HAL gets approval to produce weaponized version of LCA Tejas
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been given the nod to manufacture a weaponized version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for the Indian Air Force. The first such aircraft is expected to be out by the year-end, according to a company spokesperson. The Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) has given the green signal to HAL to start manufacturing. Details here.
Tejas Mk1 to be manufactured under FOC configuration
The CEMILAC gave the permission for Tejas Mk1 manufacturing under Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration, the spokesperson said. "The actual final operational clearance, however, will take place only after extensive tests and trial," he said. To get the FOC, the aircraft must have battle-time capabilities of mid-air refueling, AESA radar, electronic warfare suites, a variety of bombs and weapons, among others, he added.
CEMILAC is a DRDO laboratory authorized to certify military aircraft
The CEMILAC had accepted the design documents submitted by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which had designed and developed Tejas. CEMILAC is a DRDO laboratory authorized to certify military aircraft and airborne systems. It has 14 regional centers located across the country.
The weaponized aircraft will be delivered between October-December this year
"The IAF has ordered 40 LCA aircraft. Of this, 20 will be FOC-configured. Another 20 are IOC (Initial Operational Clearance)-configured," the spokesperson said. Some 10-11 IOC-configured Tejas have been given to the IAF, which flies them to get acquainted with the LCA's competencies, he added. Asked when the first weaponized aircraft would be out, the spokesperson said it will be between October-December'19.
