The much delayed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme will be put on fast track and the aircraft will receive initial operational clearance on time, by the year 2008.

Delivering a lecture on Recent Aeronautical R&D Programmes on Saturday, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Programme Director, PS Subramaniam said that six LCA aircraft together have logged 392.45 flying hours in 742 flights.

“ The LCA would take to the skies on September 3 with drop tank attachment and efforts would be made to ensure that the clearance would be received on time in 2008,” he said.

On the naval version of the LCA he said that it would take to the skies by the middle of next year as two prototypes of the aircraft have already been approved. Similarly, on the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) he said that the project was awaiting approval from the government.

“ Though we are yet to get approval our teams are working on bits and pieces on the technology of the aircraft, which would have stealth and supercruising qualities. Apart from the features of the LCA , the aircraft would possess some critical advance technology,” he added.

On future projects he said that, ADA was working on the concept of developing a low cost Supersonic Lead in Fight Trainer  (SLIFT). Speaking on the occasion, ADE Director R S Krishnan said that work on Rustom, an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) which will have long endurance would be initiated soon.

“ The UAV will have the capability of staying on air for about 24 hours at a height of 35,000 feet,” he said.