Here are my two cents about the LCA mk2.
* First, let me make it clear that the die hard jingo in me is extremely angry at this and most probably join benny in his stone pelting spree!
I did expect some changes in the mk2 design (at least hoping it would "look" a bit cooler!).. And that is not the case!
Now, after my rant mode was off, I decided to give this design a consideration and here is what I found out!
* ABSOLUTE SHOCKERS!
1. Intake design---
Looks like the shape of intakes will remain same with increase in size. We should have opted for diamond shaped intakes for more stealth.
2. No IRST---
Nobody here (AI) is willing to comment on that. IRST pod is the only solution now.
*GRAY AREAS
1. No AESA?
My angry queries were met with following cryptic questions--
- What makes me so sure that MMR will not be an AESA in the future? (Naam me kya rakha hai, dost?, they said.)
- Have I heard of something called
"project uttam"?
- Do I believe that IAF will field a craft without AESA 20 years from now?
Draw your own results from these questions, guys!
* NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT
1. No Canards-
There is absolutely no need for canards, we have enough lift and the cranked delta gives enough maneuverability. This has been tested and proved!
2. No CFT-
Not required at all. The IAF never asked for it. As for the fuel section, there are some surprises, keep on reading.
3. No TVC-
Adding TVC on such a light plane could be very very troublesome. Loss benefit ratio is more than one!
* IMPROVEMENTS-
1. Internal fuel-
Looking at the side tanks, spine and wings, the internal fuel will be increased by around 30 to 40 percent.
Combine this with the fuel sipping GE 414 and weight loss ; you have a substantial increase in range and endurance!
2. IFR-
Retractable IFR probe means no increase in RCS.
3. Internal Jammer-
Some very good stuff is coming for that!