Naval LCA prototype moves to shore-based trials in the final phase

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-N) twin-seat naval trainer variant moves to a test facility in Goa for the final phase of its tests even as uncertainty hangs over the future of the project for a fighter jet based on an indigenous aircraft carrier.

In 2017, the Navy cited its unhappiness with the LCA-N program citing underpowered variants of both Mark 1 and Mark 2 to opt for a carrier-based fighter import. The navy is likely to seek proposals from western carrier-based jet manufacturers such as the F/A-18 and the Rafale-M later this year. Over the next five years, the Navy will spend over Rs 50,000 crore on importing the aircraft.

The decision of the Navy to import fighter aircraft saw the transformation of the LCA-N into a demonstration of technology supported by the navy. The ADA project team used the two prototype aircraft as demonstrators of technology to master the two most complex technologies— landing and departure from a deck less than 200 meters long.

The project team says they still have to perfectly land the LCA using its arrester hook, which explains the new round of tests in Goa, while they have mastered take-off. Officials at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the DRDO-organization that runs the project say the technology demonstration project can be closed by the end of the year if they meet all the project.