10 Dec 2009 8ak: Air Commodore Rohit Varma, the Air-Officer-Commanding (AOC) of the Bangalore-based National Flight Testing Centre (NFTC) has told the reporters that indigenously manufactured LCA – Tejas clocked in excess of 1,350 kmph, which happens to be the fastest speed Tejas has ever achieved. Tejas which is undergoing rigorous testing in saline, humid marine conditions in and off the coast of Goa, had performed admirably in the two-week long trials in Goa added Varma.
The air-tests are the final phase of air trials. As per the stated plan, the induction of Tejas would commence in 2013 after obtaining the initial operating clearance in 2011. Prior to testing the aircraft in humid and saline conditions, the aircraft had been tested in high altitude and cold climate at Leh and in the desert environment of Rajasthan.
The HAL has manufactured four aircraft which are being put under rigorous testing by fighter pilots. "While the present trials are in progress for the air force version, the first prototype aircraft for the navy is also under production. The LCA-navy will be capable of taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier," he said.
The LCA is expected to cost Rs.150 crore per aircraft and will find its home at the Sulur air force base near Coimbatore. The Indian Air Force has already ordered 20 LCAs from HAL, which will be delivered to them by 2013. Air Vice Marshal Shankar Mani, who was also present during the media briefing, said the IAF could place a further order of 20 more LCAs after the first order
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