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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has issued a tender for the refurbishment of the LCA Tejas Technology Demonstrator 2 (TD2), which was the second aircraft in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program’s technology demonstration phase.

The TD2 aircraft, after being stripped of its operational components and systems, now weighs around 6 tons and is slated to be used as a static display on a raised platform at the ORANGE Facility at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. This facility is renowned for its Outdoor Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing capabilities, serving as a test facility for various aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The refurbishment project will include several key modifications. To ensure the aircraft’s stability on the raised platform, a proper mechanism will be identified and installed to lock the MLG (Main Landing Gear) doors, both forward and aft. Currently, there is no uplock system in place to secure the doors to the fuselage. The refurbishment will aim to achieve a minimum gap of less than 3mm between the doors and the fuselage.

Additionally, an R73 pylon will be fitted to the aircraft, along with dummy launchers and missiles. This will enhance its visual representation as a combat aircraft. To improve its overall appearance, missing wing fuselage fairings will be replaced with either composite or metal fairings. The refurbishment will also include the installation of portions of missing fairings and rubber P-seals.

The LCA Tejas TD2 was one of the first platforms that had its first flight on June 6 2002 and used to demonstrate the cutting-edge technologies that went into the development of the Tejas fighter aircraft. TD2 flew around 305 developmental flights and was the only aircraft that was designed with an undercarriage that could have accommodated the Kaveri engine for inflight testing before it was phased out from the developmental flight program.

TD2 It played a pivotal role in validating various systems, structures, and aerodynamic configurations during the early stages of the LCA program. Its display at the ORANGE facility will allow future generations of aerospace engineers and visitors to appreciate the journey of the LCA program, which has since matured into a fully operational and combat-ready fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

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