Finally, Tejas LSP-8 Takes Off

HAL Statement: The last aircraft in the Limited Series Production program of LCA-Tejas (LSP-08) took off on its maiden flight here today from HAL airport.  The performance of the aircraft was flawless, said Dr. R. K.Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. The aircraft was flown covering a flight envelope at supersonic speeds and at an angle of attack of 20 degrees which is the current maximum limit cleared by design. With this, the Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) for the aircraft can be expected soon. Air Cmde K.A. Muthana, VSM, Program Director (Flight Test) piloted the aircraft on its maiden flight.
The aircraft with a build standard akin to the Initial Operation Clearance standard underwent series of rigorous checks by the certifying and inspecting agencies during the last fortnight with a few taxi checks to assess the aircraft performance.  The flight clearance by the certifying agencies was accorded today for the aircraft after ensuring that all the aircraft systems were functioning satisfactorily on ground.   Till now aircraft normally undergo high speed taxi trials prior to the first flight.  However, with the confidence gained by the flight crew and the certifying agencies during the build and ground checks a decision was taken to proceed with first flight without going through a separate high speed taxi trial.
Aircraft systems related to fuel, environment condition, electrical and avionics which had undergone series of modifications based on feedback from earlier aircraft functioned well.

22 thoughts on “Finally, Tejas LSP-8 Takes Off”

  1. Let this be the first of many good news to follow; the turtle will outrun the hare in the long run.

    Udayan

  2. Very good news , it is very important that they speed up the project and very quickly develop the prototype of MK2 and make it fly by this year end simultaneously develop the robotics assembly line.Identify the suppliers and have a reliable line up who can provide uninterrupted supplies.I am very happy with this small step mirage upgrade must be out and if they succeed in MK2 then rafale should be out too.If MBDA wants to sell then they have to integrate the MICA missile with the radar of the present planes or IAF should go with latest long range version of python/derby family.Looting is not allowed that should be clear message.

    TIMBAKTOO

    TIMBAKTOO

  3. Shiv – as per the article AoA is 20 deg.In your post related to tejas IOC in JAN 10, 2011 you had mentioned that AoA for IOC is 22 deg & 24 for FOC. Why this shortcoming even now??
    Could you please enlighten us as to how the manufacturer is looking to overcome these deficiencies before IOC-2.

    Also, What about the G limit iof this Airframe?

    Is ADA using LSP-6 for AoA enhancement & spin Tests??

    Sorry for throwing too many questions at you, but its just that i would like to see this bird become a world class fighter if not a world beater.

    Thanks

  4. No matter how capable the LCA becomes, it will never match the sheer beauty of a F16, Mig-21 or the Mirage 2000.

    Before everybody start's hi-fiving, let's not forget that this is just the MK-1 and not the Mk-2 final test vehicle.

    As usual, the LCA project still has a LONG LONG way to go to reach the promise of what is considered a 4th gen aircraft by NATO.

  5. hal coudn't finish asimilating… slow speed taxi test data… they didn't find time… high speed taxi… in six months… lol… rofl…

  6. Well done.

    Now the two seat trainer version of Tejas-Mk1 shall be accepted as the LIFT and shall be purchased in sufficient numbers. Then the Tejas-Mk2 will be economically more and more justified.

  7. Is it necessary that India shall invest in MMRCA, when we have such good aircraft (with exceptional handling & response) like Tejas. Can't a bulk of these equip our airforce? I have firm belief mix of only 2 aircrafts – SU30 & Tejas are sufficient for airforce for all needs in future decade. Indigenous developed can be very low cost so we can have large number of these- even exceeding the 65 – 70 squadrons. Huge mix of aircraft types such as mirage, mig 29, etc creates a lot of maintenance problems, spares management, trained manpower resourcing and even incur a huge operational cost.

  8. It is good to hear this news,that they finally developed the LSP-8 after a delay of nearly 5 years.When they are going to develop Mk-II &AMCA????

  9. OT a bit, but how come there isn't a single video of Tajes in Ironfist, of the ground attack or the air to air. I understand if one photographer missed it, how can everyone miss it. Also ADA should have mounted some cameras on the pylon no images of that too, Shiv any idea.

  10. LCA is a capable MMRCA even though the project is marred by delays & problem with Kaveri engine.Looking at the pic of LSP-8 there seems to be a few modifications to the air intakes,LEVCONs & Sweep angle of it's delta wings.LCA has a very low RCS in it's class of 4++ GEN fighters.If LCA had been in service by now it would have been an effective aircraft.

    Well in the age of 5th GEN fighter dominance we are making 4++ GEN fighters,hope ADA learns from the mistakes of LCA & rolls out AMCA before 2017 time frame.

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