DRDO Hands Over Indigenous Flight Control Systems for LCA Tejas Mk1A to HAL

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in aeronautical technology. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a branch of DRDO, has delivered the first batch of indigenously developed Leading Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Modules to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This handover marks a major milestone for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program. HAL’s Lucknow division is already geared up for volume production of these units to fulfill the current order of 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A jets.

The Leading Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Modules are critical components of the LCA Tejas’ secondary flight control system. These newly developed systems incorporate cutting-edge servo-valve based electro-hydraulic servo actuators and control modules. The high-pressure, redundant design ensures reliability and precise control of the aircraft.

This achievement is the culmination of ADA’s dedication to indigenous technological development. ADA collaborated with Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad and the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru to bring this project to fruition.

The successful completion of flight trials for these systems has paved the way for mass production. HAL’s Accessories Division in Lucknow is now producing these components, further strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The project also benefited from the contributions of various public and private sector entities. Godrej Aerospace, Mumbai, played a notable role alongside certification agencies like CEMILAC and DGAQA.

The Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO and DG-ADA congratulated all those involved in this achievement, including ADA, RCI, HAL, CMTI, participating industries, and certification agencies.