Question:
Bleh they editted alot of what I wrote, but in any case:
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Anyone want an obsolete Indian fighter?
By David Nguyen
http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HD05Df01.html
In March the Tejas completed its 500th flight test. Flying at Mach 1.4 and capable of carrying weapons on seven hard points, the Tejas is the flagship in India's long struggle to develop an indigenous light fighter aircraft. But while the technology represents a major achievement for India's aviation industry,
questions remain whether the effort is worth the money that is being poured into it.
It is by no means certain that even the Indian Air Force, which needs to replace its aging fleet of Russian-made MiG-21s, will buy the plane over the several other light fighters it could obtain from abroad. Nor are export prospects certain given the glut of superior US, French, Swedish and other light fighter aircraft now on the world's armaments market.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program began in 1983 out of the rising need to replace the MiG-21s, which even then were becoming obsolete but still constituted the most numerous type of aircraft in the Indian Air Force's inventory. By 1990, the design for a new plane was finalized, with the aircraft adopting a cranked delta wing and tailless configuration powered by a single turbofan engine.
Five years later the designated manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautical (HAL), unveiled two prototypes. However, because of difficulties with its flight-control system, the aircraft's first test flight was delayed another five years, until January 2001. Since then, two more prototypes have been produced, with a naval variant currently undergoing development.
Yet more than two decades since its conception, the Tejas has yet to reach production status. Instead, it continues to perform endless flight tests. Difficulties with flight controls were eventually resolved, but its power plant, the indigenous Kaveri engine, continues to be plagued with technical difficulties, the worst of which was the collapse of the engine during high-altitude tests performed at a Russian base in 2004.
The Tejas demonstrators and prototypes continue to be powered by a General Electric F404 engine, similar to the one used in the US F/A-18 and the Swedish Gripen. As a result of numerous setbacks with the Kaveri engine, India has began seeking assistance from foreign engine manufacturers, including General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and the French company Snecma.
While difficulties with its power plant could be easily resolved simply by abandoning the local engine and settling on a foreign onet, the Tejas continues to suffer from one key drawback that HAL is unlikely to overcome - its extremely limited airframe. At just 5,500 kilograms and 13 meters long, the Tejas is smaller and lighter than other lightweight aircraft such as the Gripen and the United States' F-16.
Its small size gives the aircraft a smaller radar cross-section, but at the same time limits the amount of fuel (and thus range) and room for additional avionics.
When completed, the Tejas will be comparable to the Gripen in its capabilities. But the Gripen has been operating in Swedish squadrons for nearly a decade and has already seen a new upgraded variant, the Gripen-C, being produced. Similarly, another light combat aircraft, the F-16, has been in service for nearly three decades while offering similar capabilities and numerous upgraded variants.
The capabilities the Tejas offers do not provide anything new or significant over existing light fighters that have already been flying in foreign air forces for years. In short, it is already obsolete.
Rising development costs due to continuing deficiencies in the program will ultimately produce an expensive aircraft that may only be built in limited numbers. India says it intends to export the Tejas, which would offset some of the development costs and lower overall unit costs. However, any exports would have to come after the Indian Air Force has received enough aircraft to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet and would also depend on when the Tejas could actually be produced in large numbers.
Priority in replacing the MiG-21s is high because both Mikoyan-Gurevich and HAL ceased producing new models decades ago. In the export arena, the Tejas will have to compete with established rivals such as the Gripen and both new and used F-16s, which exist in the thousands and will continue be available for export when the F-35 begins replacing them in the US and Europe.
Elsewhere, nations unable to acquire the Swedish or US aircraft because of export restrictions could easily buy the Russian MiG-29 or the larger Su-30, both of which are sold at prices well below their Western counterparts'. Most air forces using the MiG-21 have already begun replacing their fleets with the aforementioned aircraft. There is very little incentive for customers to acquire the Tejas, as better options exist.
While the potential for exports may seem dim for the Tejas, so do the prospects of placing it in service of the Indian Air Force. There is no doubt that the Tejas is superior to the aircraft it is intended to replace; however, the air force generals are not just waiting around until the Tejas comes into full production.
India has already acquired MiG-29s and Sukhoi Su-30MKIs from Russia and Mirage-2000s from France. The MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 are considered lightweight combat aircraft, and the former is renowned for its agility. It performed exceptionally well during the Kargil conflict with Pakistan over Kashmir. The larger and more sophisticated Su-30MKI employs top-of-the-line French, Israeli and Russian avionics.
With the exception of the US F-22, the Su-30MKI is perhaps the world's most capable fighter aircraft currently flying. To make matters worse for the LCA program, the Indian Air Force is seeking to acquire as many as 126 additional new aircraft from foreign manufacturers to replace the MiG-21. They include upgraded versions of the Mirage2000 and MiG-29, and other aircraft such as the French Rafale and the Gripen.
US companies have also presented their bids, which include the F-16 and F/A-18E that features advanced ActiveElectronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars. As India continues to ponder the bids, and as the air force continues to acquire second-hand Mirage 2000s from France and Qatar, there is increasingly less incentive for India to continue the Tejas program.
New Delhi should swallow its pride and cancel the program before any more money is wasted. Cancellation should have minimal impact on the air force, as the number of aircraft that will be acquired from the recent bids should be more than enough for MiG-21 replacement. The funding and experience can be applied to India's other ambitious program, the Medium Combat Aircraft. Ultimately, it is up to the government to cut its losses before the Tejas makes its 1,000th test flight.
(Copyright 2006 Asia Times Online Ltd. All rights reserved. Please contact us about sales, syndication and republishing.)
Answer:
From what the article says, the Tejas can make good target practice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
You have any idea why the planning phase take so long? 7 years just to crank out a design?? And the reason why they keep on pouring money into what seems like a faile project is nation pride?
P.S. You should post the uneditted article, I wanna see the difference since you say they editted a lot of what you wrote.
Answer:
From what the article says, the Tejas can make good target practice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
You have any idea why the planning phase take so long? 7 years just to crank out a design?? And the reason why they keep on pouring money into what seems like a faile project is nation pride?
P.S. You should post the uneditted article, I wanna see the difference since you say they editted a lot of what you wrote.
Planning phase is a lil more understandable. Planes nowadays are very complex. The designs are unstable in order to provide better agility, and in order to stabilize the aircraft, complicated flight control systems are created. in the US, the F-22 prototype was unveiled in the mid 80's, but has only reached production not too long ago because it's been plagued with software and electronics jamming each other. However the F-22 is forgiveable because it's the first in its generation. the Tejas isn't the first (in fact it's quite late) and it's no where near as complicated as the F-22.
For comparisons sake, China is developing a similar aircraft for Pakistan. the FC-1.. which is also a light combat aircraft.. designed to replace the F-7 they use (which ironically, is a MiG-21 copy). So far they've done ALOT more in a shorter amount of time.. although the aircraft imho, is still obsolete.. it's not much of a problem because in Pakistan's case.. they don't have very many options for weapon suppliers. India on the other hand, is a big market everyone wants to sell to..
but the government keeps insisting on the Tejas.. and I think ALOT of it has to do with national pride. Infact my dad thinks Im going to get alot of hate mail from Indians who will be offended with what I wrote. But it's the truth. its not that impressive of an aircraft.. and while it is impressive that they got this far.. they are taking a bigger bite than they can handle.. the engine being one of the key problems. Only three countries in the world makes modern combat jet engines..and that is the US, France and Russia. China is trying to catch up..and India wants to play the game too. but it's not easy.. and even countries that make aircraft such as Sweden, have long used American engines rather than make their own. Not that it matters now, the aircraft will be obsolete by the time India can get production lines going and they won't make any money off of it because other countries can buy something else in the mean time..
anyways, here is my original submission, you can compare it to what they editted above:
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Cutting Losses with the LCA
March was a significant milestone in India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program as the Tejas completed its 500th flight test. Flying at mach 1.4 and capable of carrying weapons on seven hardpoints, the Tejas represents India’s long struggle in developing an indigenous aircraft. While the technology being developed in the LCA program represents major achievements in India’s aviation industry, the continuing problems plaguing its development begs the question whether or not India should abandon the program and divert funding elsewhere.
The LCA program began in 1983 out of the rising need to replace the vast Russian built MiG-21 fleet, which continues to constitute the largest type in the Indian Air Force’s inventory. By 1990, the design was finalized with the aircraft adopting a cranked delta wing configuration and to be powered by a single turbofan engine. Building this aircraft would be Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL), who unveiled two demonstrators five years later. However, due to difficulties with its flight control system, the aircraft’s first flight was delayed until January of 2001. Since then, two prototypes were produced with a naval variant currently undergoing development. The aircraft was christened with the name “Tejas” in 2003.
Over two decades later since its conception, the Tejas has yet to reach production status as it continues to perform flight tests. While the flight controls were eventually solved after six long years, its powerplant, the indigenous Kaveri engine, continues to be plagued with technical difficulties, the worst of which was the collapse of the engine during high altitude tests performed at a Russian facility in 2004. Both the Tejas demonstrators and prototypes continue to be powered by an American General Electric F404 engine, similar to those used in the Boeing F/A-18 and Swedish Gripen. As a result of numerous setbacks with the Kaveri engine, India has began seeking assistance from foreign engine manufacturers which include General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and French engine manufacturer, Snecma.
While difficulties with its powerplant could be easily resolved by selecting a foreign engine, the Tejas continues to suffer from one key problem that HAL is unlikely to overcome, its obsolete and limited configuration. Being only 5,500kg and 13 meters long (12,000lbs and 43ft respectively), the Tejas is smaller and lighter than other light weight aircraft such as the Gripen and F-16. Its small size gives the aircraft a smaller radar cross section, but at the same time, limits the amount of internal fuel and room for additional avionics. When completed, the Tejas will be comparable to the Gripen in its capabilities. Where the Gripen differs from the Tejas is that the aircraft has been operating in Swedish squadrons for nearly a decade and has already seen a new upgraded variant, the Gripen-C, being produced. Similarly, another light combat aircraft, the American F-16, has been in service for nearly three decades while offering similar capabilities and upgraded variants. The capabilities the Tejas offers, does not provide anything new or significant over existing light fighters that have already been flying in foreign air forces.
Rising development costs due to continuing deficiencies in the program will ultimately produce an expensive aircraft that may only be built in limited numbers. India has expressed intent in exporting the Tejas to foreign customers which would offset some of the development costs and lower overall unit costs. However any export examples would have to come after the Indian Air Force has received enough aircraft to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet as well as depending on when the Tejas could actually be produced in large numbers. Priority in replacing the MiG-21s is high due to the fact that no new examples have been made as both Mikoyan-Gurevich and HAL ceased producing new examples for decades. In the export arena, the Tejas will have to compete with established rivals such as the Swedish Gripen and both new and used F-16s which have had thousands of examples built, and will continue be available for export when the F-35 begins replacing them in America and Europe. Elsewhere, nations unable to acquire Swedish or American aircraft, could easily acquire Russian built MiG-29s or the larger Su-30, both of which are sold at prices well below their western counterparts. Most operators of the MiG-21 have already begun replacing their fleet with the aforementioned aircrafts. There is very little incentive for customers to acquire the Tejas as better options exists today.
While the potential for exports may seem dim for the Tejas, so do the prospects of placing it in the service of the Indian Air Force. There is no doubt that the Tejas is superior in capabilities and performance over the aircraft it is intended to replace, however the same could be said with other existing aircraft in the IAF’s inventory. India has acquired the MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-30MKI from Russia as well as the Mirage-2000 from France. The MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 are considered light weight combat aircraft, where the former is renowned for its agility while the latter performed exceptionally during the Kargil conflict. The larger and more sophisticated Su-30MKI employs top of the line French, Israeli, and Russian avionics. With the exception of the F-22, the Su-30MKI is perhaps the world’s most capable fighter aircraft currently flying. To make matters worse for the LCA program, the Indian Air Force is seeking to acquire as many as 126 new aircraft from foreign manufacturers to replace the MiG-21. Aircrafts being considered include upgraded versions of the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, to other aircraft such as the French Rafale, and Swedish Gripen. Interestingly, American companies have also presented their bids which include the F-16 and F/A-18E that features advance Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars. As India continues to ponder upon the bids, the air force continues to acquire second hand Mirage 2000’s from France and Qatar.
There is very little incentive for India to continue the LCA program and the development of the Tejas. Problems that continue to plague its intended engine, the Kaveri, as well as the long drawn development period, have already made the aircraft obsolete by the time it enters into service with the Indian Air Force. Chances for exports are slim due to the over-saturation of similar combat aircrafts from American, French, Russian and Swedish manufacturers. In addition, the Indian Air Force has been seeking the acquisition of new aircrafts from the aforementioned manufacturers due to the urgent need to replace its MiG-21 fleet. Should the program be cancelled, there would be minimal impact on the IAF, as amount of aircraft that will be acquired from the recent bids, should be more than enough for a MiG-21 replacement. Furthermore, funding and experience from the LCA can be applied to India’s other ambitious program, the Medium Combat Aircraft. Ultimately, it is up to the government to swallow its pride and cut its losses with the LCA before further money is wasted into it.
Answer:
P.S. You should post the uneditted article, I wanna see the difference since you say they editted a lot of what you wrote.
Yeah, Range, I want to see your original article too!
I didn't get a chance to read, so no comments. However, I think even if I have the time to read, I wouldn't be able to comment much cuz this is like beyond my subject.
EDIT: wow, that was fast.
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congrats on another publication
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man. that was a long read.
now, i have military jet knowledge of india to dispose!
Answer:
Great article Range.
But, along with national pride you also have to consider political games that planning and development consist of. People want something that not only they produced, but that has a bit more hussah in it to make it meaningful/symbolic.
For example, In the US Military, the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, what was produced is drastically different than what was proposed. The 40mm cannon, the TOW rockets, the armor imperfection, the troop transport size are all different than what was originally intended, because politicians didn't want the military to buy a new APC/IFV, they wanted something else, something more terrifying, with some umph.
So developers added first a 40mm cannon, which dropped troop carrying size, because now you needed to fit a gunner and ammo. Then they added TOW rockets, which dropped the carrying size even more because of ammo. Coupled along with the armor imperfection, (when it was hit, it would emit a toxic gas on the inside of the vehicle, killing all living bodies). Yet it still rolled out, because it needed to be sold not only to the US military, but foriegn countries like Israel in different variations.
Depending on how the Euro fighter does, europe might be lagging in jet development and maufacturing. Think of it as multiple countries now want a say on how it looks and what it does. That would right now leave Russia and USA, with China and Iran closing in.
Answer:
Great article Range.
But, along with national pride you also have to consider political games that planning and development consist of. People want something that not only they produced, but that has a bit more hussah in it to make it meaningful/symbolic.
For example, In the US Military, the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, what was produced is drastically different than what was proposed. The 40mm cannon, the TOW rockets, the armor imperfection, the troop transport size are all different than what was originally intended, because politicians didn't want the military to buy a new APC/IFV, they wanted something else, something more terrifying, with some umph.
So developers added first a 40mm cannon, which dropped troop carrying size, because now you needed to fit a gunner and ammo. Then they added TOW rockets, which dropped the carrying size even more because of ammo. Coupled along with the armor imperfection, (when it was hit, it would emit a toxic gas on the inside of the vehicle, killing all living bodies). Yet it still rolled out, because it needed to be sold not only to the US military, but foriegn countries like Israel in different variations.
Thanks Ed and Ted (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
and yes you are right.. India is notorious for alot of red tape and political non-sense that hinder programs. However I think the purpose and equipment intended for the Tejas has been the same for a long time.
your Bradley example reminds me of something similar with India. They had another project.. the Arjun MBT that also has been going through a long development phase.. although from what I know of it.. it probably is worth while to bear with.
Depending on how the Euro fighter does, europe might be lagging in jet development and maufacturing. Think of it as multiple countries now want a say on how it looks and what it does. That would right now leave Russia and USA, with China and Iran closing in.
Europe usually lags on politics rather than technological set backs. in the Eurofighters case.. it was first the French getting pissed off for not being the leader of the project (went to the UK).. and ended off doing their own thing the Rafale.. and then later the German's got wishy washy and kept flip flopping on program.. which delayed it even more. In the end, we got two very similar aircrafts in Europe.. the Eurofighter and Rafale.. when they coulda had one great one (and if I had to choose between the two, the French Rafale is better because it is at least carrier compatible). But either way, Europes arms industry is still going, and the Eurofighter got 1 export sale (to Austria).. and the way the US JSF program is going.. Europeans are getting fed up with it and could switch to the Eurofighter. On a tactical, and more realistic/practical level.. the only fighter most European countries need is the Swedish Gripen. Sure, it's a small aircraft and doesnt have much range.. but that's all that's needed.. Europe is small and always worrying about costs.. they don't really need something larger, unless they have overseas interests (like France), or end up playing with the Americans (like the UK).
ah wells, probably next week they'll publish my 3rd one. I submitted two, one on India and another on Japan's air force. They said they'll do the India one, but didnt comment on the Japan one yet.
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hey range, i just read the original one and the edited one...yeah I agree that they edited a lot!!! but i just wanted to say congrats on your second publishing!!! is this a mix of political science and asian studies together? i'm reading it and i feel like i'm spinning, lol, i think i should reread it a couple more times to understand more carefully..i like the first article better..you said you were going to write about Japan..are you sending it to another site or just the same site?
Answer:
hey range, i just read the original one and the edited one...yeah I agree that they edited a lot!!! but i just wanted to say congrats on your second publishing!!! is this a mix of political science and asian studies together? i'm reading it and i feel like i'm spinning, lol, i think i should reread it a couple more times to understand more carefully..i like the first article better..you said you were going to write about Japan..are you sending it to another site or just the same site?
thanks, and no, this is stuff I learned elsewhere and not through poli sci and asian studies (they won't learn too much military stuff there). And yes, infact I already wrote one on Japan and it's in their hands already as I submitted it at the same time as the India one.. no idea if they will publish it or not. In the mean time I'm doing the next one or two on the Russian Far East and it's energy.
