The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Indian (LCA), which was grounded since August 2012, has finally resumed flight testing in late November. Seven flights have taken place since then without incident ( Source: Business Standard ).
Remained secret for more than three months, stop testing Tejas was due to a problem with the pilot's helmet. It became apparent that the screen integrated into the helmet DASH could hinder propulsion Martin Baker ejection seat and killing the driver. The seat has been modified with a fallback mechanism for blowing the canopy before it is reached by the pilot's head. The ADA has also benefited from this layoff to correct other problems reported by drivers.
The three month delay pushed the operational status of Tejas in mid-2013 that is already two years behind the original schedule. It will be ready for combat missions in 2014-2015 with a naval version for aircraft carrier. To the west, Pakistan has already inducted three squadrons of JF-17 Thunder, the joint development with China yet started 16 years after the Tejas.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already placed orders for two squadrons of Tejas (42 exactly) at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The Defence Minister of India AK Antony told the Parliament on 21 May 2012, provided that the term six IAF squadrons of Tejas (126) equipped with General Electric F-414 2022.
No comments:
Post a Comment