New Delhi, Dec 27: India will start production of the multi-role supersonic light combat aircraft (LCA) in about three years and one of its models will be put up in an air show soon for the first time, defence minister George Fernandes has said. "We have developed two technology demonstrators (LCAs) which would be flown at the Aero Show 2003 at Bangalore in February. Five prototypes are planned... After prototypes have been test flown and completed the cycle of tests, we should be ready for production of lcas in about three years time," Fernandes said in an interview.
LCA is the world's smallest, light-weight, multi-role supersonic combat aircraft. It has been designed to meet the requirements of Indian Air Force as its frontline multi- mission single-seat tactical aircraft.
India began pursuing the indigenous aircraft project in 1983 seeking a lightweight, low-cost replacement for its aging fleet of MiG-21 fighters.
Bureau Report