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LCA will have naval version ready by 2006
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will
have a naval version ready by 2006. Hitherto, the LCA
had been designed to meet the demands of Indian Air
Force, especially to replace the ageing Russian-made
MiG-21s.
The naval version of LCA will have many
unique features and would cater to needs of the Indian
Navy, LCA Project Director Kota Harinarayana told reporters
here today.
He hoped the Centre would soon
sanction its production too.
As a logical step forward, plans
are underway to develop a transport aircraft to meet
specific and tough geographic conditions of India. It
would have a capacity of carrying 20 passengers and
transport cargo. This aircraft too has been designed
for meeting the operational needs of the Army, he said.
Dr Harinarayana said the Centre
had given its nod for +limited series+ production of
eight Light Combat Aircrafts for induction into Indian
Air Force. These would primarily replace the MiG-21s
and is expected to be completed by 2006.
The LCA director was here to participate
in a meeting organised by IQRA Society for Career Guidance.
YS Rajan, Scientific Secretary
to the Principal Scientific Advisor, who was also present
at the meeting, stressed upon the need for promoting
agro-based industry for eradication of poverty in the
country.
Hyderabad, June 23 ,
2002 (PTI)
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