HAL Tejas | Updates, News & Discussions

[flanker143]

It is clearly stated in my post that it is not a weapon. But it has the potential to be developed into a weapon. Maybe it is already being developed as a secret project. Read the part under "As A Weapon".

i never said u wrote any thing wrong buddy .... i as was just saying that its not a weapon .. at least not in its current state .....

 

[Choppers]

Ownership Feeling Among Tejas Users Has Increased, Says ADA Chief​

Jun 25, 2010
By Anantha Krishnan M.
Bangalore



Tejas, India’s light combat aircraft (LCA), is finally giving goose bumps to thousands of engineers, designers, scientists and technocrats. The limited series production (LSP) platforms are hitting the sky like nobody’s business. There’s excitement in the air. There’s hope. And there’s a goal that’s just within their reach. Amidst all the news of the initial operational clearance (IOC) within sight and the near-services version configuration (LSP-4) flying recently, one man is calm and composed, for he knows the end of one journey is just the beginning of another.

In a one-on-one with Aviation Week’s Senior Aerospace and Defense Correspondent (India) Anantha Krishnan M., as part of the interview series India Thought Leaders (ITL), Program Director (Combat Aircraft) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Director P.S. Subramanyam (known among close peers as P.S.), says the technological knowledge gained through the Tejas program is sure to make India a force to be reckoned with in all future military plane-making missions.

A.W.: What will be the power plant for Tejas Mark-II? Is it GE-414 or EJ-200?

P.S.: You are in an aggressive mode with the first question itself! OK, we are working toward having the Tejas Mk-II rollout by September 2013 and the Indian Air Force (IAF) would probably want to form five squadrons and the program will then go on to 8-10 years. Apart from structural and certain electronics equipment upgradation, the main change will be the power plant. Both engines (GE-414 and EJ-200) qualify our requirements and now there’s a process to be followed. [The] technical evaluation committee has seen it. One engine will be chosen. Both engines have 10%-20% faster acceleration than the current power plant (GE -404). It is not about the Mach number in operations that matter, but how fast you reach the target. By December 2014 Tejas Mk-II with the new engine will fly.

A.W.: What are the value additions on offer for the Indian Air Force (IAF) when Tejas Mark-II comes out?

P.S.: We are adopting a very holistic approach. Minor alterations are required on the platform due to the new engine and we hope to strike a balance. While the new platforms (Mk-I) will be integrated as per the series production plans, parallel work on the manufacturing of ground support equipment would begin. We shall maintain the IAF standards of ground support (go-no-go). We will evolve entire ground support tools, training facilities, publications for Mk-I by the end of this year. To start with, we will have the IAF and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) technicians trained in Bangalore. By 2012, when the first squadron shifts to Sulur, IAF technicians will be ready to tackle things. I have been to Sulur and have given some suggestions for runway extension.

A.W.: What are the numbers we are looking at?

P.S.: Once we choose the new engine and after it gets certified by the agencies, we would initially want eight engines for IAF and the Navy. A total of 100 engines is what is currently envisaged.

A.W.: No other program has received so much media bashing in addition to genuine concerns from your users. What was the motivational thread you adopted during these difficult times?

P.S.: I don’t want to comment on the media, though at times we did think of putting [in] a firefighting plan to counter one-sided remarks in the press. Later, we decided against it, knowing that it would divert our focus from the main goal. Yes, we had difficulties as we were attempting to do something that has never been done in this country. Yes, we slipped because we had to face many challenges from different quarters while mastering technologies. But don’t forget the fact that my team took the blow but finally delivered. Now, to the users. We understand their concerns and even they, too, are aware of our constraints. The project has definitely received a huge push after a project management team from IAF started functioning from ADA. They are the pacemakers for the program now and involved in every bit. This has also increased the ownership feeling among the users.

A.W.: So far LSP-4 has flown and what is the road ahead?

P.S.: The next one in line is LSP-5 and it will fly in the first week of August this year with slight modifications to the cockpit. We are confident of flying LSP-7 in September 2010 and the final LSP-8 in December 2010, paving way for the initial operational clearance (IOC). We are making LSP-6 a complete experimental platform. LSP-7 and LSP-8 will be flown by user pilots for user evaluation and feedback. HAL will begin the series production by the first quarter of 2011.

A.W.: Can you elaborate on the cockpit modification?

P.S.: It will be [a] rearranged and modified cockpit to increase the comfort levels of the pilot. The layout changes will make the glass cockpit more pilot-friendly and even enhance its night-flying capabilities. The pilots are happy as they are also doubling up as designers. Our efforts are to bring down the workload of pilots during the mission. All the 12 pilots who were part of the Tejas program from the beginning have contributed their bit to the cockpit modifications. Several design elements you see today are based on the ideas given by the pilots. The pilot is the man in action and our role is to ensure that we give him everything he needs while flying. The new cockpit will be a pilot’s delight.

A.W.: Finally, how is the relationship with your principle partner HAL?

P.S.: All is well. I don’t know anything more or less than what you know or don’t.

(This interview primarily focused on Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-11 versions and other developmental issues related to the program only. Aviation Week at a later stage will provide more extensive reports on Tejas technologies, composites, weapons and the Tejas Navy version.)

India Thought Leaders: Ownership Feeling Among Tejas Users Has Increased, Says ADA Chief | AVIATION WEEK

 

[CONNAN]

Indian Navy fastens its seatbelt for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas - dnaindia.com

Bangalore: India is preparing to unveil its first naval variant of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on July 6 —15 years after the Indian Air Force (IAF) version of LCA’s technology demonstrator (TD-1) was first rolled out in 1995

The naval prototype-1 (NP-1) is currently undergoing a series of checks inside the high-security hangar of Bangalore-based Aircraft Research and Development Centre (ARDC).It will be rolled out in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Nirmal Verma, sources told DNA on Tuesday.

“The two-seater naval variant for aircraft carrier operations, NP-1 will be rolled out on July 6 in Bangalore,” sources said.
Both Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the nodal agency for the design and development of Tejas variants, and HAL, its principal partner and main manufacturer, were tight-lipped about the roll-out.

An aircraft’s roll-out means that it is structurally complete with equipment installed, and plumbing and wiring completed.
It will be on its wheels and can be moved by assisted power. A roll-out is also a precursor to the next phase of ground-based system integration testing, engine ground run, taxi trials and the first flight. Kept under wraps, the Tejas NP-1 will have almost the same system architecture as the Tejas IAF trainer version.

“Externally it might look the same like the Tejas trainer, but internally it is a different kettle of fish. We are confident that ADA-HAL will make NP-1 (trainer) ready for the first flight by the end of this year, and NP-2 (fighter) next year,” sources said.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned development of LCA for the Navy in April 2003, and in December 2009, the CCS gave its go-ahead for a Mark-II version with a new engine.

NP-1 will fly with a GE-404 engine. NP-1’s 40% of the funding is from the Indian Navy while 60% is from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The naval variant of Tejas will replace the aging Sea Harrier fleet and the Indian Navy is said to have shown an initial commitment for 50 Tejas aircraft after the platform proves its mettle.

Both NP-I & NP-2 are tailor-made to operate from an aircraft carrier with the concept of ski-jump take-off and arrested recovery (STOBAR).

“The aircraft will get airborne within 20 metres over the ski-jump on the ship as against a land-based take-off run of about 800 metres. Landing on the ship is with an arrester hook on the aircraft engaging a ship-based wire.

The aircraft then stops within 90 metres of touchdown — about
one-tenth the land-based stopping distance.

This makes the Tejas naval programme extremely challenging and we are happy with what the Naval Project Team (NPT) based out of Bangalore has done so far,” sources added.

A 14-member Naval Project Team headed by Commodore (Retd) CD Balaji, programme director, LCA Navy, is monitoring the project’s progress from ADA in close association with ARDC.
Balaji was not available for any comment.

 

[flanker143]

P.S.: The next one in line is LSP-5 and it will fly in the first week of August this year with slight modifications to the cockpit. We are confident of flying LSP-7 in September 2010 and the final LSP-8 in December 2010, paving way for the initial operational clearance (IOC). We are making LSP-6 a complete experimental platform. LSP-7 and LSP-8 will be flown by user pilots for user evaluation and feedback. HAL will begin the series production by the first quarter of 2011.

lsp 6 would be an experimental jet .. but what kind of new equipment will it be testing ??? @ anyone ??

the Indian Air Force (IAF) would probably want to form five squadrons and the program will then go on to 8-10 years

does this mean that we will have a prodution rate of only 10a/c per year ?????????!!!!!! noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

 

[gogbot]

A.W.: No other program has received so much media bashing in addition to genuine concerns from your users. What was the motivational thread you adopted during these difficult times?

P.S.: I don’t want to comment on the media, though at times we did think of putting [in] a firefighting plan to counter one-sided remarks in the press. Later, we decided against it, knowing that it would divert our focus from the main goal. Yes, we had difficulties as we were attempting to do something that has never been done in this country. Yes, we slipped because we had to face many challenges from different quarters while mastering technologies. But don’t forget the fact that my team took the blow but finally delivered. Now, to the users. We understand their concerns and even they, too, are aware of our constraints. The project has definitely received a huge push after a project management team from IAF started functioning from ADA. They are the pacemakers for the program now and involved in every bit. This has also increased the ownership feeling among the users.

Very good policy by IAF , hope they maintain it for all Development projects.

We already know they are involved in the development of the MCA , showing very positive signs.

IA should also take such an approach

 

[Chaluboy]

This experimental config for the LCA is interesting, haven't seen any details on this...

 

[sudhir007]

This experimental config for the LCA is interesting, haven't seen any details on this...

i think it will fit kaveri engine

 

[flanker143]

i think it will fit kaveri engine

lets hope it happens ....

anywaz whatever happens it will surely be aimed at improving tejas !!!

so it will always be a gud news for us !!

 

[jha]

i seriously doubt that aesa radar will be ready with tejas mk2 bcoz they took so long to make mechanically steered one !!

and also jv takes alot of time bcoz ...as 1st they will just select the partner... and there will be as series of talks and meeting ..... and after a whole lot of time the will begin the development !!!!

MK-2 will definitely have AESA radar..if not indian then Israeli Elta-2052...

 

[flanker143]

MK-2 will definitely have AESA radar..if not indian then Israeli Elta-2052...

i never said mk2 won't have an aesa radar mate.... i just fear that mk2 might be delayed by a jv aesa .......... sorry to say but... my fear is justified

 

[anathema]

MK-2 will definitely have AESA radar..if not indian then Israeli Elta-2052...

There are no official statements or records which state that MK2 will have an AESA radar. PS (ADA chief) recently gave an interview to Tarmak blog where he briefly mentioned about MK2 upgrades which included engine, bigger wing , etc..
So lets wait and watch ....I sure hope that LCA does get AESA...

 

[Kinetic]

There are no official statements or records which state that MK2 will have an AESA radar. PS (ADA chief) recently gave an interview to Tarmak blog where he briefly mentioned about MK2 upgrades which included engine, bigger wing , etc..
So lets wait and watch ....I sure hope that LCA does get AESA...

Officially AESA is a part of Tejas mk-2 development becasue IAF wants it as its part of mk-2 requirements. AESA development for Tejas is going on full speed. It will be integrated with the fighter in 2014.

LiveFist - The Best of Indian Defence: EXCLUSIVE: India's LCA AESA Radar Programme Detailed

MK-2 will definitely have AESA radar..if not indian then Israeli Elta-2052...

It will be Indian.

 

[Kinetic]

Ski-jump take-off for light combat aircraft Tejas
Anantha Krishnan M / DNA
Sunday, June 27, 2010 8:30 IST


Bangalore: The Naval Air Station in Goa is quietly readying a first-of-its-kind facility in India for flight tests on the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas naval variant.


The shore-based test facility (SBTF), when fully-operational, will be the third such test facility in the world after the US and Ukrainian navies. “After the initial flight tests, we will shift all action to SBTF.

The ramp for the take-off area will be ready by the last quarter of 2011 and the landing area in 2012. A full-fledged telemetry unit is also coming up in Goa,” sources in the Indian Navy told DNA.

The sources said the SBTF simulates an aircraft carrier with ski-jump take-off and arrested recovery landing wherein the incoming aircraft is brought to a standstill after touchdown when a hook attached to its underbelly engages a taut arrester wire placed across the landing path.

“It’s recreating a ship on the shore. The one that’s coming up in Goa is based on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) that’s being built at Cochin Shipyard. The SBTF is constructed with the same measurements of IAC,” sources said. All the specialised equipment for the facility is being supplied by the Russians, while the steel structure is being made by Goa Shipyard and civil engineering work by R&D Establishment (Engineers) in Pune.


It’s a pat for Tejas

Insiders said the SBTF is a huge pat for the Tejas programme as the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had already envisioned the funding for this facility. In addition, a new landing gear drop test facility has been created at HAL to handle testing of larger naval gear loads. A hardware-in-loop simulation for flight control system testing called ‘Iron-bird’ has also been set up and is in operation supporting the Tejas Navy programme.

DNA has learnt that all initial flight tests leading to the carrier-suitability test (CST) will be done at HAL airport in Bangalore.
The SBTF is coming up even as the Aeronautical Development Agency and Aircraft Research and Development Centre of HAL are undertaking the structural integration and last-minute end-to-end tests on Tejas naval variant (NP-1) for the historic July 6 roll-out in Bangalore.

Ski-jump take-off for light combat aircraft Tejas - dnaindia.com

 

[SpArK]

Air Force says DRDO stalling Tejas fighter engine​

Air Force says DRDO stalling Tejas fighter engine


IAF feels DRDO fronting for French engine, citing ‘joint development’.

India’s Tejas light fighter is failing to meet performance targets, largely because of an underpowered engine. And, the Indian Air Force (IAF) believes the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively stalling the process of choosing a new engine.

A furious IAF, which urgently needs the Tejas to replace its retiring MiG-21 squadrons, has complained in writing to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The IAF report says that even as the Aeronautical Development Agency, or ADA — which oversees the Tejas programme — is choosing between two powerful, modern engines from the global market, the DRDO has confused the issue by throwing up a third option: An offer to resurrect its failed Kaveri engine programme, this time in partnership with French engine-maker, Snecma.
The IAF report, currently with the highest levels of the MoD, makes two points. First, since the DRDO has been unable, for over two decades, to deliver a Kaveri engine that can power the Tejas, the ongoing procurement — of either the General Electric (GE) F-414, or the Eurojet EJ200 engine — should go ahead.

The IAF’s second objection is even more damning for the DRDO: Snecma, the IAF charges, has already developed the heart of the engine it is offering, an uprated derivative of the M88-2 engine that powers the French Rafale fighter. The DRDO, therefore, will not co-develop the engine, but merely provide Snecma with an indigenous stamp. In reality, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), the DRDO laboratory that has laboured for decades on the Kaveri, will hardly participate in any “joint development”.

Further, says a top IAF source, a Kaveri engine based on Snecma’s new core will leave the Tejas short of performance, providing barely 83-85 Kilonewtons (KN) of maximum thrust. In contrast, the GE and Eurojet engines already short-listed for selection provide 90-96 KN, a significant advantage. The source says sneaking in the underpowered Kaveri-Snecma engine through the GTRE back door will damage the LCA project.

For the IAF, the performance of the new engine is crucial. It has agreed to accept the Tejas into service as soon as the fighter obtains its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in December, even though the Tejas does not yet fly, climb, turn or accelerate fast enough. The IAF’s accommodation is based on a promise from the ADA that a new, more powerful engine will overcome all the Tejas’ current performance shortfalls.

Senior IAF officers explain that the DRDO needs the Tejas project to endorse the Kaveri-Snecma engine because Snecma insists on a minimum assured order of 300 engines as a precondition for partnering GTRE in “joint development”. Since India’s futuristic Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) — the other potential user of a Kaveri-Snecma engine — has not yet been sanctioned, only the Tejas programme, with some 120-140 fighters planned, provides the numbers needed for satisfying Snecma.

The IAF will buy two squadrons (42 fighters) of Tejas Mark 1, which use older GE F-404 engines. In addition, five squadrons (110 fighters) of Tejas Mark 2 are planned, which will be powered by a new engine. Given that each Tejas could go through 2-3 engines during its lifetime, the LCA Mk 2 will actually need 200-300 of the new engines.

Contacted by Business Standard, the DRDO declined to comment on the subject.

Business Standard has already reported (December 12, 2009, “Kaveri engine comes alive; will power Indian fighters”) that the MoD is backing Kaveri-Snecma as a new engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). That report was corroborated on May 13 by Defence Minister A K Antony, who told Parliament that the Kaveri “requires to be optimised for lower weight and higher performance so that it can be used for the Tejas and possibly for Indian next generation combat Aircraft.”

But there are mixed signals from the establishment. In the same statement, Antony also talked about the possibility of engine import. And the ADA chief, P S Subramaniam, has told Business Standard: “There are many Tejas already flying that will soon need new engines and we will use the Kaveri-Snecma engines for those. The Tejas Mark 2 will be powered by either GE F-414 or the EJ200.”

According to ADA sources, both the GE and Eurojet engines have fully met the technical requirements for the Tejas Mk 2. The Eurojet EJ200 is the more modern, lighter, flexible engine and has impressed the IAF. The GE F-414 is significantly heavier, but provides more power. The Indian tender for 99 engines (plus options) demands that all engines after the first 10 be built in India.

 

[Sri]

If this is actually the case then IAF has every right to show displeasure. I think what is needed now is MOD assuring IAF that kaveri will never be used in Tejas prog( As kaveri has already missed the bus) . Kaveri can find other fighters like MCA (If pg is funded)