Tejas LCA goes supersonic
09 Dec 2009
INS Hansa, Dabolim, Goa: The ongoing sea-level flight trials of India's Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), which were carried out for two weeks over Goa air space, have been brought to a successful conclusion with the aircraft zooming around at a speed of 1,350 kmph (approx. Mach1.1). In the process it clocked its fastest speed ever, a top IAF officer said on Tuesday. The aircraft has steadily been crossing one critical milestone after another on the way to initial operational clearance in December 2010.
''The aircraft went past its ultimate speed of 1350 kmph on 7 December over the skies in Goa
after takeoff from the naval air station INS Hansa,'' Air Commodore Rohit Varma, project director (flight test), National Flight Test Centre, told reporters here.
''This is the fastest speed ever achieved by an Indian- made fighter aircraft,'' he said.
The aircraft also cleared the flight flutter test, diving from an altitude of four kilometres to near sea level at 900 feet.
''Tejas has already passed high-altitude tests in Leh, the desert rigours in Rajasthan and now it has proved its worth over the maritime space in Goa,'' Air Cmde Varma said.
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