The light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas project witnessed yet another milestone with the first flight of its trainer PV6. The two-seater aircraft piloted by Gp Capt Vivart Singh along with Gp Capt Anoop Kabadwal took to the skies recently. During the 36-minute flight, all systems functioned as expected, according to a prees release from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) office in here.

The aim of the flight was to check the twin cockpit functionality which is similar to series production two-seater aircraft. PV6 has the capability to deliver air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons as required by the Indian Air Force for the final operational clearance. The PV6 has absorbed all the major design modifications undertaken during the last 2,500-plus flights in the programme. This is the final prototype leading to series production trainer, the release stated.

Scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, Dr Avinash Chander, congratulated the Tejas team. “Having achieved success in indigenous design and development of Tejas in both its combat and trainer versions, its production and induction will add new strength to the ‘Make in India’ campaign,” he said.