Is it the Al-31F ? (210 words)

Published: 2/14/2001

It seems the earlier reports of the possibility of a Russian engine being used in the long awaited Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) may be true. With reports emerging that the defence export agency Rosboronexport has been a warded a tender for an engine for the aircraft. It is unclear what the identity of the engine to replace the G.E. F-404-GE-F253 and GTRE Kaveri might be, although speculation has suggested the Al-31. It seems unlikely to be the Al-31. Despite the obvious benefits of commonality with the Su-30MKI's ,the use of the engine in the LCA would involve extensive reworking of the airframe for the significantly larger and heavier engine, would further delay the already long over due programme. It should be stated however, that the use of the engine similar in size to the F-404, the RD-33, is unlikely to give the aircraft much advantage over the MiG-29 and Mirage 2000s already in service with the IAF. The view from some sources close to the Indian military is that the LCA programme is so long delayed, that in its current configuration it is likely to be obsolete before it comes into service. This view may have stimulated a more radical approach to the configuration of the aircraft that finally enters service.

Article ID: 2356