Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

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Rakesh
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Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

Air Force Tejas Mk1

Last Page of Previous Thread ---> viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7835&start=1520

Mods: Please update info below, as and when a new milestone is reached. Thank You.

Thanks to BRF Members --> Abhibhushan, Ashish Raval, Barath, Basant, Dileep, Fanne, Indranil Roy, Kakarat, Kartik, Khalsa, Lakshman_PST, Neela, Nilesh Rane, Prasad, SaiK, Sankum and Vamsee for their contributions.

Acronyms:
TD: Technology Demonstrator
PV: Prototype Vehicle
LSP: Limited Series Production
SP: Series Production

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Milestones Achieved
• The TD-1 prototype aircraft (Serial # KH2001) had her first supersonic flight on 01 August 2003 and hence became the first aircraft designed & developed in India to achieve the feat in level flight.
• Raised two frontline fighter aircraft squadrons in the Indian Air Force, which are presently stationed at Sulur AFS near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The first squadron was raised on 01 July 2016 and second squadron was raised on 01 April 2020.

Initial Operational Clearance
IOC-I: 10 January 2011
IOC-II: 20 December 2013

Final Operational Clearance
FOC: 20 February 2019

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Design Specifications
Length: 13.2 meters
Height: 4.4 meters
Wingspan: 8.2 meters
Wing Area: 38.4 square meters
Empty Weight: 7,040 kg
Maximum Internal Fuel: 2,485 kg
Clean Take-Off Weight: 10,330 kg
Maximum Take Off Weight: 14,240 kg
Maximum External Payload Capacity: 3,910 kg
Engine: General Electric F414-IN20 turbofan (Info Sheet --> https://www.geaviation.com/propulsion/military/f404)
Airframe Life: 9,000 hours
Hard Points: 7 + 1

Performance Specifications
Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet
G Limits: +8g / -3.5g
Thrust: 53.9 kN dry thrust and 89.8 kN wet thrust
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6
Ferry Range: 2,800 km

Avionics
Radar: Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode all weather fire control radar with day and night capability.

Armament
Guns: One 23mm twin-barrel GSh-23 auto-cannon
Close Combat Missiles: R-73, ASRAAM and Python 5
Beyond Visual Range Missiles: Astra Mk1, Astra Mk2, I-Derby ER and R-77
Rockets: TBD
Air-to-Surface Missiles: TBD
Anti-Radiation Missiles: TBD
Anti-Ship Missiles: TBD
Precision Guided Munitions: TBD
Laser Guided Bombs: TBD
Un-Guided/Gravity Bombs: TBD
Cluster Munitions: TBD

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Tejas Mk1 Production Line Capacity
• Line 1* (LCA Division): Current capacity is 8 aircraft per year.
*Manage outsourcing and supply chain management

• Line 2* (Aircraft Division): Current capacity is 4 aircraft per year.
*Manage second sub assembly and integration lines

Year-Over-Year Tejas Mk1 Production & Production Line Performance
*Based on First Flight

• 2014: One Aircraft (Line 1)
• 2015: Zero Production
• 2016: Two Aircraft (Line 1)
• 2017: Three Aircraft (Line 1)
• 2018: Six Aircraft (3 from Line 1 and 3 from Line 2)
• 2019: Four Aircraft (2 from Line 1 and 2 from Line 2)
• 2020: Two Aircraft (Line 1)
• 2021: Seven Aircraft (4 from Line 1 and 3 from Line 2)
• 2022: Seven Aircraft (4 from Line 1 and 3 from Line 2)
• 2023: One Aircraft (from Line 1)

Tejas Mk1 Production Partners
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LCA- ... rtners.jpg

Image

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First Flights of Tejas Mk1 Prototypes

Standard/Variant ... Orders ... Operator ... Units
• Mk1-FOC (single seat fighter) ... 32 Aircraft ... Indian Air Force ... 2 Squadrons (16 Per Squadron)
• Mk1-FOC (twin seat trainer) ... 08 Aircraft ... Indian Air Force ... 2 Squadrons (4 Per Squadron)

HAL Reference Number ... Serial Number ... Aircraft First Flight ... Pilot(s)
• TD-1 ... KH2001 ... 04-Jan-2001 ... Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal
• TD-2 ... KH2002 ... 06-Jun-2002 ... Wing Commander Tarun Banerjee

• PV-1 ... KH2003 ... 25-Nov-2003 ... Squadron Leader Suneet Krishna
• PV-2 ... KH2004 ... 01-Dec-2005 ... Wing Commander Vikram Singh
• PV-3 ... KH2005 ... 01-Dec-2006 ... Group Captain Harish Nayani
• PV-5 ... KH-T2009 ... 26-Nov-2009 ... Group Captain Ritu Raj Tyagi and Air Commodore Rohit Verma
• PV-6 ... KH-T2010 ... 08-Nov-2014 ... Group Captain Vivart Singh and Group Captain Anoop Kabadwal

• LSP-1 ... KH2011 ... 25-Apr-2007 ... Group Captain Aditya Prakash Singh
• LSP-2 ... KH2012 ... 16-Jun-2008 ... Wing Commander Narmdeshwar Tiwari
• LSP-3 ... KH2013 ... 23-Apr-2010 ... Wing Commander George Thomas
• LSP-4 ... KH2014 ... 02-Jun-2010 ... Group Captain Suneet Krishna
• LSP-5 ... KH2015 ... 19-Nov-2010 ... Lieutenant Commander Ankur Jain, Indian Navy
• LSP-7 ... KH2017 ... 09-Mar-2012 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• LSP-8 ... KH2018 ... 31-Mar-2013 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)

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Air Force Tejas Mk1 Squadron Inductions

No 45 Flying Daggers Squadron - Squadron Re-Raised on 01 July 2016
Raising CO - Group Captain Madhav Rangachari
Present CO - Group Captain Samrath Dhankhar

Production Line ... HAL Reference Number ... Serial Number ... Aircraft First Flight ... Pilot(s)
• Line 1 ... SP-01 ... LA-5001 ... 01-Oct-2014 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-02 ... LA-5002 ... 22-Mar-2016 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-03 ... LA-5003 ... 28-Sep-2016 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-04 ... LA-5004 ... 03-Mar-2017 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-05 ... LA-5005 ... 08-Feb-2018 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-06 ... LA-5006 ... 30-Jun-2017 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-07 ... LA-5007 ... 12-Dec-2017 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-08 ... LA-5008 ... 13-Mar-2018 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-09 ... LA-5009 ... 24-Mar-2018 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-10 ... LA-5010 ... 26-Jul-2018 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-11 ... LA-5011 ... 10-Oct-2018 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-12 ... LA-5012 ... 28-Nov-2018 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-13 ... LA-5013 ... 30-Jan-2019 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-14 ... LA-5014 ... 18-Jan-2019 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-15 ... LA-5015 ... 23-Mar-2019 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-16 ... LA-5016 ... 11-Mar-2019 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SPT01 ... LT-5201 ... 05-Apr-2023 ... Group Captain Kolal Krishnamurthy Venugopal (Retd) and Wing Commander Pratyush Awasthi
• Line 1 ... SPT02 ... LT-5202 … 05 Oct 2023
• Line 1 ... SPT03 ... LT-5203
• Line 1 ... SPT04 ... LT-5204

No 18 Flying Bullets Squadron - Squadron Re-Raised on 01 April 2020
Raising CO - Group Captain Manish Tolani
Present CO < Rank > < Name >

Production Line ... HAL Reference Number ... Serial Number ... Aircraft First Flight ... Pilot(s)
• Line 1 ... SP-21 ... LA-5017 ... 17-Mar-2020 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-22 ... LA-5018 ... 24-Sep-2020 ... Air Commodore Kalianda Appaya Muthanna (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-23 ... LA-5019 ... 22-Jan-2021 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
Line 1 ... SP-24 ... LA-5020 ... 18-Mar-2021 ... Group Captain Ashish Srivastava (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-25 ... LA-5021 ... 26-Mar-2021 ... Group Captain Ashish Srivastava (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-26 ... LA-5022 ... 27-Mar-2021 ... Group Captain Ashish Srivastava (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-27 ... LA-5023 ... 21-Sep-2021 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-28 ... LA-5024 ... 29-Sep-2021 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-29 ... LA-5025 ... 21-Jan-2022 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-30 ... LA-5026 ... 31-Dec-2021 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-31 ... LA-5027 ... 05-Mar-2022 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-32 ... LA-5028 ... 18-Mar-2022 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-33 ... LA-5029 ... 25-Mar-2022 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-34 ... LA-5030 ... 14-Mar-2022 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 2 ... SP-35 ... LA-5031 ... 27-Mar-2022 ... Group Captain Rajeev Joshi (Retd)
• Line 1 ... SP-36 ... LA-5032 ... XX-XX-2022 ... XXX
• Line X ... SPT05 ... LT-5205
• Line X ... SPT06 ... LT-5206
• Line X ... SPT07 ... LT-5207
• Line X ... SPT08 ... LT-5208

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Accidents:

• SP-24, LA-5020 crashed at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on 12 March 2024. The airframe is a complete hull loss.

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Tejas Developmental Timeline
https://twitter.com/singhshwetabh71/sta ... hiKvw&s=19
02 Jan 2023

Tejas – Not what you think it is
https://alphadefense.in/tejas-not-what-you-think-it-is/
07 July 2022

The Untold Story of LCA Tejas' Journey
https://bharatshakti.in/the-untold-stor ... s-journey/
By Nitin Gokhale, 27 January 2021

Removing Some Media Fallacies About The Capabilities of The LCA Tejas Fighter
http://delhidefencereview.com/2020/05/1 ... s-fighter/
By Indranil Roy, 17 May 2020

The pilot who helped Tejas breast the FOC tape
https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/in ... 19475.html
By Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam (Retd), 31 March 2020

Flying & fighting in HAL Tejas: Interview with test pilot Rajeev Joshi
https://hushkit.net/2020/01/25/flying-f ... eev-joshi/
25 Jan 2020

Tracking The Tejas: The Design Evolution Of An Indian Fighter
http://delhidefencereview.com/2019/02/2 ... er-part-i/
By Indranil Roy and Nilesh Rane, 22 February 2019

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Quote below from Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Bhaduria (Retd.), former Chief of Air Staff - Indian Air Force
URL, 29 May 2020
Tejas today what you are getting is the BEST IN ITS CLASS IN THE WORLD.

Take my word for it.
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Quote below from Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar (Retd), former AOC-in-C Western Air Command - Indian Air Force
URL, June 2018, Page 17
It must be stated that the LCA Mark 1 and Mark 1A are very good aircraft. We recently conducted a major exercise called Gagan Shakti, and the LCA performed remarkably well. The best range scores and the best weapon delivery emerged from the nine LCAs we had fielded, which really worked wonders. This gives me the confidence to state that the LCA will see us through the next 20 years, if not more, in technological capability terms.
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Air Force Tejas Mk1 Operational Efficiency
URL, 25 April 2018
Tejas LCA undertook 6 sorties a day. Each mission, lasting for 45 minutes on the lower side to one and half hours, proved the indigenous fighter jet's efficiency in an operational role.
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Tweets below from Group Captain Harsh Vardhan Thakur (Retd) - Test Pilot, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

https://twitter.com/hvtiaf/status/11760 ... 87329?s=20 ---> As it's already a widely acknowledged fact, Jaguar has a significant Radius of Action (RoA). It's noteworthy that Tejas is even better.

https://twitter.com/hvtiaf/status/11745 ... 03744?s=20 ---> For weapon trials, Tejas goes from Bangalore to Jaisalmer direct. Even Jaguars can't do that. So whatever the combat radius, it's pretty good.

https://twitter.com/drukkk/status/12202 ... 48640?s=20 ---> Can you throw some light on Tejas low flying ability? Can it take up DPSA role of Jaguar? Is its delta wing versatile enough for Jaguar type, long range, low level flying (with external fuel tanks of course)?
***Answer for above tweet is below***
https://twitter.com/hvtiaf/status/12203 ... 58113?s=20 ---> Yes, I think no problem in that. Tejas can exceed Jaguars.

https://twitter.com/JaidevJamwal/status ... 71488?s=20 ---> Everything else remaining same, do you think that Tejas can have same effect on target as Jaguar, better or worse?
***Answer for above tweet is below***
https://twitter.com/hvtiaf/status/12205 ... 10560?s=20 ---> Yes. Same or Better.

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URL, 31 March 2018
Abhibhushan wrote:To celebrate completion of 65 years of commissioned service and 50 years since assuming my first command of an operational unit, visited the Flying Daggers for tea and crew room Gup.

The boys are all experienced pilots.

Boys come from varied backgrounds. M2K, Jaguar, MiG-29, MiG-27 are all represented. Soon there will be boys from Su-30MKI as well. The boys were all very upbeat about their present mount.

Some snippets from crew room chatter.

the Mk1 is better than the non-upgraded Mirage 2000
talk about difficulties with maintenance are exaggerated
intensive operations have been tried out successfully
lots of scope to increase its might.
if it is compared with all other fighters in the IAF for all-round ability, it will easily be within the top third of the list.

A very happy day for me.
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URL, 19 Jan 2020
Dileep wrote:There was a 'conference' by SIATI on Fri Sat at HAL Convention Centre. Got some gyan from the presentations.

1. HAL really upbeat about completing the production of FOC Mk1 by March 2021.

2. Two of the IOC Mk1s are about to be handed over to IAF in 'these days'. Four FOC to be handed over before FY closes.

3. They are going full steam ahead with Mk1A. Order signing is only a formality.

4. The presentation said the engine is "F404-GE-IN30" and the guy actually said IN30. I can't recall such a designation. Neither can't google uncle. Either the guy have no clue and repeated a typo made by the intern who typed in the ppt or we at BRF have no clue.

5. No 45 Daggers Sqn flew 2,500 operational hours and 3 aircraft completed the 250 hour servicing.

6. 311 "modifications" done concurrently in production.

7. 82 LRU suppliers for 344 types out of which 210 are indigenous.

8. High failure rate of 34 types LRUs which is still being worked on.

9. 3,084 Machined parts

10. 172 Rubber parts

11. 4,329 Sheet Metal parts

12. 1,106 Pipes

13. 10 Acrylic / Plastic parts

14. 427 Composite Parts

15. Capacity is 16 Aircraft/Year ---> Eight at LCA Division, four at Aircraft Division and four at our sourced suppliers (Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Pvt Ltd, TATA Advanced Materials Ltd, Larsen & Toubro and VEM Technologies Private Limited).

16. Six sets of jigs ---> four jigs at Tejas Division, one jig at Aircraft Division and one jig at sub-contractor site (front jig at Dynamatic Technologies Limited, rear jig at Alpha Tocol and mid jig at VEM Technologies Private Limited).

17. They reduced cycle times by adding sub-sub assembly jigs.

18. 43 types of jigs are required.

19. Jigs calibrated to 80 micron using a laser measurement system. That is quite fast. Full interchangeability achieved.

20. Present cycle time: 6 months per set. He outlined the plans to increase and reach the target of 16 sets.

21. 7,200 holes to be drilled per set of wing! They bought a robotic drilling machine that brought down the cycle time from 30 days/20 people to 10 days/2 people. Accuracy also improved. Better cleanliness since composite debris is vacuumed off by the robot.

22. 185 panels are made interchangeability compliant. Include 24 nos of daily inspection panels. Extensive tooling made for panels.

23. All pipe assemblies are made using jigs for full interchangeability and advanced sub assembly preparation.

Senior manager of HAL in a one-on-one meeting says "LCA can crash only if it runs out of fuel". We all touched the wooden table and made a silent prayer. The TEDBF picture is just that, "a picture that people didn't reject right away" during the brainstorming.
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Videos - Air Force Tejas Mk1

Tejas Titans: Tarmak Talking with superheroes of HAL's LCA Division



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Blueskies Podcasts on the Tejas Program

LCA Part 1 - Philip Rajkumar: Overview of the Program



LCA Part 2 - Suneet Krishna: from filming First Flight to Weapons Release



LCA Part 3 - Harish Nayani: MFD Development, Breathtaking Demos, Weapon Delivery



LCA Part 4 - Ritu Raj Tyagi: Developing Lethal Ground Attack Capabilities



LCA Part 5 - PK Raveendran - Flight Test Engineer for the LCA



LCA Parts 6 and 7 cover the Naval Tejas Program
Visit this link for those parts ---> viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7790

LCA Part 8 - Rajiv Kothiyal - Test Pilot of LCA's First Flight



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Hamara Tejas Video Series by Dr Anantha Krishnan Muralidharan Nair
The Kota Harinarayana-Anantha Krishnan show to inspire young Indians

Editor-in-Chief of Tarmaak Media House ---> https://twitter.com/tarmakmedia
Biography ---> https://in.linkedin.com/in/ananthakrishnanm

Episode-01, Hamara Tejas



Episode-02, Thursdays with Tejas



Episode-03, IAF will be dominated by Desi fighters in future: Dr Kota



Episode-04, There's nothing Young India cannot achieve now: Guru Kota



Episode-05, Top class core avionics from ADA added might to Tejas



Episode-06, Iron Bird & Brake Dynamometer facilities at ARDC add might to Tejas programme



Episode-07, HAL LCA Division races ahead with last batch of FOC fighters on final assembly line



Episode-08, Lightning Test Facility at CABS - set up with IISc might - is a tech marvel



Episode-09, The inspiring story of Flight Control Systems from ADE



Episode-10, Meet the ADE stars who developed high performance flight control actuators for LCA



Episode-11, Meet the top brains behind the Full Mission Simulator set up for Tejas pilots at ADE



Episode-12, Landing episode of extended series with Dr Kota at the controls of LCA simulator

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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

The old thread consisting of the Tejas Mk1/MK1A has been split into separate threads - one for Tejas Mk1 and the other for Tejas Mk1A. The latter thread will also be used to collate all info on the Tejas SPORT and HAL's CATS Warrior system, for now. I had to split the thread, as the Mk1A will be quite different from her predecessor and requires her own thread.

I have added *ALL* the recent episodes of Hamara Tejas in this Tejas Mk1 thread. Apparently, there is an Episode 9, but I cannot find it. I only found the promo which I have added in the list of episodes in the first post of this thread. If someone can find that, please let me know.

Mods & Gurus: Please check the above for any incorrect info or any info that requires updating. I will update.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 49185?s=20 ---> India's indigenous Astra beyond visual range Missile's launch trials from Tejas Mk1 in early 2022.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »

Rakesh ji...
I have written this post previously regarding Assembly Line Nos. of FOC Aircraft--->
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7835&p=2487853&hil ... s#p2487853

The same may be updated in the first post...
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

LakshmanPST wrote:Rakesh ji...
I have written this post previously regarding Assembly Line Nos. of FOC Aircraft--->
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7835&p=2487853&hil ... s#p2487853

The same may be updated in the first post...
Lakshman-Ji, this is awesome. I am sorry missed this post of yours. I have updated the info.

I have also updated the production capacity and year-over-production rates based on this. Greatly helpful. For what its worth Saar, I have added your name to the list of acknowledgements. Thank You so much.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by AkshaySG »

What are the reasons that we went from 6 aircraft/year in 2018 to 4,2,4 in the next 3 years ?
Is it all due to covid or are there additional reasons , Delays/budget issues etc etc .

It seems we are still yet to reach even half the current capacity of (8+4 +4) a year
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by KSingh »

Really nice informative first post

Wow HAL really has to get their act together in production. I defend them plenty but this is getting ridiculous Covid or no Covid, a mere 6 delivered in the last TWO years? We’ve been hearing about the final few units being ‘close’ to finished for months but no first flights in a long time. Best case they’ll hand over 2-3 by March 2022, they still have so many to hand over. This is the exact opposite way to build up confidence in yourselves when you’re trying to argue against imports and create exports.

What sane country would look at that pathetically low production rate and sign onboard? At this rate they won’t even finish MK.1 production by the time the first MK1As are meant to be handed over
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by John »

KSingh wrote:Really nice informative first post

Wow HAL really has to get their act together in production. I defend them plenty but this is getting ridiculous Covid or no Covid, a mere 6 delivered in the last TWO years? We’ve been hearing about the final few units being ‘close’ to finished for months but no first flights in a long time. Best case they’ll hand over 2-3 by March 2022, they still have so many to hand over. This is the exact opposite way to build up confidence in yourselves when you’re trying to argue against imports and create exports.

What sane country would look at that pathetically low production rate and sign onboard? At this rate they won’t even finish MK.1 production by the time the first MK1As are meant to be handed over
I have given up on HAL at this point. I know someone will come and defend. Say this is year they will turn around and deliver more than couple ACs and magically be able to deliver 10. I highly doubt they can do even more than 6 this year, that’s being highly optimistic.

Only way to straighten this ship is complete clean house and also hold them accountable with fines that should be enough to hit the bottom line if they even miss deadline by 1. In mean time let’s work to bring in private company into manufacturing fray and start splitting the future orders with them.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by vimal »

Maybe HAL has also taken up testing seriously now and doing their own version of trials encompassing summer/winter...
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

I have revised/merged the Year-Over-Year Tejas Production & Tejas Production Line Performance sub-headings into one. Better readability that way. Also added the well known Tejas Production Partners image into the first post as well.

I am basing deliveries on first flight and not actual delivery to the customer (IAF). That info is not revealed for obvious reasons. But that does skew the perception somewhat. However, HAL does need to get its act together in terms of production capacity. The data clearly shows that. And although COVID hit HAL really bad, the production line capacity and the actual production are nowhere close.

The MRFA contest is planned to induct around 12+ aircraft a year for 114 aircraft, so around 9.5 years for delivery completion. That MRFA delivery number is kept low due to the budget. HAL cannot even hit 12 a year, which is the planned production capacity of Line 1 and 2.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

21st anniversary of the first flight of the Tejas TD. Like many jingos, I remember this day.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 11587?s=20 --->

• First flight of LCA was conducted on Jan 04, 2001 and piloted by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal.

• Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave LCA the name TEJAS [Radiance].

PIC - Raghu Nambiar

Image

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 72993?s=20 ---> Then Defence Minister George Fernandes, Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the frame.

Image
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 99905?s=20 ---> Today two squadrons are in active service:

• No.45 Sqn Flying Daggers (Consisting of 16 IOC Tejas Mk 1).

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 55137?s=20 --->

• No. 18 Sqn Flying Bullets consisting of 12 FOC Tejas Mk1, remaining 4 will be delivered by end of this FY.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

The above tweet (the second one) is puzzling. I have a count of only six that is part of No 18 Sqn, Flying Bullets.

When did aircrafts from SP 23 to SP 28 have their first flight? If the numbers are true, then the production has vastly improved.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/Kunal_Biswas707/sta ... 40610?s=20 ---> It is a less known fact that a variant of Adrishya RAM coating paint is also applied on Tejas Mk1 & Mk1A air frames.

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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Neela »

Rakesh-ji , can this text be included below FOC section please

Orders:
Operator................................Units................Standard/Variant
Indian Air Force.......................32...................Mk1-FOC (single seat)
Indian Air Force........................8....................Mk1-FOC (twin seat trainer)
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

Neela wrote:Rakesh-ji , can this text be included below FOC section please

Orders:
Operator................................Units................Standard/Variant
Indian Air Force.......................32...................Mk1-FOC (single seat)
Indian Air Force........................8....................Mk1-FOC (twin seat trainer)
Done Neela-ji. Please check and let me know if there are any corrections to be made.

Also, you had requested (in the older thread) to add some info in the first post. Can you please advise again?

I have added your name in the list of acknowledgements.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by asbchakri »

So they have ended Hamara Tejas at 8 episodes because of the tragic Helicopter crash where we lost our late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat and others. They will release the last 2 episodes they already shot in Season 2.

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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

asbchakri wrote:So they have ended Hamara Tejas at 8 episodes because of the tragic Helicopter crash where we lost our late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat and others. They will release the last 2 episodes they already shot in Season 2.
Okay, so that is why Episode 9 did not show up. Thank you so much Chakri-ji.

When Season 2 starts, I will add them in chronological order. I am leaving the promotion for Episode 9 in the first post of this thread.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »

Rakesh wrote:The above tweet (the second one) is puzzling. I have a count of only six that is part of No 18 Sqn, Flying Bullets.

When did aircrafts from SP 23 to SP 28 have their first flight? If the numbers are true, then the production has vastly improved.
May refer to this Instagram post from Praneeth Franklin (photographer frequestly credited by hvtiaf in all his tweets) dated 19th November 2021--->
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWdYqTMM_YI ... =copy_link

SP27 (LA5023) most probably took 1st flight on 18th or 19th November 2021...
Don't know about others...

Also, this tweet from hvtiaf two days back not-so clearly shows the tail no. LA5023--->
https://twitter.com/hvtiaf_/status/1477 ... jV6Rw&s=19
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Neela »

Rakesh wrote:
Neela wrote:Rakesh-ji , can this text be included below FOC section please

Orders:
Operator................................Units................Standard/Variant
Indian Air Force.......................32...................Mk1-FOC (single seat)
Indian Air Force........................8....................Mk1-FOC (twin seat trainer)
Done Neela-ji. Please check and let me know if there are any corrections to be made.

Also, you had requested (in the older thread) to add some info in the first post. Can you please advise again?

I have added your name in the list of acknowledgements.
For both the threads: "Orders" or "Operators" keyword could be added above the text shown.


For the highlights, above the ACM's comment, this snippet from Gagan Shakti particularly highlights its availability vs hangar-queen. We could add the text :

Tejas Mk1 operational efficiency ;
Tejas LCA undertook 6 sorties a day. Each mission, lasting for 45 minutes on the lower side to one and half hours, proved the indigenous fighter jet's efficiency in an operational role
URL

While above text is a little cheeky when read stand alone and without full context, we need to put it out there for marketing purposes.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

Neela wrote:For both the threads: "Orders" or "Operators" keyword could be added above the text shown.
Neela-ji, I have made the corrections with some tweaks in both threads. Please take a look and let me know.
Neela wrote:For the highlights, above the ACM's comment, this snippet from Gagan Shakti particularly highlights its availability vs hangar-queen. We could add the text :
....
While above text is a little cheeky when read stand alone and without full context, we need to put it out there for marketing purposes.
Excellent quote. I am sorry that I did not put this earlier!! I put it in chronological order (via date). You will see it there.

I am not concerned about the cheeky aspect or even if the quote is taken out of context. Every opportunity to promote the program and the aircraft, I am all for it.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

LakshmanPST wrote:May refer to this Instagram post from Praneeth Franklin (photographer frequestly credited by hvtiaf in all his tweets) dated 19th November 2021--->
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWdYqTMM_YI ... =copy_link

SP27 (LA5023) most probably took 1st flight on 18th or 19th November 2021...
Don't know about others...

Also, this tweet from hvtiaf two days back not-so clearly shows the tail no. LA5023--->
https://twitter.com/hvtiaf_/status/1477 ... jV6Rw&s=19
I will add that in. thank you so much.

But just a quick question ---> Is not SP27.....LA5027? You have indicated above SP27 (LA5023). Please advise.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 04161?s=20 ---> Then vs Now. #HamaraTejas.

Years of nourishment gave us this beautiful machine, but we just need to wait a little more longer to see it turn into a complete beast.

(PS: Our Delta Dart - even in it's Mk1 state - is still capable to take its stand as a true interceptor).

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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »

Rakesh wrote:
LakshmanPST wrote:May refer to this Instagram post from Praneeth Franklin (photographer frequestly credited by hvtiaf in all his tweets) dated 19th November 2021--->
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWdYqTMM_YI ... =copy_link

SP27 (LA5023) most probably took 1st flight on 18th or 19th November 2021...
Don't know about others...

Also, this tweet from hvtiaf two days back not-so clearly shows the tail no. LA5023--->
https://twitter.com/hvtiaf_/status/1477 ... jV6Rw&s=19
I will add that in. thank you so much.

But just a quick question ---> Is not SP27.....LA5027? You have indicated above SP27 (LA5023). Please advise.
SP numbering is internal HAL numbering... There are two philosophies for SP numbering...
Old philosophy is numbering SP01 to SP20 for IOC jets including 4 trainers and SP21 to SP40 for FOC jets including 4 trainers...
New philosophy is numbering SP01 to SP32 continuously for Single seater IOC and FOC jets, and SPT01 to SPT08 for 8 trainers...

HAL was following old philosophy... In the middle they briefly adopted new philosophy... However, they reverted back to old philosophy after a couple of months due to reasons best known to them...
HAL is currently following the old numbering SP01 to SP16 for IOC Jets, SP21 to SP36 for FOC jets... SP No. Is written near the Tejas logo on the side of the jet in very small letters not visible in normal photos...

IAF is following tail numbering LA5001 to LA5016 for IOC jets, LA5017 to LA5032 for FOC jets... The last 2 digits are also painted on the landing gear doors...

Ex:- SP26 has tail number LA5022 and No. 22 is painted on the doors of landing gear... 'SP26' will be written below the Tejas logo in very small letters...
----
Basically SP numbering is of no relevance to IAF and tail numbering is of no relevance to HAL...

I initially thought of pointing this out when I saw the first post, but thought it is a minor thing...
But now I think it is better to update it to avoid confusion... May be instead of 'Construction Number', the title may be changed to 'HAL Reference Number'...
In a way 'Construction Number' is also not logical as the aircraft are not constructed in that order...
Last edited by LakshmanPST on 06 Jan 2022 00:32, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Neela »

Rakesh wrote: Neela-ji, I have made the corrections with some tweaks in both threads. Please take a look and let me know.

.
• Mk1-FOC (twin seat trainer) ... 08 Aircraft ... Indian Air Force ... 4 Trainers/squadron

Otherwise looks great Rakesh.
Media/Youtubers/Wiki editors doing in depth articles & research will eventually land on this article and use this as a reference point for their content. And I really like the feedback section from IAF, test pilots - very subtle , yet impactful. Really , the 1st post is even better than Wiki in terms of content.
Indirectly, this post will drive the narrative on Tejas on all klnds of media .
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by fanne »

If what LakshmanPST is saying is correct on numbering, I would put that blurb also in the first post.
Also, I forgot which one, I guess SP 25 (LA 5021?) from IAF has been handed to HAL for LCAMK1A modification. There are thus two planes (1 is LSP or both are SP - ambiguous reports exist) being used for LCAMK1A mods.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

Neela wrote:• Mk1-FOC (twin seat trainer) ... 08 Aircraft ... Indian Air Force ... 4 Trainers/squadron
Added Neela-ji. Please take a look.
Neela wrote:Otherwise looks great Rakesh. Media/Youtubers/Wiki editors doing in depth articles & research will eventually land on this article and use this as a reference point for their content. And I really like the feedback section from IAF, test pilots - very subtle, yet impactful. Really, the 1st post is even better than Wiki in terms of content. Indirectly, this post will drive the narrative on Tejas on all kinds of media.
The real credit goes to all the contributors whom I have listed in that first post. And even greater pranams go to the scientists at ADA, the Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, HAL and even the IAF who is making this all possible. My salute to them.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

LakshmanPST wrote:SP numbering is internal HAL numbering... There are two philosophies for SP numbering...
Old philosophy is numbering SP01 to SP20 for IOC jets including 4 trainers and SP21 to SP40 for FOC jets including 4 trainers...
New philosophy is numbering SP01 to SP32 continuously for Single seater IOC and FOC jets, and SPT01 to SPT08 for 8 trainers...

HAL was following old philosophy... In the middle they briefly adopted new philosophy... However, they reverted back to old philosophy after a couple of months due to reasons best known to them...
HAL is currently following the old numbering SP01 to SP16 for IOC Jets, SP21 to SP36 for FOC jets... SP No. Is written near the Tejas logo on the side of the jet in very small letters not visible in normal photos...
This flip flop that HAL is doing is really annoying :) I remember changing this and now I have to change it back! Jeez! :roll:
LakshmanPST wrote:IAF is following tail numbering LA5001 to LA5016 for IOC jets, LA5017 to LA5032 for FOC jets... The last 2 digits are also painted on the landing gear doors...

Ex:- SP26 has tail number LA5022 and No. 22 is painted on the doors of landing gear... 'SP26' will be written below the Tejas logo in very small letters...
----
Basically SP numbering is of no relevance to IAF and tail numbering is of no relevance to HAL...
If they reverse it one more time, I am just going to remove the HAL numbering and stick to the IAF serial numbers. At least that is permanent.
LakshmanPST wrote:I initially thought of pointing this out when I saw the first post, but thought it is a minor thing...
But now I think it is better to update it to avoid confusion... May be instead of 'Construction Number', the title may be changed to 'HAL Reference Number'...

In a way 'Construction Number' is also not logical as the aircraft are not constructed in that order...
I changed it to HAL Reference Number as per your suggestion. Thanks.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

LakshmanPST wrote:May refer to this Instagram post from Praneeth Franklin (photographer frequestly credited by hvtiaf in all his tweets) dated 19th November 2021--->
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWdYqTMM_YI ... =copy_link

SP27 (LA5023) most probably took 1st flight on 18th or 19th November 2021...
Don't know about others...

Also, this tweet from hvtiaf two days back not-so clearly shows the tail no. LA5023--->
https://twitter.com/hvtiaf_/status/1477 ... jV6Rw&s=19
Added that info in for LA-5023 in the first post.

Also updated the Tejas Production subheading (for 2021) to reflect that.

I cannot confirm the rest, despite what that tweet says and thus I cannot add it in the list. Guess they are no longer announcing first flights anymore. Will have to wait for some official confirmation that No 18 Sqn has received her full complement of 16 FOC fighters at some future date.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »

Rakesh wrote: If they reverse it one more time, I am just going to remove the HAL numbering and stick to the IAF serial numbers. At least that is permanent.
Sir, you started FOC numbering from SP20 to SP35... It should be from SP21 to SP36...
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

LakshmanPST wrote:Sir, you started FOC numbering from SP20 to SP35... It should be from SP21 to SP36...
Why are you calling me Sir? :)

Oops :oops: Fixed.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Kersi D »

Rakesh wrote:21st anniversary of the first flight of the Tejas TD. Like many jingos, I remember this day.

https://twitter.com/RAFIndia_/status/14 ... 11587?s=20 --->

• First flight of LCA was conducted on Jan 04, 2001 and piloted by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal.
I think Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal was present at one of the BR Meets at Bangalore during Aero India, perhaps 2003
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »


Rewatched this episode... It showcases only LCA Division (Line 1)...
Here is the time-stamps where various jets under construction are visible in this video--->
SP28 - LA5024:- 15:44, 15:55
SP30 - LA5026:- 15:51
SP31 - LA5027:- 15:40, 22:33, 22:59
SP32 - LA5028:- 15:52, 19:43
SP33 - LA5029:- 17:29, 21:38
SP36 - LA5032:- 14:34 (Fuselage assembly)
SPT05 :- 11:59

Apart from above, LSP08 is visible @ 12:12 and
SP26 - LA5022 is visible at 15:38...
I remember Indraneel tweeting that SP26 is being used to test some Mk1A systems... That is probably the reason why it is there...
Also, from 12:02 to 12:06, you will notice Mk1A written on various Jigs...
I guess works related to Mk1A are being done in LCA division only...
----
SP29 - LA5025, SP34 - LA5030 and SP35 - LA5031 are being assembled in Aircraft Division (Line 2)... Hence they're not visible in the video...
-
Considering the fact that the video is a couple of months old, we should see all Single seat FOC jets completed, if not by March 2022, atleast by June 2022...
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by YashG »

^+101
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by basant »

LakshmanPST wrote: ...
I remember Indraneel tweeting that SP26 is being used to test some Mk1A systems... That is probably the reason why it is there...
It is SP-25 actually.
“The IAF has allotted HAL a Tejas Mark 1, numbered SP-25 (series production aircraft number 25), for integrating these modifications. We are almost through and will start flight testing in December. It will take about two years to complete flight testing, i.e., by end-2023,” said HAL chairman, R Madhavan.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »

Light Combat Aircraft MK-1A to take flight in June’
- 9th January 2021
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... socialflow
“We will be attempting at least 6-8 aircraft (LCA) this year. All 10 aircraft are already ready, there are some systems to be delivered from Israel. If that happens in time, we can deliver all 10,” Mr. Madhavan told
This should explain the delays in delivery...
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

The first post only tracks first flights and not actual deliveries (for obvious reasons). Chairman Madhavan states in the above article, that 10 are still to be delivered to No 18 Squadron, so six aircraft (from LA-5017 to LA-5022) are with the squadron right now. LA-5023 has flown, as you have the picture as reference. I don't know about the rest of the aircraft. But the above article, more or less ties in with the numbers that we have. Serial Numbers LA-5023 to LA-5032 is exactly 10 aircraft.
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by LakshmanPST »

Rakesh wrote:The first post only tracks first flights and not actual deliveries (for obvious reasons). Chairman Madhavan states in the above article, that 10 are still to be delivered to No 18 Squadron, so six aircraft (from LA-5017 to LA-5022) are with the squadron right now. LA-5023 has flown, as you have the picture as reference. I don't know about the rest of the aircraft. But the above article, more or less ties in with the numbers that we have. Serial Numbers LA-5023 to LA-5032 is exactly 10 aircraft.
In the video of Hamara Tejas Episode 7, which I shared a few posts earlier, @31:52 he gives the current status of the production...
There he mentions that 3 jets are undergoing flight tests... So, SP28 and 29 would have undergone first flight as well...
I don't think HAL is going to announce these things publicly anymore...
One fine day, we'll probably only hear the news that all the FOC jets are delivered to IAF...
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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

Blueskies Podcast - S1, Ep 42 - LCA Part 1: Philip Rajkumar - Introduction and overview of the program



Blueskies Podcast - S1, Ep 43 - LCA Part 2: Suneet Krishna - from Filming First Flight to Weapon Delivery



Blueskies Podcast - S1, Ep 44 - LCA Part 3: Harish Nayani - Testing and Demonstrating the Tejas

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Re: Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

Post by Rakesh »

^^^^ https://twitter.com/blueskiespod1/statu ... 88512?s=20 ---> Enjoyed that interview yesterday? Here's a photograph of the test team (pilots, engineers) taken at Aero India a few years ago. Our series on Tejas will feature a few more of these gentlemen in the coming weeks. Stay Tuned!

https://twitter.com/prganapathy/status/ ... 62531?s=20 ---> Left 2 Right: Wing Commander RK Dash (FTE), Wing Commander M Prabhu (FTE), Commodore JA Maolankar, Wing Commander PK Raveendran (FTE), Air Commodore Rohit Varma, Air Commodore H Nayani, Group Captain N Tiwari, Wing Commander RR Tyagi and Wing Commander Aslam Khan (FTE).

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