Role Multirole fighter
National origin India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Designed by Aeronautical Development Agency
First flight 4 January 2001
Status Flight testing
Primary users Indian Air Force
Indian Navy
Number built 24
Unit cost US$25 million (estimated)
The HAL Tejas (Sanskrit: "Radiance") is a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft developed by India. It is a tailless compound delta wing design powered by a single engine. Originally known as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – a designation which continues in popular usage – the aircraft was officially named "Tejas" .
Limited series production of the Tejas commenced in 2007; it is currently projected to achieve limited initial operational clearance (IOC) with the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 2008, followed by full operational clearance (FOC) by the end of 2010. A two-seat trainer variant is also in development, as is a naval variant capable of operating from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers. The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers, while the Indian Navy may order up to 40 single-seaters to replace its Sea Harrier FRS.51 and Harrier T.60.The LCA naval variant is expected to take to the skies by 2009.
Through the use of modern design techniques, lightweight materials and composites, it is expected to become the lightest modern jet fighter in production.
General characteristics
• Crew: 1
• Length: 13.20 m (43 ft 4 in)
• Wingspan: 44 ft 8½ in (13.62 m)
• Height: 4.40 m (14 ft 9 in)
• Wing area: 38.4 m² (413 ft²)
• Empty weight: 5,500 kg (12,100 lb)
• Loaded weight: 8,500 kg (18,700 lb (in fighter configuration))
• Max takeoff weight: 14,500 kg (31,967lb)
• Powerplant: 1× General Electric F404-GE - F2J3 turbofan
• Internal fuel capacity: 3000 liters
• External fuel capacity: 5×800 liter tanks or 3×1,200 liter tanks, totaling 4,000/3,600 liters
Performance
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.8+ (1,920+ km/h at high altitude) at 15,000 m
• Range: 2000 km (1,242 mi(without refueling))
• Service ceiling 15,950+ m (50,000 ft(Engine re-igniter safely capable))
• Wing loading: 221.4 kg/m² (45.35 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 1.07