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Aviation defence equipment technology |
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HAL Light Combat Aircraft
Tejas milestone |
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India's
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas demonstrates capabilities in extrem cold conditions |
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The
Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has achieved a rare technological
breakthrough with three consecutive start ups of its engine in extreme
sub-zero temperatures of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir, announced
the Indian Defense Ministry on January 28. |
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HAL Light Combat Aircraft "Tejas"
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With
three consecutive start-ups of its engine after overnight soak in extreme
cold (around -15ºC) conditions of Laddakh winter, that too without
any external assistance, Tejas, the Indian Light Combat Aircraft has achieved
yet another and a rare distinction. Starting the fighter aircraft under such extreme condition without any external assistance or heating is a technology challenge. The requirements become further stringent when the starting is to be done three times consecutively with a partially charged battery. Team LCA led by AERD&C of HAL, and members from ADA, NFTC, IAF, CEMILAC and DGAQA have succeeded in achieving this. “The team LCA has achieved a technological breakthrough”, stated Dr. PS Subramanyam PGD (CA) & Director, ADA. The engine starter is developed indigenously by HAL Aero Engine Research and Design Centre (AERDC), Bangalore. Prior to aircraft tests, the Jet Fuel Starter (JFS) was extensively tested on test rig to meet starting conditions across the operating altitudes including Leh (10,700 ft.) and Khardungla (18300 ft.). The control software of JFS
was fine tuned to work at all operating altitudes with no adjustments
from cockpit. GE-F404-IN20 engine start up control schedule was also
varied with several control patches to establish reliable start. |
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India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas demonstrates capabilities in extrem cold conditions
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