Date:02/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/02/stories/2005120204140900.htm

Back 2nd LCA prototype makes maiden flight

Our Bureau

Bangalore , Dec. 1

THE second prototype of Tejas, the indigenous light combat aircraft, made its maiden test flight on Thursday.The landmark flight started at 10.10 a.m. and lasted 26 minutes and met all the test objectives, Defence Research Development Organisation said in a release.

The lightweight fighter has flown in three Aero India shows since 2001. It has so far made 474 flights through four versions — the two technology demonstrators TD1 and TD2, and the prototype vehicles PV1 and PV2.

DRDO is trying to progressively reduce its weight before the final version is readied for production. There could be four more prototypes next year before the final version is readied, sources said.

LCA-PV2 is software-intensive and has modular avionics systems as well as a high content of composite materials.