With three consecutive start-ups of its engine after overnight soak in extreme cold(around -15ºC) conditions of Ladakh winter, that too wit...
With three consecutive start-ups of its engine after overnight soak in extreme cold(around -15ºC) conditions of Ladakh winter, that too without any external assistance, Tejas, the Indian Light Combat Aircraft has achieved yet another and a rare distinction.
Starting the fighter aircraft under such extreme unique Indian condition without any external assistance or heating is a technology challenge.
The requirements become further stringent when the starting is to be done three times consecutively with a partially charged battery.
The engine starter is developed indigenously by HAL Aero Engine Research and Design Centre (AERDC), Bangalore. Prior to aircraft tests, the Jet Fuel Starter (JFS) was extensively tested on test rig to meet starting conditions across the operating altitudes including Leh (10,700 ft.) and Khardungla (18300 ft.).
The control software of JFS was fine tuned to work at all operating altitudes with no adjustments from cockpit. GE-F404-IN20 engine start up control schedule was also varied with several control patches to establish reliable start.
The high altitude Ladakh region bordering China and Pakistan, present unique challenging operating conditions including thin oxygen content, which deteriorates engine and aircraft performance.
