National

'LCA prototype may be flown in early 2003'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI NOV. 16. The forerunner of an indigenous multi-role fighter jet may be flown at the international aero-exposition in Bangalore early next year. Scientists have built five prototypes of the light combat aircraft (LCA) in order to accelerate the pace of development. One of the prototype vehicles, (PV-1), may not only be displayed but could also be flown, said Defence Ministry officials.

In case the overall effort meets with success and the LCA is accepted by the Indian Air Force by 2006, it could replace the MiG series of aircraft. The lifting of sanctions by the United States too has given rise to the hope of early testing and fine-tuning some advanced features. The U.S. Government has lifted the curbs on the testing of flight control equipment and its sub-systems. It has also allowed an American company to resume collaboration, which was suspended after the Pokhran tests. The imposition of sanctions also led to India exploring other options as well as relying more on indigenous capability, especially in developing the test and integration facilities.

For example, Indian scientists were able to develop quality castings for the jet fuel starter (JFS) and several of them are being produced for the prototypes.

The JFS, also called the gas turbine starter, is an auxiliary engine for starting the main engine. The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bangalore, has given type approval, thus paving the way for the production of eight JFS castings by the Defence Materials Research Laboratory, Hyderabad. These will be used in PV-3 to PV-5 LCAs.

Recently, the core of the LCA engine was certified for high altitude by the Central Institute of Aviation Motors, Moscow.

With this, the Kavery can undertake high altitude tests and flying test bed trials.

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