Kartik wrote:JayS wrote:At AUW of 24T and 2xF414, TEDBF will be a hot rod superior to MiG29K and it might surpass perhaps even Rafale in every respect, given superior TWR and clean sheet dedicated Naval design from scratch. An Airforce version of TEDBF is sure to make IAF drool. We should definitely cancel MMRCA2.0 if this fighter can see induction around 2030. The opportunity cost in terms of a few years is worth paying over a complete dependence on a foreign country.
+100..
if the 24,000 kg figure is the frozen MTOW, then this will be an aircraft with eye-watering performance with 2 X 98 kN AB thrust engines. If somehow they could manage not to have a wing folding mechanism, the TEDBF will be easily able to attain +9G performance. Nevertheless, acceleration and climb rate will be truly something.
At 24T MTOW, it is right in the middle of the Hornet (23,500 kg MTOW) and MiG-29K (24,500 kg MTOW). The Super Hornet, OTOH with 2X F414s has a MTOW of 30,000 kgs..TEDBF will likely have the same installed thrust, but carry a lot less structural weight and payload, which means superlative thrust to weight ratio.
I too would hazard a guess that none of the MRCA contenders seem to offer anything over this. If the program is on track to achieve an in-service date of 2031, then the IAF would be tempted to dump the never-ending MRCA that isn't going anywhere and instead go for an Air Force version of the TEDBF to partly replace its huge Su-30MKI fleet as they begin to age.
Don't know if I should be so optimistic, but I think we may have a winner here!

I don't think its possible to avoid wing folding.
Airforce version of TEDBF will likely have MTOW of at least 26T and if the wings could produce enough lift, possibly more. At least the thrust wont be an issue. Given its a clean sheet design specifically for Naval application, its bound to have mouth-watering slow speed performance, during landing and TO. And imagine its combat performance in A2A mode with 4-6 AAMs and 50% internal fuel with the kind of high TWR and low Wing loading. We could potentially have a fighter superior in kinematic performance than MiG29/Rafale and much higher growth potential with more power and possibly larger size for more electronics to pack in it. We could make powerful dedicated EW platforms based on TEDBF for both Naval and AF applications. Endless possibilities.
If TEDBF can take TO from Ski jump, it will have far better MTOW from CATOBAR. A CATOBAR version is relatively simple modification from a STOBAR.
My wet dream -
- It makes all the sense to simply order 36 more Rafales and close the case on it.
- Cancel MMRCA and 57 Naval jet tenders.
- Put full force behind LCA/MWF/TEDBF/AMCA.
- Make sure the Forces' seat down with DRDO/HAL and get the blueprint for next 30yrs worth of Fighter development based on these four platforms and UCAV/UAVs. Tell them all that no more imports in unequivocal terms.
- Make sure red tapism is cut, enough funds are available.
- Tell Pvt industry that this is the only chance they are gonna get. So either be ready to take up work packages from these projects or F off. Facilitate those who are willing. I'm sure there are a lot of firms who are willing, if GOI ensures stable business.
- Hold DRDO/HAL accountable for timelines and IAF/IN for commitments. Work on an engine for the entire set of Fighters. Very crucial.
We can have a beautiful future built out of it.
PS - Please don't spoil my dream by making negative comments on it. Let it last for at least a week.
