The Hindu : National : LCA dogged by engine power limitations

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LCA dogged by engine power limitations

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The first batch of light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas would carry “limited weaponry” because of engine power limitations, said highly placed Defence Ministry sources.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed orders for 20 LCAs and agreed in principle to take another 20.

“There is no way you can have any other engine for the first 40 LCAs,” said the sources. The LCA was undergoing tests fitted with the American GE-404 engine with a capacity of 80 to 85 kilo newtons (kn).

The IAF, on the other hand, wanted the capacity to be 95-100 kn, the same as the ones powering the F-16 fighters. “If we buy a more powerful engine, the aircraft structure will have to be completely changed. This will not be possible with the initial lot,” the sources said.

The initial operational clearance is slated for 2010 end but besides the engine issue, the LCA is facing problems on two other fronts — the angle of attack and the landing gear. While the angle of attack achieved by LCA is 17 degrees, the IAF wants it to be 21.

In order to fit a more powerful engine in the future, the government is considering both direct import and co-development options. In case the import route is preferred, the contenders will be General Electric’s GE-414 and the European EZ 200. The IAF has indicated its preference for the former.

For co-development, the choice will be between Snecma of France and the Russian NPO Saturn.

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