Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk2

In News

• Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned the development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk2 at a total cost of ?9,000 crore.

About 

• The LCA-Mk2 will be a heavier and much more capable aircraft than the current LCA variants and the LCA-Mk1A.
• Features:
  • The Mk2 is 1350 mm longer, featuring canards
  • Enhanced range and endurance, 
  • An Onboard Oxygen Generation System which is being integrated for the first time
  • Ability to carry heavy stand-off weapons of the class of Scalp, Crystal Maze and Spice-2000. 
  • Payload: Can carry a payload of 6,500 kg compared with the 3,500 kg the LCA can carry.
  • The Mk2 will be powered by the General Electric GE-414 engine, which will also power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). 
    • A GE-414 produces 98kN thrust compared to 84kN thrust of the GE-404 engine powers the LCA Mk1 and MK1A.
• Expected Timeline:
  • The roll out of LCA-Mk2 is planned by 2024.
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting a target to complete flight testing by 2027. 

Source: TH