BENGALURU: NAVY Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba’s remarks on the LCA Navy aircraft came as a shocker to those associated with the project.
Controversies and setbacks, albeit temporary, are not new to the fighter jet project. Those in the know of the developments said the Navy chief’s comments will not have much an impact on the project that is progressing well at Bengaluru-headquartered Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
Admiral Lanba on Friday stated that the aircraft was overweight and not up to the mark. He had also said Navy was searching for another fighter jet.
“It is surprising that those comments came from the Navy chief. All along, the Navy was solidly backing the project,’’ said former ADA chief Kota Harinarayan, who was the driving force behind the fighter aircraft development project.
“The project is progressing well and I am confident that the LCA Mark II will meet all requirements of the Navy,’’ he added.
The LCA Mark I, that is currently undergoing tests, is meant only for technology demonstration and the Mark II will be for induction into the Navy.
“Centre is fully backing the LCA Navy project and it also aligns with its Make-in-India concept. Navy Chief can decide on aircraft they want to acquire to meet current operational requirements, but that doesn’t have any impact on LCA project’’ said an official with the Ministry of Defence.
On the weight issue that the Navy chief spoke about, the official said, the aircraft’s weight was reduced significantly and it will be further reduced in the Mark II. The naval variant is similar to that of the air force version.
However, its weight will be around 500 kg more, as its landing gear will be heavier and will also have arrester-hooks. LCA Navy Mark II, will also have a more powerful engine as the carrier-based aircraft needs more take-off thrust to ensure it has sufficient power to take-off from a carrier.
ADA, which is part of DRDO, has established shore-based test facility that simulate the environment of an aircraft-carrier, in Goa. The LCA Navy successfully completed Ski-jump tests at that facility. In the next stage, ADA will integrate and test the arrestor hook.
When contacted Aeronautical Development Agency Chief, Cmdr C D Balaji told Express “The aircraft development programme is going on with full resolve and enthusiasm with Mark I for technology demonstration and Mark II being the operational aircraft.”