ADA LCA

Type (Muster)
Light multi-role combat aircraft (leichtes Mehrzweck-Kampfflugzeug

Country (Land)
India (Indien)

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
PO Box 1718
Bangalore 560 017
India

Phone: 0091-80/523-3060
Fax: 0091-80/523-8493

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 1

Weapons: The LCA features an internal GSh-23 twin-barrel 23 mm gun. It also has seven external stores stations for a wide variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

Power plant (Antrieb): 1 x General Electric F404-GE-F2J3 turbofan. Series version should get indigenous GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri turbofan, now under development
Thrust (Schub): 1 x 80,5 kN (18100 lbs) with afterburner. The Kaveri should have the same thrust and deliver 52 kN (11700 lbs) at military power

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length (Länge): 13,20 m
Height (Höhe): 4,40 m
Span (Spannweite): 8,20 m
Wing area (Flügelfläche): 38,4 sq m

Weights (Massen)
Operating weight empty (Leermasse): 5500 kg approximately
Max. external stores load (max. Außenlast): 4000 kg or more
Take-off weight (Startmasse):
- 8500 kg in clean configuration
- 12500 kg with external stores

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Max. speed (max. Fluggeschwindigkeit): Mach 1.6 - 1.8
Max. speed at high altitude (Geschwindigkeit in großer Höhe):
Service ceiling (Dienstgipfelhöhe): 15240 m (50000 ft)
Combat radius, anti-shipping mission (Einsatzradius, Schiffsbekämpfung):
Combat radius, ground attack (Bodenangriffe):
Combat radius, ground attack:
Ferry range (Überführungsreichweite mit Zusatztanks):
Endurance (Einsatzdauer auf Patrouille):
g-Limits: + 9/- 3,5

Costs (Kosten)
In December 1998, it was said that the programme had cost 15 billion rupees (357 million US-Dollars) so far. It is expected that LCA will far exceed its 25 billion rupees (592 million US-Dollar) development cost goal.
Estimated unit cost will be at least 21 million US-Dollars (based on 1998 figures).

Customers (Kunden)
None yet. It is said that the Indian air force has a requirement for up to 220

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
LCA is Indias attempt to build an indigenuous light combat aircraft for its air force and possibly navy, with the main aim of replacing MiG-21s. Three variants are planned:

a single-seat version for the Indian air force
a two-seat operational trainer
a carrier-capable variant with a new landing gear and altered front fuselage/cockpit.

Development assistance was provided by American companies until the US government imposed an embargo on India in May 1998, follwing nucelar tests.

History (Geschichte)
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was approved by the Indian government as long ago as 1983. Project definition followed from 1987, and the basic design was finalised in 199. Significant funds did not become available until the early 90s, with construction of two test aircraft starting in mid-1991.
The first prototype (TD1) was rolled out at the end of 1995 at Bangalore. Afterwards, it was undergoing an extended period of engine and systems ground tests, with a first flight repeatedly pushed back. Further problems arose with US sanctions being imposed in May 1998 after Indian nuclear tests, as the aircraft depends on a US engine and Lockheed Martin assistance with the fly-by-wire system. India then had to finish software development independently.
The second aircraft (TD2) was rolled out on 14 August 1998.
The first flight of the LCA (TD1) finally occured on 4 January 2001 at Bangalore, with Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal at the controls. The flight lasted around 20 minutes, and the aircraft reached 400 km/h and a height of about 3500m.
At the Aero India show in early February 2001, the LCA made a fly-by, reportedly on its fourth flight.
Another five test aircraft PV1 to PV5 are planned, one of them being a two-seater. PV1 is expected to fly in 2001. The Navy version may fly in 2004.
Plans for production start up and first deliveries are unclear. Conflicting statements speak of a service entry "in six years" (i.e. 2007/8) or 2012-15.

Last updated 3 May 2001

FLUG REVUE, Ubierstr. 83, 53173 Bonn, Germany