A speculative (and old) drawing of the MCA by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Will it ever get off the ground?
Source: Indian Wires Date: 27 February 2009
After the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the Defence Researchand Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to develop a medium combataircraft (MCA) with “stealth features” and an unmanned combat aircraftvehicle (UCAV).
The Aeronautics Development Agency (ADA) of the DRDO, which developedthe LCA with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, will develop the MCA withthe Indian Air Force.
“We feel confident that after the LCA it will be the MCA and followedby the UCAV,” M. Natarajan, DRDO chief and scientific adviser to thedefence minister, told reporters at the 7th edition of theinternational air show Aero India-2009 in Yelahanka, on the outskirtsof this city.
The twin engine MCA will weigh 19-20 tonnes.
“It is possible to have an MCA with a twin engine, with less weight andimproved electronics. It will also have an inbuilt weapon load forstealth reasons. It is doable and it is a challenge,” said Natarajan.
The DRDO is also planning a twin-seater trainer variant of the LCA,which for the first time performed manoeuvres at the air show. Comment: Is Natarajan and the DRDO serious? Withall the problems and delays with the LCA – which at Aero India lookedlike something out of the 60s – how on earth can the DRDO be eventhinking of developing an MCA. The LCA has been a disaster that, I amafraid, has become a laughing stock of international defencecorporations. Drop the MCA idea, DRDO, it will never get off the ground.
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A speculative (and old) drawing of the MCA by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Will it ever get off the ground? 
