Structural Issues: India’s LCA Refused Certification

India's Naval version of the first indigenous fighter, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-Navy), has failed to acquire the certification needed to make its debut flight because of structural issues, according to The Sunday Guardian. The debut flight was initially slated to take place by the end of 2010, but was delayed. The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) refused the certification saying the structure of the aircraft needed rectifications, the report said. Currently being built by the Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the guidance of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the LCA-Navy has the primary role of air defence and anti-shipping strike and interception. The LCA-Navy is heavier than the IAF version as it has a landing gear that makes its under-carriage weightier than its IAF counterpart. Its features distinguish the naval version from the Indian Air Force's LCA. Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated in Parliament last year, "Deficiencies have been detected in the airframe and other associated equipment of the LCA Navy. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working out modalities with various organisations for rectifying these deficiencies by suitable modifications to the engine/airframe design". The Navy has ordered 46 of these aircraft for the IAC, which is expected to be ready for sea-trials towards the end of 2013.