LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT (LCA) MK1

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Context

• The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has commenced the Main Airframe Fatigue Test (MAFT) of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1.

LCA Programme: Background

• In 1983, the Government of India established the LCA project with the initial goal to develop a new light combat aircraft to replace the ageing IAF fighters, especially the MiG-21 variants.
• In 1984, the Government of India established Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the aegis of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manage the LCA programme.

Tejas under LCA Programme

• The HAL Tejas is an Indian, single engine, delta wing, light multirole fighter.
• In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas". It is the smallest and lightest in its class of contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.
• The Tejas is the second supersonic fighter developed by HAL after the HAL HF-24 Marut.
• The Tejas currently has three production models – Tejas Mark 1, Mark 1A and trainer variant.

LCA Mk II

• The LCA-Mk2 will be a heavier and much more capable aircraft than the current LCA variants.
• The Mk2 is 1,350 mm longer featuring canards and can carry a payload of 6,500 kg compared to 3,500 kg the LCA can carry.
• Stealth aircraft: It would be a twin engine stealth aircraft with an internal weapons bay and a diverter less supersonic intake, which has been developed for the first time for which the design is complete.
• It will be a 25-tonne aircraft with internal carriage of 1,500 kg of payload and 5,500-kg external payload with 6,500 kg of internal fuel.
• The AMCA will have stealth and non-stealth configuration.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hal-commences-airframe-fatigue-test-on-lca/article65360004.ece#:~:text=The%20Hindustan%20Aeronautics%20Limited%20