HAL Tejas: Indian Air Force Aircraft, Know Technical Specifications

The declining strength along with the sluggish attitude of the govt to acquire new aircraft would prove detrimental for the country. In order to tackle these issues, the government is relying on the indigenously developed Tejas which would replenish the strength of IAF.

Let’s read about this Light Combat Aircraft which is the forerunner of India’s aircraft technology.

HAL Tejas: Indian Air Force

The Tejas is the 4th generation fighter aircraft indigenously developed in India. It is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Its Full-Scale Engineering Development (FSED) programme was sanctioned in April 1993 and the first Technology Demonstration took place in January 2001.

LCA completed about 3200 flights before getting final operational clearance in 2013. First Series Production (SP1) Tejas aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force on 17 January 2015.

Features:

The Tejas is a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This means that it engages in light strikes or attack missions, reconnaissance roles.

The Tejas is the first advance Fly-by-wire (FBW) fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in India.

It has a glass cockpit and is equipped with state-of-the-art Satellite aided Inertial Navigation System. It is equipped with a digital computer-based attack system and autopilot.

The Tejas is capable of firing Air to Air Missiles, Bombs as well as Precision Guided Munitions. It also has Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, improved and better stand-off weapons and air to air refueling capability.

The aircraft with delta wing is capable of air combat, offensive air support and can perform a secondary role of reconnaissance.

Technical specifications: 

Tejas Mk2

It is expected to be a 5th generation aircraft. The Mk2 is supposed to be a replacement for Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MIG 29 which will be an advanced medium combat aircraft.

It will be powered with GE-F414-INS6 engine which will be having higher thrust. It will also be equipped ski-jump take-off and arrested landing making it suitable for Navy. Mk2 is expecting its first flight by 2022.

Tejas in Indian Air Force

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) "Tejas" is inducted as No. 45 Squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF). No. 45 Squadron, also called the "Flying Daggers".

The flying Dagger has formally commenced operation from Sulu Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu. Southern Air Command based in Thiruvananthapuram has been entrusted with the responsibility of training the aircrew. it is seen as an alternative to MIG-21 and MIG-27.

Indian Air Force has ordered for 83 Tejas which include 73 Mk1a which is an improved version and 10 LCA trainer aircraft.

Indian Tejas Vs. Sino-Pakistani JF-17

The Indian Tejas is one of the most formidable aircraft in its generation. Let’s see when we compare the aircraft with the Pakistan-China jointly developed JF-17 aircraft.

The Missile, state of the art avionics of Tejas clearly give a solid edge over the JF-17 aircraft.

Conclusion

Though Tejas took a lot of time in its manufacturing due to its simple design and rugged nature, it is one of the most daunting aircraft. We hope that Tejas protects our skies from the predators so that India can rise to achieve its dream of being a superpower.

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