Antony to witness flight demonstration of LCA 'Tejas' in Bangalore

New Delhi, Feb 11 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony will witness a flight demonstration of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' at the National Flight Test Centre at Bangalore during his day-long visit to the southern city tomorrow.

During his visit, Mr Antony will visit the DRDO labs in the city, including Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Electronic and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a ministry official said today.

At the ADA, the minister will hold discussions with senior officials and is expected to take a look at the System Design and Evaluation Facility, Weapons Rig and an exhibition.

During his visit to the Aircraft Research and Development Centre, he will be taken to the Iron Bird and the Hanger of the LCA 'Tejas'. This will be followed by his witnessing a flight demonstration of the Tejas at the National Flight Test Centre.

At ADE, scientists will brief the minister on products and exhibits on display there as well as simulation activities at the centre.

A visit to the Kaveri Engine Assembly Bay and Test House at GTRE and display of radars at LRDE as well as an exhibition on the activities of ADE have also been lined up for the Defence Minister.

Established in 1959, GTRE achieved considerable success last year with regard to the performance of the Kaveri Engine at the bench tests. Around 1700 test hours have been accumulated so far on 11 prototypes of Kaveri and Kabini engines.

During the current year, the GTRE has planned Official Altitude Testing on K8 Engine at CIAM, Russia and Flying Test Bed trials on K9 Engine at GFRI, Russia prior to the flight trials in the LCA Tejas. The future plans of GTRE also include design and testing of small turbo fan engine for UAV application.

LRDE is one of the premier R&D establishments of the DRDO, set up to address the Services' needs in the field of radar, communication systems and related technologies. The laboratory has on its hand two major active phased array radar projects -- radar for an airborne platform dedicated for early warning, surveillance and control (AEW&C) and 'Medium Power Radar' for the Indian Air Force with a 300 km range.

The ADA is the nodal agency for the design and development of LCS Tejas for the Air Force and the Navy with Hindustan Aeronautical Limited as principal partner. Eight limited series production aircraft are being manufactured by ADA.

The Air Force has placed order for 20 aircraft, and the series production which started in March 2006 is expected to be over by mid-2010.

Established in 1959, the thrust areas of ADE are unmanned air vehicle, flight simulation, combat aircraft systems and air weapons.

The major projects executed by ADE are Lakshya, Nishant UAV, LCA Simulator and Sudarshan Laser Guided Gun. The ADE plans to enter into the area of air weapons in a big way in the near future.

UNI/SKS VD RS1922