LCA to be inducted in 2006

LCA to be inducted in 2006

HYDERABAD: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), set to be the smallest super-sonic aircraft, will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 2006 in a limited number.

Speaking to reporters at the two-day XVI national convention of aerospace engineers, ‘Towards greater heights in Indian aerospace’ organised by the Institution of Engineers (AP state centre), on Friday, LCA programme director Harinarayana Kota said the LCA would replace MiG 21, MiG 23 and MiG 27.

The LCA would be test flown again by April 15. “A day this way or that way, but we are ready to test it in mid-April,” …Scientists hope to complete the test flights by this year end after which it would be integrated into the weapon system after 200 test flights, Harinarayana said.
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IS this next bit in relation to its nuke warhead carrying capability or is it normal practice?
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The aircraft is low in weight but the equipment can deliver the required performance. “At the same time, issues pertaining to electro-magnetic compatibility have been addressed,” Harinarayana said…

The future versions of the LCA are planned with carbon-fibre as structural member in many parts of the aircraft. This will have high strength and low weight over their metallic counter-parts, he explained

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As for India’s 4+ gen aircraft

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The Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) is in the conceptual stage and the same team, which has been working on the LCA, will work on the MCA once the LCA is completed, he said.

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I only say 4+ because no can know whats going to happen when this is being developed and 4+ in 10 or more years time seems to me to be worst case.