Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Wednesday said, it has commenced the Main Airframe Fatigue Test (MAFT) of Light Combat Aircraft Mk1 airframe at its Ground Test Centre of the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) here.

After inaugurating the MAFT facility, Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering and Research and Development) of HAL said, “Despite the setbacks due to COVID-19 pandemic, HAL has been able to commence the MAFT testing within the timelines planned.”

As per the military airworthiness requirements, MAFT has to demonstrate the capability of the airframe to withstand four times the service life. These tests will be carried out on the LCA (Air Force) Mk1 airframe over a period of eight to nine years. The successful completion of MAFT will qualify the LCA (Air Force) Mk1 airframe for its full-service life, HAL said in a statement.

R Madhavan, Chief MD, HAL and Dr Girish Dheodhare, PGD (CA) & DG-ADA, expressed satisfaction on timely commencement of MAFT testing.