Aircraft
India's Latest Light Combat Aircraft Standard Gets Airborne
The FOC version of the LCA Mk1 Tejas introduces inflight refueling capability and long-range missiles.
The first FOC aircraft is seen on the runway at Bengaluru on the occasion of its first flight. The aircraft has a fixed refueling probe. (Photo: HAL)
The first FOC aircraft is seen on the runway at Bengaluru on the occasion of its first flight. The aircraft has a fixed refueling probe. (Photo: HAL)

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) conducted the first flight of the Light Combat Aircraft (also known as Tejas) Mk1 in its Final Operational Configuration (FOC) on March 17. The aircraft was flown by HAL’s chief of fixed-wing test flying, Air Commodore (Retd) K.A. Muthanna. The aircraft lifted from HAL Airport at Bengaluru just after noon and was airborne for around 40 minutes. Low-speed taxi trials had begun on March 10.


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