The Tejas-Mk-2, also called LCA 'Light Combat Aircraft', is a newer variant different from the mk2 type. Its development is via the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision and a target date of 2027 set by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to finish all tests. This lightweight fighter plane is developed in India and is a delta wing like the Dassault Mirage and similar makes.
India-made, Fully Capable Aircraft
An official spoke about the project early this week at an overall initial investment of 9,000 crores, such as the 2500 crore which has already been consumed, reported Indian Defense News.
Additionally, the LCA rollout is expected to begin in 2024, with test flights scheduled to be completed in 2027. Another official informed the Indian Air Force (IAF) has pledged to acquire six squadrons of the LCA Mk-2. According to representatives, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) proposal, a homegrown fifth-generation fighter, is currently being considered by the CSS and could be approved soon, noted The Hindu.
The improved Mk-2 variant, delivered to the IAF in early 2024, has more weight than the older Tejas variants and Mk-1A, Air Force Technology.
If Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) fulfills the defense contract, a total of 83 units will be paid for worth ₹48,000 crores.
Regarding the schedule, HAL expects to deliver the first three Mk-1A aircraft throughout 2024, preceded by 16 aircraft yearly for five years.
Mk-2 Light Combat Aircraft Characteristics
Designers of the homegrown Indian LCA Tejas-Mk-2 have some upgrades installed as equipment, including improvements not available on earlier variants of the light fighter for the Indian Air Force.
The Onboard Oxygen Generation System, used initially on the jet, is one of these upgrades to the existing hardware. Another addition is the ability to carry large standoff missiles.
An airframe 1350 mm longer with canards can also convey a bomb load of 6,500 kg, especially in comparison to the TEJAS's 3,500 kg.
The Mk-2 will be powered by the same General Electric GE-414 engine that powers the AMCA. Compared to the GE-404 engine, which powers the MK-1 and MK-1A, the GE-414 engine produces 98kN thrust.
One squadron of TEJAS is equipped for Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), and another is ready for Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
All IOC standard aircraft have been introduced, and FOC standard aircraft are nearly all present. The TEJAS trainer is being produced, and orders should begin this year.
The Air Force of India had expressed interest in purchasing 20 IOC and 20 FOC standard aircraft with two dual-seater trainer variants.
So far, the manufacturer has 31 Mk-2s in total in the two standards (IOC/FOC) that have been made, while the IAF has received 25 units. HAL added that the few aircraft left in the deal would be delivered soon to its customer, said the aerospace firm.
The company is establishing a second assembly line to boost production from eight aircraft per year to 16 aircraft per year in response to the increasing demand for the LCA. The company confirmed that an order for the Mk-1A would be placed by 2028 or 2029.
The interest of the Indian Air Force in the homegrown LCA Tejas-Mk-2 is based on the specs it offers compared to more expensive US and Euro brands, HAL has some updates making it up to standard.
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