LCA Undergoing Sea Trials

Tejas’s out-of-station flight-test plan, with pilots from the Bengaluru-based National Flight Test Center performing high angle-of-attack (AOA) maneuvers.

A source tells AVIATION WEEK that Tejas will undergo parameter identification (PID) and sea-level flutter vibration tests, with an all-external stores (bombs, fuel tanks, missiles) configuration.

“The PID is done [with] latest software version of the digital flight control computer being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment,” the source says. “There are many system integration checks and weapon modes to be tested. We need to check some more sea-level performance points in high-AOA mode.”

The Tejas took part in earlier trials at NAS Hansa, during which it fired a missile, and will undergo extensive weapon testing next month. A large contingent of engineers, scientists, pilots and ground crew are in Goa for the trials, which will continue until next week.

Five Tejas aircraft from the flight line are expected to participate in the sea trials.
“Radar assessment at sea level for air-to-air and air-to-sea mode will also be tested,” the source says. “The Tejas will be flown at different altitudes and Mach numbers, while the flutter test will be done with various external configurations.”

The trials are critical for the Tejas program, which is moving toward completing all pre-initial operational clearance requirements.

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