The LCA will get FOC only with the Mk-2 version, where it will be expected to cover the entire flight envelope with a better engine in either EF-200 (frontrunner) or GE F-414 and Elta EL/M-2052 AESA radar. Mk-2 is expected to enter service only with the first batch of MRCA in 2014-2015. The MRCA itself is very important for Mk-2 as the winner is also expected to provide some sort of consultancy in order to trim the excessive weight problems of LCA. EADS and Mig are ready for that provided we go for the EF or Mig-35. Let s wait and watch!
Isn't EADS already selected as the consultancy partner to fix LCAs weight problems?
Also is it fixed that the Mk 2 version will get Elta 2052 radar, or only a possibilty? Because if we already can get commonality with MMRCA winner on the engine side, why not also on the radar side?
Imo the N-LCA development at the moment is totally unnecessary and causes only delays and costs! Without a highter thrust engine and less weight it can't takeoff. That means we can't produce it before Mk2 is ready, so why that development in between?
We already ordered 16 Mig 29K and around the same number of Sea Harrier were upgraded to be ins service till 2020, so where is the need?
The main fighter on our indigenous carriers will also be Mig 29K, or maybe Rafale/F18SH, so where is the need of that development for only a few numbers?
Not to mention that it will be a less useful fighter anyway, because of less and limited payload that a single engine LCA with ski-jump take off can carry.
Again a typical example for me that we want too much, too fast!
