LCA is still in the conceptual phase. the development phase can only start when the govt approves the funding and that wont happen until LCA starts rolling out from factories. which is at least 2-3 years away from the prod to start. and 5 years from operational clearence.PiSigma said:so what's the point of funding millions into a design that wants to have stealth, yet does not have internal weapons bay... isn't that just ironic. but since MCA is still in development stages, i'm sure they can figure something out.
the modes of investment from indias side have been more thru individual project contributions. in way of future upgrades for MKI. like radar etc. furthermore avionics is something u can fit on every plane. these are the things india will be interested in. if they like the airframe idea a lot they might help that too in parts of it like wings etc. and learn on the overall via placing their scientists in the project on the whole.tphuang said:Actually, this is kind of interesting. Recently, the Russians said it's developing the 5th generation fighter on its own. I'm kind of getting confused here. Did India ever put money into the Pak FA? I thought they did, but I'm questioning it ever since the recent fiasco over Mikloyan's 5th generation design. Also, what kind of funding is MCA getting? As for engine, I don't think that's a huge problem. You can also make use of a Russian/American engine to start off and then slowly integrate an indigenous engine. After all, Gripen still uses an American engine.