IAF carries out mid-air refuelling of Tejas combat aircraft
5th September, 2018Category: National
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday successfully tested the mid-air refuelling of the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The operation was carried out with an Russian-built Il- 78 MKI tanker. The tanker was launched from its base in Agra while the fighter was launched from Gwalior. The mid-air refuelling of Tejas came three months after it successfully fired an air-to-air beyond visual (BVR) range missile.
The ability to carry out air-to-air refuelling is one of the critical requirements for the Light Combat Aircraft to achieve final operational clearance. The success of these trials is a major leap for the indigenous fighter, thus enhancing its mission capability by increasing its range and payload.The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had in late 2017 cleared the acquisition of 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A aircraft for Rs 50,000 crore.
Read More: The Times of India, NDTV, Times Now News