Aerospace

Indian Air Force receives first LCA Tejas twin-seater aircraft

First LCA Mark1A fighter aircraft squadron to be deployed at Nal air base

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the first-ever twin-seater Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. Ajay Bhatt, the state minister for defense, attended this historic event at the LCA Tejas division factory of HAL with Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.

First series production LCA Tejas trainer carries out first flight(Opens in a new browser tab)

The delivery of all 83 aircraft is anticipated to be finished by 2029, with HAL delivering the first three aircraft in the third year (2024) and 16 aircraft a year for the subsequent five years.

HAL hands over the first LCA Tejas twin seater to IAF in presence of Rakha Rajya Mantri, Mr Ajay Bhatt at a ceremony in Bengaluru.“I am proud to be part of this historic occasion and salute the spirit of HAL which has been spearheading Swadeshi manufacturing in Defence”, he said. pic.twitter.com/wHv5mj9XkU— HAL (@HALHQBLR) October 4, 2023

“We have now agreed to a contract for 83 more LCAs, and we want to buy 97 more LCAs. The Indian Air Force will purchase a fleet of 220 LCAs in the upcoming years. The nation should be proud of itself, the IAF head declared on Wednesday.

The LCA Tejas twin seater is a 4.5-generation, lightweight, multi-role aircraft. According to HAL, it combines modern ideas and technology including effortless maneuvering, advanced glass cockpits, integrated digital avionics systems, and advanced composite materials for the airframe. Other features include relaxed static stability, quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, and relaxed static stability.

India plans to build HAL Tejas fighter jet manufacturing line in Egypt.(Opens in a new browser tab)

As a result, India joins a select group of “very few” developed nations that have developed such skills and implemented them in their armed forces, the report stated, adding that this is yet another accomplishment for the government of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.