From what I know, in lots of airforce weapon integration happens are delivery.
Production jet is delivered and then after delivery it is made combat capable with IOC and later FOC.
IAF here is demanding FOC before delivery.
LCA Tejas Mk1 & Mk1A - News and discussions
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Production jet is delivered and then after delivery it is made combat capable with IOC and later FOC.
IAF here is demanding FOC before delivery.
Thing is Astra integration is not entirely HAL job, that is DRDL Astra group which handle this part, and they outsource it to HAL under strict supervision done by the project team for the process. This is where the khichdi begins.
Since it is to integrate with a completely different software based radar, so drdl has to write the full custom code based software lopp for the test phase (& prove it on a ground test rig setup) because during test there should only be comm with 1553 avionic bus along with kam-500 data acquisition. This is defined process for every test, no other subsystem to interfere.
HAL outsourced work part is to ready the trial jet, charge down the jet & make ready the pylon with the adapter setup , integrate , setup & link with Kam-500 unit etc. Software & linking part done by drdl side people. Since its custom code with rig setup, obviously there would be problem during test phase if they are to do it on their own without ELTA tech people involvement. You won't get it right at first & multiple changes need to be done. this part of work is with project team, not HAL team.
So HAL has to rely on DRDL for the integration & later submit report for QA clearance to RCMA. So far Astra mk1 integration is under a subproject at DRDL & only 1-2 launches from LCA we have seen. Therefore Astra mk1 is not yet cleared for lca mk1a , HAL upon receiving permission from DRDL side that all clear & now fleetwide integration can be done , can only then do the work. This is yet to happen.
Same reason why we see such multi step adapter setup between pylon & launcher, this is done for test mainly to gather required data & keep everything safe. Final config is much more well rounded.
Did the HAL chairman lie on camera?IAF was insistent the new contract should not be inked before deliveries of the earlier 83 jets begin, with HAL being held accountable. The defence ministry, however, must spend its budget within specified timelines…the initial payment will go to HAL once the contract is signed- "..weapon trials & integration with the Israeli-origin Elta ELM-2052 radar & fire control system will take time. I don’t see the delivery happening before year-end unless IAF is forced to accept the fighters without certification,” a senior officer said
Rs 66,500 crore deal for 97 Tejas jets, largest ever, may be inked today | India News - The Times of India
India News: NEW DELHI: The largest-ever contract worth Rs 66,500 crore for 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighters is now all set to be inked with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), .timesofindia.indiatimes.com
It doesn't matter. The customer only deals with the seller, not the subcontractor.
Quick because there is huge influence among the officials between HAL & MoD. They have created their own thriving ecosystem.
MoD signs Rs. 62,370 crore contract with HAL for procurement of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft for IAF
The aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64%, with 67 additional items incorporated, over and above the previous LCA Mk1A contract signed in January 2021. The integration of advanced indigenously developed systems such as the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control surface actuators will further strengthen the Aatmanirbharta initiatives.
The project is being supported by a robust vendor base of nearly 105 Indian companies directly engaged in the manufacture of detailed components. The production is expected to generate close to 11,750 direct and indirect jobs per year for the duration of six years, giving a major boost to the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
The acquisition, under the ‘Buy (India-IDDM)’ category of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, is in line with the Government’s thrust on indigenisation. The LCA Mk1A is the most advanced variant of the indigenously designed & manufactured fighter aircraft and will serve as a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of the IAF.
Very Interesting. This provided clarity on the role of the DRDL. However, someone has to take responsibility for the khichdi. As the owner of the stall, you will catch heat for taking the order and providing it semi-cooked.
The project ownership lies with the organisation that signed the contract. The question to be asked is : Did the IAF specify under its contract that it will not take delivery unless they undergo successful weapons integration and trials? If that is indeed the case, then I will have to hold HAL (along with DRDL) responsible. If it did not, then this hoopla is unnecessary.
How many American engines on order for "Indigenous " Tejas ?
There may be plans of adding sensors and pods later ?
Two seaters can also be used as bomber , jamming , recon , sead missions i guess. With the second pilot being the weapons officer.
There may be plans of adding sensors and pods later ?
People whose JF-17 is powered by Rawalpindi designed nuclear reactors have joined the chat.
The engine that is powering PA and Pakistan is also American now. The Chinese one has been placed to the side till the next time. GE-420 PAK is a 7 generation wonder engine. Shehbaz has said it will 'change' things forever.
The engine that is powering PA and Pakistan is also American now. The Chinese one has been placed to the side till the next time. GE-420 PAK is a 7 generation wonder engine. Shehbaz has said it will 'change' things forever.
Sources said that the IAF is clear that they will accept a fully ready fighter. Sources also said that four distinct features that the IAF wanted from the Tejas Mk1A, which itself was a compromise reached in 2015 between it and the HAL, have not been completed yet.
This included integration and firing validity of specialised munitions, integration of Electronic Warfare suite among others.
Sources indicated that the delivery is likely to start from the first quarter of next year.
Dr. Sunil says everything will be done by October and the deliveries will start. However, this article says things are not so rosy,
This is again a source citing article whose validity will remain under question. October is right around the corner. Let's wait and see.
Random unnamed sources strike again LoL.
No background, no verification, just "Trust Me Bro" vibes and people fall for it.
Isn't that also setting ground for Non-HAL led AMCA.
Speculations:
A) Forming the basis on which HAL can be sidelined given its increasing backlog in order book.
B) A compromise with HAL from IAF&MoD.. to not interfere in AMCA much?
Or unrelated altogether
Speculations:
A) Forming the basis on which HAL can be sidelined given its increasing backlog in order book.
B) A compromise with HAL from IAF&MoD.. to not interfere in AMCA much?
Or unrelated altogether
I thought MOD Babus were just doing Tarik pe Tarik... but they showed me I was wrong. Finally, something good. Kudos to MOD for finalizing this deal
IMO, It's not easy, but it is doable given time and money and the same with car. He is putting words in his mouth; he should have asked, "Is it possible to add a new engine of a different OEM on Tejas?" Anyway, we are moving ahead with a new private sector consortium. The country is filled with beautiful talent. We don't know. Maybe L&T has the answer.