India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is considering the development of a deep penetration strike aircraft following development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The so-called Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) would replace the Indian air force's Dassault Mirage 2000 and Sepecat Jaguar strike aircraft.
Dr Kota Harinarayana, ADA project director, says the MCA would be a stealthy design capable of carrying 1,000kg (2,200lb) laser-guided weapons. It would be single-seat and powered by two Indian-developed Kaveri engines. He adds that the MCA would use a shared computing architecture, with the intention of replacing the LCA's 25 computers with three able to perform more tasks. Harinarayana says the ADA and the air force are discussing the basic requirements for such an aircraft.
ADA's plans may be scuppered, however, by Russian attempts to sign India up as a development partner for the Sukhoi LFI.
Source: Flight International
