The first prototype of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was rolled out in November 1995, with a first flight pencilled in for early 1997. A production decision is also due to be taken in 1997, with the aircraft entering service in 2002. The air force has a requirement for up to 200 of the type to replace the MiG-21. GE has supplied 11 F404-F2J3 engines to power the initial prototype. India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment is developing the Kaveri engine for both the development and production aircraft.
The LCA, incorporating a compound delta-wing, is designed as a lightweight, single-seat, single-engined, multi-role, all-weather fighter with a 13,000kg maximum take-off weight. The primary mission is air-superiority, with ground attack being secondary.
Dassault acted a consultant during the Project Definition Phase. Composite materials account for 30% of the structure of the aircraft. The aircraft will have a fly-by-wire system developed by Lockheed Martin and the Indian Aeronautical Development Establishment. The multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar is being developed by HAL and LRDE. The Ring Laser INS is supplied by Otherton Honeywell and Sextant Avionique produces the active-matrix multi-function displays.
Source: Flight International
