First FOC Standard LCA Tejas Flies for 40 Minutes

The FOC aircraft is equipped with advanced features such as Air-to-Air refueling, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile system

The first Light Combat Aircraft in final operational clearance (FOC) standard (SP-21) took to the skies for maiden flight on 17 March 2020 in Bengaluru. It was airborne for 40 minutes.

The FOC aircraft is equipped with advanced features such as Air-to-Air refueling, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile system, etc. It imbibes manufacturing improvements which were based on the operational feedback of LCA IOC fleet with IAF.

Piloted by Air Cmde. K.A. Muthana (Retd), Chief Test Flying (Fixed Wing), the aircraft took-off from HAL Airport at around 1230 hours.




This flight signifies exemplary team work between various stakeholders of LCA Tejas programme such as HAL, DGAQA, CEMILAC, IAF, ADA etc., says R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL.

This would pave way for production of remaining 15 fighters from the FOC block which are planned to be delivered during the next financial year.

“HAL achieved the momentous feat within a record time of 12 months after release of Drawing Applicability List (DAL) and SOP by CEMILAC,” according to the statement issued.