The world’s lightest and India-developed supersonic fighter Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is battle-ready for testing by Indian Air Force pilots three decades after it was conceived, designed and developed with cost overruns and inordinate delays.
“The home-grown aircraft is ready for flight tests by IAF pilots to assess its air prowess and strike power,” state-run Aeronautical Development Agency director P.S. Subramanian told IANS ahead of its initial operational clearance Friday here.
Outgoing Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne will receive a 500-page “release to service” document the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification has compiled as a proof of the fourth generation fighter’s strike capabilities.
“The aircraft has a unique record of being accident or incident-free during its 2,400-odd test flights for over 3,000 hours since its maiden sortie as a technology demonstrator in 2001 and subsequently as eight prototype versions,” an upbeat Subramanian claimed.
For the complete story by Fakir Balaji of IANS via Yahoo! News, click here.
