Defence Minister witnesses demonstration of Tejas

Bangalore, Feb 12 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today called upon the scientists at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) here to make the Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas a success.

Lauding the scientists, Mr Antony said, ''The entire country is watching for the day when LCA becomes a success.'' The need of the hour was for indigenisation of the country's defence requirements and this year would be crucial, he added.

Mr Antony, who is on a maiden visit to Defence facilities in the city, witnessed a demonstration flight of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Piloted by Group Captain Harish, the Tejas PV-2, executed skillful maneuvres such as 360 degree roll and loop at low speed, tear-drop-turn, Derry-turn, high-turn before flying past the VIP dais in a wrong side up -- inverted, position, followed by a display from Dhruv Helicopters.

Earlier, Mr Antony was taken to the Tejas Hanger at HAL and briefed on the status of the project. He was given a briefing on the smart technology initiatives. Later, he conducted the system design and evaluation facility of ADA, where the Minister entered the cockpit simulation facility of Tejas to get a first hand experience of the pilots view.

Subsequently, he went round the weapons integration laboratory and the Iron bird, Mainframe Static Test (MAST) and Structural Coupling test (SCT) facility, as Mobile Telemetry facility at the HAL.

At the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the scientists briefed the minister on the products and exhibits on display there, as well as the simulation activities at the Centre.

At the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GRTE), Mr Antony visited the Kaveri engine assembly Bay and Test House, Display of weapons locating, acquisition and portable radars at the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), exhibition on the activities of CABS, MTRDC, DARE AND CAIR, were also lined up for the visit of Mr Antony.

UNI MSP KVV RL BD1725