Indigenously designed and manufactured Tejas light combat aircraft (lCA) has achieved a technological breakthrough with three consecutive start ups of its engine in extreme sub-zero temperatures of ladakh region in Jammu & Kashmir. The test conducted last week is a major achievement as starting a fighter aircraft in such extreme conditions with paucity of oxygen and without any external assistance or heating is a major technological challenge.
With three consecutive start-ups of its engine after overnight soak in extreme cold around minus 15 degrees Celsius conditions of ladakh winter without any external assistance, Tejas has achieved yet another and a rare distinction, officials said here on Wednesday.
Explaining the significance of this breakthrough, they said the testing was stringent as the engine had to be started three times with a partially charged battery. “The team lCA has achieved a technological breakthrough,” Dr PS Subramanyam PGD (CA) and Director, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) said.
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 Khardung la (18300 ft), a high mountain pass located in the region. The control software of JFS was fine tuned to work at all operating altitudes with no adjustments from cockpit. The engine starter is developed indigenously by HAl Aero Engine Research and Design Centre (AERDC), Bengaluru.
The IAF has placed an order for one squadron(18-20 planes) of Tejas and the jet is likely to be inducted into service next year after final operational clearance. The plane is powered by US made GE-404 engine. Indian designed Kaveri fighter engine, however, is yet to achieve success despite scientists struggling to make it functional for the last 20 years.