Supersonic Tejas

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The LCA Tejas is tested thoroughly in each stage. Test rigs/simulators are established and each system is tested individually and cohesively before it is integrated into the aircraft. The IAF has placed an order for 20 aircrafts with 16 fighters and four trainers. Further order has been initiated for 16 more fighters and four trainers. These series production aircrafts are planned to be delivered in the first quarter of 2011 for induction by the IAF. The first squadron is likely to be set up at Sulur, near Coimbatore. The present expenditure is more than Rs 5,000 crore with nearly 100 major work centers and 300 smaller work centers engaged in the development of LCA Tejas. Government has approved additional Rs 8, 000 crore for developing higher derivatives of the Tejas aircraft. The development cost of Tejas is now being shared by the IAF and Indian Navy also. Developing a technologically advanced fighter aircraft has led ADA to also take up the development of an autonomous unmanned research aircraft (AURA) and an advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) to add to India’s might, and pride.

Vantika Dixit is Senior Assistant Editor of Technology Review India edition.