Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to launch 3 more LCA-Tejas trainer aircraft by the end of 2023. These aircraft will be used to train pilots for the LCA Tejas fighter jet.
The LCA Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter jet developed by HAL. It is designed to be a cost-effective and lightweight aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, and reconnaissance.
The LCA Tejas trainer aircraft is a two-seater version of the fighter jet. It is equipped with all the same systems and avionics as the fighter jet, but it does not have a radar. The trainer aircraft is used to train pilots on the basic flying and combat skills required to fly the LCA Tejas fighter jet.
HAL has already produced 15 LCA-Tejas trainer aircraft. The three new aircraft that are being planned will bring the total number of LCA-Tejas trainer aircraft to 18. This will be enough to train the pilots who will be flying the 83 LCA Tejas fighter jets that are currently on order from the Indian Air Force.
The launch of the 3 new LCA-Tejas trainer aircraft is a significant milestone in the development of the LCA Tejas program. It shows that HAL is committed to producing the LCA Tejas fighter jet and its supporting aircraft in large numbers. This is important for the Indian Air Force, which is looking to modernize its fleet with indigenously produced aircraft.
The LCA-Tejas trainer aircraft is being manufactured at HAL’s facility in Bengaluru. The first trainer aircraft was rolled out in 2021 and the first flight was conducted in 2022. The remaining 15 trainer aircraft are expected to be delivered to the IAF by 2024.
The LCA-Tejas is a 4.5 generation, multi-role fighter aircraft that is being developed by HAL. It is designed to be a cost-effective and indigenous alternative to the foreign fighter aircraft that are currently in service with the IAF. The LCA-Tejas is expected to be inducted into service with the IAF in 2024.
