ShivS wrote:The Tejas MK2 is funded - there is no hold up in the development path. The IAF played its role in the design review in December.
Just so that there is no ambiguity about the definition of a Critical Design Review (CDR), below is one example --->
Source:
https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitio ... 0Review%20(CDR,cost%2C%20schedule%2C%20and%20risk.
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A Critical Design Review (CDR) is a multi-disciplined technical review to ensure that a system can proceed into fabrication, demonstration, and test and can meet stated performance requirements within cost, schedule, and risk."
I am also posting a definition of a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) --->
https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitio ... e%20degree
The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) is a review conducted to evaluate the progress, technical adequacy, and risk resolution of the selected design approach for one or more configuration items; to determine each design’s compatibility with the requirements for the configuration item; to evaluate the degree of definition and assess the technical risk associated with the selected manufacturing methods and processes; to establish the existence and compatibility of the physical and functional interfaces among the configuration items and other items of equipment, facilities, software and personnel; and, as applicable, to evaluate the preliminary operational and support documents.
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, accepted the Critical Design Review (CDR) of the Tejas Mk2 on 15 November 2021. Just a few days back, when asked about the Tejas Mk2, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari stated that the numbers for LCA Mk2 will be decided when the first production model comes. That caused an uproar on social media, in which a defence journalist (Nitin Gokhale) had to clarify the same day that six units of the Tejas Mk2 will be inducted. Then the Air Chief reiterated the same a few minutes later.
The irony in the brouhaha that just occurred, is that the CDR of the AMCA is not even completed....but yet Air HQ has a clear defined plan of how many AMCA units are to be inducted, that the first two units will be Mk1 variants with GE F414 turbofans and the next five units will be Mk2 variants with a pair of indigenious turbofans. But when it comes to the Tejas Mk2 - which has a CDR acceptance approval from Air HQ - the Air Chief first says that a call will be taken on the number of Tejas Mk2s to be inducted and then hours later clarifies that six units are planned for induction and additional numbers will be planned when production starts.
Also see this --->
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7689&start=1880#p2558491
With regards to funding for the Tejas Mk2, the story gets even more sordid.
https://twitter.com/Indrani1_Roy/status ... ZZfMHEB-2Q ---> Impossible to have roll-out in a few months. ADA and HAL could not start manufacturing.
No funds sanctioned yet for manufacturing of prototypes.
However, the first metal cutting of AMCA has already commenced --->
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7773&start=680#p2557809
Lets get real.
ShivS wrote:In a good system, no individual can deny a product it’s day in the sun. The MK2’s future will be decided in 3-4 years time. Past and present CAS may have strong, and respected, opinions but they won’t make the calls.
Personal biases born of past experiences are always there - sometimes for you, sometimes against. Every OEM fights these.
It goes beyond just one individual. IAF - as an institution - has always imported platforms.
They have been inducting platforms since independence and continue to do so. This is all they know to do, outside of air warfare.
ShivS wrote:HAL’s only thought should be to wow the IAF with the MK1A and the Mk2. Don’t worry about whether you are getting love in press conferences or not.
Excitement about the AMCA is welcome, that’s an Indian product too.
Wow and Excitement are nice buzz words to use, but they have no utility in the real world. They are sound bytes.
ShivS wrote:Look at what’s happening in the SAM, radar spaces. Once indian products matured they took away the market - why should it be different for aircraft.
Because in those spheres, those OEMs were not willing to hand over the crown jewels. Many sub-systems had to be designed inhouse and many are still in the works. So when the back is against the wall, a local product has to be developed.
With entire platforms (i.e. aircraft), the back has yet to go against the wall. Remove the option of perpetual and unabated importing and everything will fall in place.
ShivS wrote:Given what I can make out from public sources, there is no way that the IAF will see a strength over 27/28 squadrons on the back of the MFRA program. Add to that the uncertainty around the Su30s long term future, the Tejas Mk2 will definitely get its shot.
In this uncertain environment, keep options open - Indian and overseas, don’t close any option
Okay, so now we are back to over 30 squadrons?
The Su-30MKI is getting incremental upgrades, but not the full SS upgrade as of yet. The focus is on 114 MRFA.
ShivS wrote:I would love to know more about two issues.
Is the IAF okay with a 30 squadron force with 40% of that force being Su30s which may see all sorts of uncertainty?
What’s the operational record of the Tejas MK1 IOC squadron? When is it being deployed in the west or the east?
With the first question, they don't have a choice. They had an option to not induct 272 Su-30MKIs, but that is what Air HQ did. HAL got a whale of an opportunity in doing screwdrivergiri of a triple digit, foreign platform order and they ran with it.
The second question is classified. Operational records/serviceability of any platform in the IAF is not revealed to the public for obvious reasons. Even the CAG reports only provide a high level overview. The only inkling we have is of Ex Gagan Shakti, but we do not know the background investments that were made to achieve that high level of tempo with the Tejas Mk1. The one thing that can be confirmed is that the aircraft's serviceability and availability is higher than what the MiG-21 Bison is.
