Naval LCA Set For Carrier Compatibility Tests

The naval variant of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is gearing up for carrier compatibility tests at the shore-based INS Hansa in Goa, according to sources in the Aeronautical Development Authority (ADA) which is developing the aircraft. 


The first prototype completed its maiden flight on April 27, 2012. 

The ADA has floated tenders inviting expression of interest (EoI) for the design, development, procurement, testing, integration, installation, commissioning and operation of shore-based telemetry facility, an essential component to test LCA-Navy. "The last date to receive EoIs is October 24," a source said. 

LCA-Navy is the second Ski Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR ) carrier-borne aircraft in the world, after the Russian deck-based aircraft. However, it'll be the only carrier-borne fighter aircraft in the light category. 

A senior ADA official said a US Navy Carrier Suitability Test Team will audit the test findings and its experience in developing and maintaining carrier-borne aircraft will be useful. 

Technical features 
* Operate from aircraft carrier using Ski-jump Take off But Arrested Recovery. Aircraft gets airborne over a ski jump in about 200 m and lands in 90 m 

* Derived from air force version, it's an agile war machine 

* Flight control system augmented with Leading Edge Vortex Controller which aids reduced approach speeds for carrier landing 

* Fuel dump system enables safe landing by reducing weight in emergencies after launch from carrier

[via]