Kalam wants LCA to join IAF before 2010

Bangalore, Dec 27: President A P J Abdul Kalam wants defence aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to deliver Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft to regular squadron service of Indian Air Force before 2010.

In an interview published in the inaugural issue of HAL inhouse magazine "Plane" the President said LCA was a good combat aircraft.

"We should persevere and ensure that it graduates for squadron service before 2010".

He said HAL also need to design and produce new generation of Advanced Light Helicopter, which could cater to civilian and service requirements.

On areas HAL should venture into he said HAL should design, develop, produce and market a 200 seater passenger get individually or through a joint venture. The future could be of unmanned supersonic fighters. HAL must prepare itself to produce and market such aircraft and also work on supersonic remote piloted vehicles, space systems and their derivatives.

He said in addition to sound knowledge and expertise in aircraft technology HAL needed a large number of crate leaders. Presence of inspiring leaders would facilitate young engineers and designers mingle with performers, seek their guidance and get inspired to excel in their tasks.

UNI