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LCA induction by 2005,
says project director

"By 2005, we should have the aircraft ready for induction. If we get clearance this year for production, we should be able to do it," Harinarayana said, adding, "we should get it (the clearance)".

On whether he expected any hitches in getting clearance, he said, "I don't see any."

Earlier, on the sidelines of a seminar on 'Emerging trends in aviation maintenance', he said that the LCA was comparable to the best aircraft in the world.

"So far tests have been successful. The aircraft is doing well. The pilots are happy," he said.

The aircraft is also cheaper compared to imported planes like MiGs, he added.

He said most of LCA's components were indigenised but about 20 per cent needed to be imported for some more time.

Asked to compare the plane with the MiGs, he said there was a difference of two generations.

Harinarayana said tactical superiority was the main focus of the LCA project. "We are looking at reliability, survivability and maintainability," he added.

He said the LCA had "damage tolerant design" which enables it to fly even after some damage.

The aircraft also has other features like corrosion-proof material, completely digital information date base, fault monitoring and condition monitoring systems, the project director said.

He said the aircraft has also been subjected to safety and hazard analyses.

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