NAGPUR: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is producing the indigenously developed light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, will soon be coming with a new radar-fitted version of this fighter aircraft.
Currently in the production stage, the radar-fitted Tejas is expected to roll out this year itself, say sources. So far, the HAL has developed five prototypes and two technology demonstrators of the aircraft. This is now being followed by the limited series production (LSP). A prototype is similar to a laboratory version while and LSP comes straight from the production lines in the factory. Making LSPs is the next stage in aircraft production.
At present, the first under the LSP series, LSP-1, has already rolled out and LSP-2 is expected to be flying within less than a month. LSP-3 is expected to come out within this year and would be fitted with the radar mechanism. The radar will help in making precise hits.
"With a radar, the pilot can identify the target with more accuracy and also determine the range before it hits. Moreover, the present aircraft have already been fitted with laser-powered pods (LDPs) to drop bombs with accuracy," said a source. This makes it among one of the best aircraft of its kind in the world, added the source.
Tejas, which is being built jointly by HAL and Aeronautics Development Agency - an arm of the defence research and development organisation (DRDO) - is in Nagpur since two days. The prototype aircraft, PV-3, was flown from Bangalore on Thursday while the PV-2 was flown on Saturday.
The prototypes are undergoing various tests before aircraft of the final make is inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF). This will be followed by tests on LSPs, after which Tejas will get the much awaited initial operational clearance (IOC) followed by a final operational clearance. Once the configuration is finalised, regular production would begin.
There are plans to make eight aircraft in the LSP series which will also undergo certain tests too, and the final version to be used by the IAF will be based on the LSPs. Tejas is expected to be inducted into the IAF by 2010.
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