.

LCA is expected to be highly maneuverable and consists of Fly-By-Wire system with double delta wings. Provisions for the growth of hardware and software in the avionics and flight control system, available in Tejas, ensure to maintain its effectiveness and advantages as a frontline fighter throughout its service life. Over five hundred Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) are operational to provide maintenance service to the aircraft.

Seven weapon stations provided on Tejas offer flexibility in the choice of weapons Tejas can carry in various mission roles. Provision of drop tanks and in-flight refueling probe ensure extended range and flight endurance of demanding missions.

The LCA have two Multi Function Displays, Multi Function Keyboard, Head-Up Display and Get-You-Home Panel.

In 2007 limited series production of the Tejas started. A two-seat trainer variant is used in naval variant capable of operating from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers. The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers. while the Indian Navy may order up to 40 single-seaters to replace its Sea Harrier FRS.51 and Harrier T.60.


Specifications ( HAL Tejas MK-I )

General characteristics

" Crew: One
" Length: 13.20 m (43 ft 4 in)
" Wingspan: 8.20 m (26 ft 11 in)
" Height: 4.40 m (14 ft 9 in)
" Wing area: 38.4 m² (413 ft²)
" Empty weight: 6,500 kg (14,300 lb)
" Loaded weight: 10,500 kg (23,100 lb)

" Power plant: 1× General Electric F404-F2J3 turbofan 80.5 kN (18,100 lbf),
1x F404-GE-IN20, 85kn (19,000 Ibf)

Performance

" Maximum speed: Mach 1.8, 1,920 km/h (1,195 mph) at high altitude
" Range: 850 km (530 mi)
" Service ceiling: 15,250 m (50,000 ft)
" Wing loading: 221.4 kg/m² (45.35 lb/ft²)
" Thrust/weight: 1.07

-Courtesy:
Tejas Website.