LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT (LCA) MK1

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Context

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has commenced the Main Airframe Fatigue Test (MAFT) of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1.

LCA Programme: Background

In 1983, the Government of India established the LCA project with the initial goal to develop a new light combat aircraft to replace the ageing IAF fighters, especially the MiG-21 variants.
In 1984, the Government of India established Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the aegis of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manage the LCA programme.

Tejas under LCA Programme

The HAL Tejas is an Indian, single engine, delta wing, light multirole fighter.
In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas". It is the smallest and lightest in its class of contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.
The Tejas is the second supersonic fighter developed by HAL after the HAL HF-24 Marut.
The Tejas currently has three production models – Tejas Mark 1, Mark 1A and trainer variant.

LCA Mk II

The LCA-Mk2 will be a heavier and much more capable aircraft than the current LCA variants.
The Mk2 is 1,350 mm longer featuring canards and can carry a payload of 6,500 kg compared to 3,500 kg the LCA can carry.
Stealth aircraft: It would be a twin engine stealth aircraft with an internal weapons bay and a diverter less supersonic intake, which has been developed for the first time for which the design is complete.
It will be a 25-tonne aircraft with internal carriage of 1,500 kg of payload and 5,500-kg external payload with 6,500 kg of internal fuel.
The AMCA will have stealth and non-stealth configuration.