Is it true, we are capable to built space craft in own where as we cannot make an air craft in own(Tejasvi)?

I think this quote from the Indian Space Research Organization says a lot.

The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. The Indian space program was driven by the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of Indian Space Programme. As stated by him:

“ There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society

And so it is, Ravi, that India's role in space is in providing advanced technologies applied to and derived from the space effort in order to solve the essential problems of humanity. It is a wise and prudent thing your country does, intelligent in its policy to help improve conditions on Earth as well as above it.

1. First, that is the difference between DRDO & ISRO - their philosophies, approaches and attitudes.

It is true that ISRO went through a lot of failures.

2. Dr. Abdul Kalam, who was incharge of SLV-3 had to face the failure of his maiden mission (He is a bachelor). But he learnt from mistakes and made it a success. He was initially with DRDO where he attempted developing a 'basic hovercraft' that he showed to VK Krishna Menon, the then defence minister. But the project was cold shouldered and he (though not for this) left for ISRO & prospered. After he attained fame, DRDO wanted him back to head 'Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme' as a national effort (or else there is no chance for him to come)! When he became programme director, he had the freedom to plan his activity to the last minutest detail, with no cap on funds. That went well. Yet, what they were doing is mostly copying Russian technologies, till he developed a semi-solid propellant. Even he couldn't change things there, as basically there is no talent to search for talent, nurture and encourage. A specialist (if he is brilliant) also has a hold on broad-based knowledge to adequate depth.

3. The basic problem in Indian aeronautical industry is lack of 'Engine'. You can't get a technology for a gas turbine (aero engine) from the world market for love or money. It is closely guarded by less than a handful of countries as it is highly prized strategic asset. An airforce officer, Roy Chaudhry claimed that he would develop an engine and set out to work at his IAFdepot at Cawnpore (Kanpur). Government advanced money; then he learnt the pitfalls first hand. He asked more money that was given. He established a center at Bangalore (Bengaluru). It went on like that for three decades with both menpower, establishment & budget growing. Murphy's (he was an aeronautical guy) law was at its best ! One guy said to me you need to know two things for engine design - Thermodynamics and Metallurgy !!

HAL, the premier builder of military aircraft was building licensed engines at its engine factories for its licensed aircraft. Neither its aircraft nor engines were designed in India. Then Prof. Kurt Tank came, sat at HAL & designed HF-24 (christened 'Maruth'), the finest airframe designed at that time (that Yugoslav-Romanian design closely followed it in their 'Jastreb'). But he didn't design engine as that was a different kettle of fish altogether. The hunt for engine landed at British shores & Orpheus engine was offered as twin-engine solution built under licence at HAL. Still the aircraft was under-powered.Then there was a suggestion to devise an after burner that was done at this establishment. It was done, installed and test pilot, Wg.Cdr. Suranjan Das (I think he was CTP) did the maiden flight. He was an ace test pilot, and there was this joke that he would take off without an engine (LoL). Designers respected and feared his grilling (questions). This time, after take off, the 'craft ploughed through the farms on the periphery, killing him. The connecting road between aircraft division & engine divisin is named after him.

LCA project's core is the'Core' engine development at this establishment. I know that the new breed of young scientists are brilliant and eager & faster learners and can be pride of any scientific outfit. The real test is, how the(very) senior lot handle them, empathise and bring out their individual talent. It needs that the senior lot tune into their wavelength instantly and see that their ideas aren't scrapped as per exigencies. Bottom line is their ability (in seniors) to separate the chaff from the wheat ignoring the pressures form extraneous parties and it is a problem there. There is no talent to search for talent. I recall Neville Shute's book 'No highway' on metal fatigue in this connection (get a copy to read).

So far LCA, after a decade and a half labour, is going smooth. After all, there they are replicating a proven technology else where (Pratt-Whitney now United technologies; Rolls Royce). I only sit with fingers crossed, for its 'success'.

ya you are right. but we too have aircraft components manufacturing companies in India. and we are developing to make an Aircraft to be prepared fully in India.

already we have built two aircrafts on our own.

hey......... Indian scientists have made an army air craft by their own.

I didn't know that, but thanks for informing me.