|
FACT
FILE
Speed:
1.8 Mach
Weight: 5,500 kg
Controls: Digital fly by wire system
Engine: GE-404
Weapons: 7 stations for all use
MAKING
OF THE LCA
What
it takes to master the critical technologies needed to build an advanced
jet fighter
Air Frame
Among
the most significant breakthrough is the use of advance carbon composites
for more than 40 per cent of the LCA air frame, including wings, fin and
fuselage. Apart from making it much lighter, there are less joints or
rivets making it more reliable. Fatigue strength studies on computer models
optimised performance. National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) played a lead
role.
The Glass
Cockpit
Its
new-generation glass cockpit has the latest avionics systems for pilot
comfort and efficiency. No tangle of dials and switches. Multi-function
digital displays provide information of all vital parameters with the
click of a button. Critical information is flashed on the head-up display.
Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and NAL were major partner
in these developments.
Radar
The
multi-mode radar is to take care of detection, tracking, terrain mapping
and delivery of guided weapons. To be jointly developed by HAL, Hyderabad,
and Electronics Radar Development Establishment (ERDE) the project has
run into major delays and cost escalations. It was to be completed by
1997 but despite hand holding by foreign companies is yet to reach fruition.
Flight
Control
The
heart of the LCA, it uses advanced digital fly-by-wire technology which
essentially employs computers to optimise the aircraft's performance.
Foreign companies were consulted. ADE and NAL were the lead agencies.
Weapons
The
LCA has a choice of seven pylons three under each wing and one under its
fuselage to carry a wide range of armoury. It is designed to be a precision
launch platform with air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weapons, including
laser guided bombs. Plenty of work to be done.
Engine
The
most worrying aspect of the project. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment
was to indigenously develop the Kaveri engine to power the LCA. But there
have been major slippages in all the milestones apart from cost overruns
of Rs 380 crore. It is difficult work but is finally getting underway.
TROUBLED
HISTORY
1985:
LCA launched with a time frame of 10 years after the Union cabinet sanctioned
Rs 560 crore for the project in 1983. Aeronautical Development Agency
to be the nodal agency.
1988:
ADA prepares project definition phase (PDP) after consulting MBB, France,
on some aspects.
1990:
Air HQ finds PDP deficient in crucial parameters. Expert committee formed
to resolve deadlock. It is agreed that two technology demonstration aircraft
to be built before investments cleared for production.
1993:
After three years of uncertainty, Phase 1 is sanctioned at a cost Rs 2,188
crore. Milestones include a roll out of first aircraft by 1995 and first
flight by 1996.
1995:
Roll out does happen but there are serious doubts as to whether the first
flight would occur as major problems bedevil flight control systems as
well as mastery over composites.
1998:
With the aircraft far from ready, the US sanctions after Pokhran tests
cause setbacks in flight control technologies and systems integration.
1999:
Low speed and high speed taxi trials are done. But flight trials delayed
because of minor fire caused by overheating valve near cockpit.
2001:
First flight on January 4.
|
METRO TODAY
As
the Government brings in more people and mops more money in taxes, it
must be seen to be rewarding those who come forth and pay up, writes India
Today Associate Editor V. Shankar Aiyar in 