Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

[drnayar]

Indian team to visit US for GE-414 engine talks, aims to finalise deal by March-end
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 121203527/
21 Jan 2025

they are asking for more monies, apparently that's the usual !.. get the contract done and then increase price !.. wonder if that was not factored into the initial agreement

[Aditya_V]

Americans, Russians, French, no one honors a contract if ground reality favors them, while HAL has to as per Indian MOD, GOI devlop aviation industries with orders of 20 aircraft

[tandav]

Pay premiums for Arabian Horses and get defeated by the Turks, Pay premium for French Guns and get defeated by the British, Pay premium for American Engines and get defeated by the Chinese. History repeats time and time again.

[Rakesh]

Indian team to visit US for GE-414 engine talks, aims to finalise deal by March-end
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 121203527/
21 Jan 2025

they are asking for more monies, apparently that's the usual !.. get the contract done and then increase price !.. wonder if that was not factored into the initial agreement

That has been reported by IDRW I believe. Best ignored.

[Rakesh]

Indian team to visit US for GE-414 engine talks, aims to finalise deal by March-end
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 121203527/
21 Jan 2025

https://x.com/ShiroBarks/status/1881753037053776047 ---> ToT for GE F-414 India will get:

- Coatings for corrosion
- Casting, machining & coating for turbine blades (Single Crystal)
- Nozzle guide vanes & hot parts
- Blisk machining
- Forging/power metallurgy discs for turbine
- Machining thin-walled titanium casing
- Friction inertia welding for fan & afterburner
- PMC for bypass polymer duct
- CMC for LPNGV & flaps
- Laser drilling for combustor
- Bottle boring of shafts

[fanne]

What 20% is withheld?
Are the scb for hot compressor and turbine?

[Baikul]

Indian team to visit US for GE-414 engine talks, aims to finalise deal by March-end
https://aninews.in/news/national/genera ... 121203527/
21 Jan 2025

https://x.com/ShiroBarks/status/1881753037053776047 ---> ToT for GE F-414 India will get:

- Coatings for corrosion
- Casting, machining & coating for turbine blades (Single Crystal)
- Nozzle guide vanes & hot parts
- Blisk machining
- Forging/power metallurgy discs for turbine
- Machining thin-walled titanium casing
- Friction inertia welding for fan & afterburner
- PMC for bypass polymer duct
- CMC for LPNGV & flaps
- Laser drilling for combustor
- Bottle boring of shafts

This isn’t directed at you Rakesh ji, but a general observation. It seems that reporting in Air Force related matters be it engines or aircraft production, is what we will do or will get or will procure. In short it all sounds like opium to keep us masses happy, various departments and politicians shifting blame and their incompetence on each other in the now, or shifting blame down the road for the future.

I’ll believe it when it happens. And even then, I’ll read it many times to believe it.

[bala]

This from idrw.org, take it with a huge pinch of salt.

The much-anticipated rollout of the Tejas MkII, India's next-generation fighter jet, is slated to take place by the end of November 2025. Both Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are enthusiastic about achieving this milestone before the year concludes. Key developments include the setup of the first assembly jig for the Tejas MkII, with various fuselage assemblies already on the rig for final assembly. While many systems and subsystems are still awaited, there's an expectation that most equipment will be in place by mid-2025, accelerating the Final Assembly phase of this eagerly awaited program. The rollout event might unofficially occur in November, with the official ceremony possibly delayed to December to accommodate the schedules of PM.

[williams]

Engine will be the bottle neck again We'll see

[S_Madhukar]

Will be parodied again as 2 legged Cheetah, featherless peacock, heavy glider and what not!

[fanne]

8 engines are already there for some 8 years

[maitya]

Writetake in X: LCA Mk2 Cockpit

[Nick_S]

I’ll believe it when it happens. And even then, I’ll read it many times to believe it.

Unfortunately, have to agree on this.

I am tired of seeing CGI pics or models in the airshows and hearing that it will look like this and do that.

Let's just see it roll out and fly already! Come on Indian Aviation team - you can do it!

[Khalsa]

Agree. The PT1 must rollout this year for a take off.

[Rakesh]

Official New Timelines On India’s Fighter Programs
https://www.livefistdefence.com/officia ... -programs/
09 Feb 2025

LCA Mk2: 120 aircraft to be delivered 2028-2035

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/writetake/status/1888515762647908747 ---> DRDO general press brief on AMCA (Unedited).

• AMCA is a Medium Weight category (all-up weight 25 Ton class), Multi-Role, Twin Engine 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft conceptualized and designed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for use of Indian Air Force (IAF).

https://x.com/Firezstarter1/status/1888614938010419212 ---> AMCAs biggest positive will be low RCS but avionics enhancements are a positive. Tejas Mk2 will de-risk/field these as well (especially data fusion). Combined, both programs have 240 units (a viable run). Drop one, and the effort/risk scales heavily upwards.

[bala]

Tarmak update with Jitendra Jadav on LCA MK2, sometime this year Oct engine GE414 will be integrated and run. GE414 is availabe and there is enough. IAF is funding 30%.

youtube.com/watch?v=4eTiRi2v5lg

Tarmak update with Test Pilot Jacob and Dr. Madhusudana Rao on LCA MK2

youtube.com/watch?v=O_y_jmdaWKY

[Kartik]

Major updates on the Tejas Mk2 program status:

- First flight is being targeted for First Quarter of 2026
- Which means roll-out of the prototype will happen in mid to late 2025.
- They don't want an "event" for the roll-out of the prototype to avoid any delays that the event, getting a VIP to come and attend, etc. will cause.

Regarding Aero-structures for the first prototype:

- All jigs and fixtures for the prototype construction are in place
- All drawings have been released (and for those who work in aviation, you'll know this is a big deal)
- More than 50% of all parts for the first prototype have been fabricated
- Wings have been fabricated
- Forward fuselage is almost ready
- Center fuselage is under build and coming up well
- Rear fuselage build is in the initial stage
- All the assembly activities are to be completed by June 2025
- Once the airframe is ready, then equipping the Tejas Mk2 prototype with LRUs will begin from June 2025 onwards
- By Aug-Sep 2025, the complete equipping will be finished

Regarding Aero-systems:

- All aero-systems designs have been completed
- Realization of the systems is going on well
- PDR of all the sub-systems is going on well
- Target is to have all the Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) available to fit on the prototype by July or August 2025

ADA & NFTC locked on to next big fighter jet story - LCA AFMk2 | In chat with Dr Madhusudana Rao

[Kartik]

Some major updates on the Tejas Mk2 systems and why it is the precursor to the AMCA 5th gen fighter

- MIL-STD-1553 databus has been done away with and a new "Time Triggered Network" has been used instead to allow for very high data throughput for multi-sensor data fusion.
- New architecture compared to Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A
- Algorithms with AI embedded
- New "pilot associate" being developed using the AI algorithms
- Synthetic Vision system being developed for pilot assistance during poor visibility approaches during landing (visible in the background of the YT video on the screen)
- Modular construction of the airframe
- Open Architecture to allow for easy integration of new systems/LRUs

- First engine run is targeted for Oct-Nov 2025, ~3 months before the first flight
- F-414 engines for the prototypes are already available with HAL
- A very aggressive timeline has been set for Flight Control Systems testing and Sensor related testing.
- Within a year of the first flight, they are targeting the initiation of weapons testing
- 4 prototypes of Tejas Mk2 are to be constructed
- Very high fidelity test rigs have been built to reduce the flight testing sorties/test points/time/cost
- Target to complete flight testing by 2028-2029.
- Air Force share is 30% of the funding for the development funding of Tejas Mk2

LCA AFMk2 has complete backing of IAF; engine run this year: Jitendra Jadhav, DG ADA

[Rakesh]

...

Thank you for the above two posts. Greatly appreciated.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1889578860062163397 ---> Some more manufacturing updates on MWF.

- Wing fabrication is complete. Wings are ready.

- Front fuselage fabrication is almost complete.

- Mid fuselage is coming up well and will be completed soon.

- Rear fuselage is in initial stages. Will be complete in next few months.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/livefist/status/1889535627701424334 ---> Big year for the LCA MK2 — rollout in the second half of this year and first flight for early next year, says HAL. Talks with @GE_Aerospace on F414 local production progressing first on ToT and then price. This is India’s homegrown MRFA.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1889228040884089197 ---> LCA Mk2 timeline update from various stakeholders. Fresh off the mike today added last.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1889212044182008296 ---> DRDO Infra Red Search & Track for Tejas Mk2. Upgraded one will be used in AMCA. Maximum Point Target detection range 100 km. Point targets refers jet engine, missile exhaust plume, etc. Automatic detection & tracking of multiple targets.

[pravula]

This from idrw.org, take it with a huge pinch of salt.

The much-anticipated rollout of the Tejas MkII, India's next-generation fighter jet, is slated to take place by the end of November 2025. Both Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are enthusiastic about achieving this milestone before the year concludes. Key developments include the setup of the first assembly jig for the Tejas MkII, with various fuselage assemblies already on the rig for final assembly. While many systems and subsystems are still awaited, there's an expectation that most equipment will be in place by mid-2025, accelerating the Final Assembly phase of this eagerly awaited program. The rollout event might unofficially occur in November, with the official ceremony possibly delayed to December to accommodate the schedules of PM.

Wasn’t the wings same as mk1*? If so why is that a milestone?

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1889576872138162683 ---> LCA Mk2 or MWF will have a 20 x 8 inch dual redundant Large Area Display. There’s also a standby display just beneath it which serves as a backup. The HUD is a wide angle holographic design. Like the F-35, the pilot will have 360 degree full hemisphere synthetic vision.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Defencematrix1/status/1889726656765436361 ---> Tejas Mk2 LAD (Large Area Display) by Data Patterns. My DSLR battery died so, I clicked them using my smartphone. The Images are not as good, but this is the best camera on a smartphone, so this is what we get.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Defencematrix1/status/1889719300056826203 ---> Tejas Mk2 cockpit high resolution pictures.

[srai]

Tejas MK-2 Cockpit flight simulator

https://x.com/VivekSi85847001/status/18 ... 8855354545 ---> Tejas Mk2 Cockpit. Picture: Vayu Defense



https://x.com/ilyushin_76md/status/1888922485808066655 ---> LCA Mk2 simulator.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1889212044182008296 ---> DRDO Infra Red Search & Track for Tejas Mk2. Upgraded one will be used in AMCA. Maximum Point Target detection range 100 km. Point targets refers jet engine, missile exhaust plume, etc. Automatic detection & tracking of multiple targets.

https://x.com/ilyushin_76md/status/1889958381542391948 --->

[Rakesh]

Teaser: LCA AF Mk-2 2025 || Updated 3d Model

Get ready to witness the next generation of India's aerial prowess! The LCA Tejas Mk2, designed by ADA and manufactured by HAL, is set to redefine air dominance with its increased indigenous content, more powerful engine, advanced avionics, and cutting-edge weapons. Join us as we take a closer look at the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) that promises to be a game-changer for the Indian Air Force. Don't miss out on this exciting glimpse into the future of combat aircraft!

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/Kuntal__biswas/status/1891522961640661043 ---> Canard Movement: -25° and + 30°

[Rakesh]

New Uttam Radar for Tejas Mk1A & M2 | Details and Future

[Hriday]

https://x.com/Varun55484761/status/1889212044182008296 ---> DRDO Infra Red Search & Track for Tejas Mk2. Upgraded one will be used in AMCA. Maximum Point Target detection range 100 km. Point targets refers jet engine, missile exhaust plume, etc. Automatic detection & tracking of multiple targets.

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/189252 ... 9oMkw&s=19

So the IRST being designed by IRDE now for Tejas mk2 and Amca will be capable of passive ranging.

Can anyone explain the above? Passing ranging means able to find the distance to the target, right? If I remember correctly, Eurofighter Typhoon's PIRATE IRST added that capability only later after the initial version. Two Typhoons supposedly will do co-ordinated flying to passively range the enemy. It was said to be a major breakthrough. But can't find that description today with a quick Google search.

So ultimately it means a single Tejas MK2 can passively range ?

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/SJha1618/status/1892482157177868521 ---> Asking for the cancellation of the Tejas Mk2 and/or AMCA programmes is akin to asking for a repeat of the same mistake that was made when the HF-24 Marut's spiral development was called off in favour of Jaguar imports. Tejas Mk2 and AMCA are quite literally the future of India's aerospace sector.

[Rakesh]

X-Post from the MRCA (Many Rakshaks Choose Aircraft) Contest - Episode III thread...

Don’t Be F-35ed
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi ... 393433.cms
19 Feb 2025

By Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd)

https://x.com/shiv_cybersurg/status/1892734134319251626 ---> Some good news on the Tejas/LCA Mk 2 from Air Marshal Rajkumar. You cannot get a more reliable source.

QUOTE: AVM Manmohan Bahadur has written a nice article in today's TOI. Has written a nice article on the implications of the US's offer of the F-35 down the line. He ends the article by saying 'the GOI should push HAL to deliver on the LCA Mk2 and AMCA projects. I have some news to share on that front. On 30 January 2025, I was invited to speak to the personnel of the HAL fixed wing design bureau. After my taIk I was shown the progress of the LCA Mk 2 manufacture. All parts are being built on jigs using CATIA 5 software. Workers are looking at screens and carrying out their work. The air frame has a considerable proportion of composite parts and the finish is an order of magnitude better than in the LCA Mk1 days. They hope to start equipping the air frame with LRUs by Sep/Oct 2025 and commence ground runs around April 2026 leading to first flight later in 2026. On February 11th, I visited Aero India 2025 and was shown the full scale all composite air frame of the AMCA. After the show extensive RCS measurement tests are planned to fine tune the signature to the lowest possible figure. I sat in the LCA Mk 2 simulator and flew it with the side stick. The cockpit has a single large screen display which can be segmented as required by the pilot. The flight control computer is ready and undergoing qualification. Almost all hydraulic actuators have been indigenised and some have finished flight tests. The indigenous content has increased considerably. These two visits were heartening and shows we are moving in the right direction. We need to redouble our efforts to achieve true self reliance.

[Ankit Desai]

Tejas Mk-2 Project Director Sheds Light On Capabilities Of Upcoming Fighter

The Tejas Mk-II is an ambitious project to develop and build a 4.5+ generation fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This project was initiated to address the shortcomings of the original Tejas fighter aircraft. The aircraft will stand amongst other fighter of the same generation such as the Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and the Gripen. The aircraft is slated to replace the Jaguar, MiG-29s and the Mirage-2000s in IAF service.

[ashishvikas]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1893 ... 80201?s=46 ---> #Update The Government of India has approved the manufacturing of an assembly jig for integrating a retractable in-flight refueling probe into the LCA Mk2 (MWF). Following this approval, ADA has initiated the procurement process for a new jig that will complement ARDC HAL’s existing jig, which was originally designed for fixed probes.

https://x.com/hukum2082/status/1893276169794945441?s=46 ---> Will improve frontal RCS by a fair bit.

https://x.com/indrani1_roy/status/18933 ... 01151?s=46 ---> This is a direct result of Uttam radar outperforming expectations. The low weight and high power density has lead to more space and weight margins in the nose area. There should be no doubt that CASDIC has become powerhouse!

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1893183054983667742 ---> With two 1,700 litre drop tanks, one 1,350 litre centre line drop tank and full internal fuel, MWF will have a range of 3,000 km. With 3 drop tanks, it can still carry six Astra BVRAAMs and 2 ASRAAMs. It's perfectly suited for long range high endurance CAP sorties.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1893184804948001121 ---> The MWF (Medium Weight Fighter) isn't just a Tejas Mk1 with a fuselage plug after the cockpit. It isn't a LCA with a 1.35 m fuselage plug and improved area ruling for reducing transonic drag. The internal structure is new. It is an ab initio design to cater for higher GTOW (Greater Take Off Weight). The MWF is a brand new jet.

https://x.com/Ray70409890/status/1892949370070356023 ---> Tejas Mk2 is a completely new aircraft with very little similarity to the Tejas Mk1. It has a new structure. Hence it's better to call it MWF (Medium Weight Fighter). It has been designed ground up to be stealthy. If the Tejas Mk1 has 'X' square metre frontal RCS, the MWF's frontal RCS is just 1/4th 'X' square metre.