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

basant · Post by **basant** » 05 Apr 2023 19:22

Admiral alert. SP series trainer is here!

Source: HVT

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 19:28

basant wrote:Admiral alert. SP series trainer is here!

Source: HVT

Right On!

First post on Page 1 updated. See relevant updated parts below. Please advise if incorrect.

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)

No 45 Flying Daggers Squadron - Squadron Re-Raised on 01 July 2016
Production Line ... HAL Reference Number ... Serial Number ... Aircraft First Flight ... Pilot(s)

• Line 1 ... SPT01 ... LT-5201 ... XX-XXX-2023 ...

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 20:01

basant wrote:Admiral alert. SP series trainer is here!

Source: HVT

Updated Page 1 again....

I wonder who the pair of pilots were. Hopefully it will come out and I can add that in.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/164 ... 85733?s=20 --> BIG. The first series production LCA Tejas trainer had its first flight today. (Photographs here by @gaur_av_iation.)

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 20:04

ashishvikas wrote:3rd Assembly line of LCA Tejas will be inaugurated on 07th April 2023.
This will take the overall LCA production capacity to 28. If Kiran hanger is considered its 32 aircraft.

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... VZJRA&s=19

To all jingos...don't forget this on Friday, April 07th.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 20:15

Official picture from HAL...

https://twitter.com/HALHQBLR/status/164 ... 13858?s=20 ---> As a major milestone in the LCA Tejas Program, the first ever series production standard LCA Trainer (LT 5201) manufactured by HAL took to the skies for its maiden flight today from HAL airport and landed after completing a successful sortie of around 35 minutes.

basant · Post by **basant** » 05 Apr 2023 20:17

A low quality video here. Can't get its address though. This link may work.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 20:22

https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/16 ... 61184?s=20 ---> President Droupadi Murmu to take a flight in an IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter at the Tezpur air base on April 08th, 2023. Hopefully these flights will be in LCA Tejas trainer jets once they’re ready — a series production airframe took its first flight today.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 20:23

basant wrote:A low quality video here. Can't get its address though. This link may work.

Not great quality, but better close up...

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/VivekSi85847001/sta ... 27301?s=20

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 05 Apr 2023 22:41

Rakesh wrote:
basant wrote:Admiral alert. SP series trainer is here!

Source: HVT
Updated Page 1 again.... I wonder who the pair of pilots were. Hopefully it will come out and I can add that in.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/164 ... 85733?s=20 --> BIG. The first series production LCA Tejas trainer had its first flight today. (Photographs here by @gaur_av_iation.)

@Rakesh Sir,

Lovely shot of LCA Mk1 Trainer SPT-01 getting airborne for her first flight today.
Gp Capt (ret.) KK Venugopal, CTP HAL, and
Wg Cdr Pratyush Awasthi at the controls.

https://twitter.com/zone5aviation/statu ... vm2Qg&s=19

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Apr 2023 22:47

ashishvikas wrote:@Rakesh Sir,

Lovely shot of LCA Mk1 Trainer SPT-01 getting airborne for her first flight today.
Gp Capt (ret.) KK Venugopal, CTP HAL, and
Wg Cdr Pratyush Awasthi at the controls.

https://twitter.com/zone5aviation/statu ... vm2Qg&s=19

No Sir for me please.

Thank you so much for this. I have updated Page 1.

I am trying to find the first flight of SP-36 (LA-5032). But I am coming up short.

Any source that you or others can provide? I am looking for the date of first flight and possibly the pilot who flew her.

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 07 Apr 2023 16:18

Congratulations to all the BRFites. A long day incoming. Our trainer series are getting produced.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 08 Apr 2023 06:35

ashishvikas wrote:3rd Assembly line of LCA Tejas will be inaugurated on 07th April 2023.
This will take the overall LCA production capacity to 28. If Kiran hanger is considered its 32 aircraft.

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... VZJRA&s=19

Third Tejas line has been inaugurated.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/164 ... BFomuaYzwg —> HAL’s third LCA production line inaugurated, will enable enhancement of LCA MK1A production capacity from 16 to 24 aircraft per year.

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 08 Apr 2023 11:59

HAL inaugurates third assembly line for Tejas fighters, raises capacity to 24 fighters yearly

By Ajai Shukla

https://www.ajaishukla.com/2023/04/hal- ... r.html?m=1

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane inaugurated in Bengaluru, on Friday, a third production line for the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA). HAL currently operates two LCA assembly lines in Bengaluru, which allow it to churn out 16 Tejas fighters per year.

“The new production line will enable the company to enhance Tejas Mark 1A production capacity from 16 to 24 aircraft per year,” said CB Ananthakrishnan, HAL’s chairman and managing director (CMD).

With the Indian Air Force (IAF) having placed orders on HAL for 40 Tejas Mark 1 and 83 Tejas Mark 1A fighters, it is essential to build these quickly so that the Tejas assembly lines are free for building six squadrons of Tejas Mark 2 aircraft.

Senior HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) officials agree that the Tejas Mark 2 is unlikely to enter production until 2027-28. Developing the Tejas Mark 2 will involve replacing the Tejas Mark 1A’s current General Electric F-404 engine with the more powerful GE F-4I4 and upgrading avionics and weaponry. Prototype development is expected to take till 2025 another two-to-three years would go in flight-testing the Tejas Mark 2 and preparing production drawings.

In the meanwhile, HAL wants the IAF’s order of 83 Tejas Mark I-A to keep the current production lines occupied till 2028.

The Mark 1-A would be faster and more agile than the current Mark I. Developing it would involve shaving off 800 kilogrammes of weight from the current fighter, especially from systems like the landing gear, which are currently “over-engineered”, or built heavy, for safety. HAL also proposes to remove 300 kg of dead weight distributed across the Mark I to balance the fighter evenly.

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 08 Apr 2023 12:13

It seems the HAL Tejas performed rather well at the recently concluded Desert Flag VIII exercise that took place in the UAE. Let's see if we hear more about this from official quarters.

https://twitter.com/SJha1618/status/164 ... OaSIQ&s=19

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 08 Apr 2023 12:22

That is nearly 1100 kg weight saving for the aircraft.

The three legged Cheetah was superior to any thing that we have in inventory today.

I am looking forward to the four legged Cheetah.

k prasad · Post by **k prasad** » 08 Apr 2023 12:30

Pratyush wrote:That is nearly 1100 kg weight saving for the aircraft.

The three legged Cheetah was superior to any thing that we have in inventory today.

I am looking forward to the four legged Cheetah.

Is it 800 + 300 kg or is the 300 kg part of the 800 kg? In any case, this is a weight loss akin to Adnan Sami

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 08 Apr 2023 12:57

Pratyush wrote:That is nearly 1100 kg weight saving for the aircraft.

The three legged Cheetah was superior to any thing that we have in inventory today.

I am looking forward to the four legged Cheetah.

I think this 1000kg weight saving just exaggerated by Ajay Shukla based on some HAL Babu comments.

Zynda · Post by **Zynda** » 08 Apr 2023 13:14

1 ton weight saving would involve significant retesting...300- 400 kg weight reduction via lesser ballast and using newer & lighter LRUs was the figure quoted at AI and it makes more sense.

basant · Post by **basant** » 08 Apr 2023 14:19

Zynda wrote:1 ton weight saving would involve significant retesting...300- 400 kg weight reduction via lesser ballast and using newer & lighter LRUs was the figure quoted at AI and it makes more sense.

1 ton reduction was never believed by anyone! One of the earliest news (circa 2015) on it was too ridiculous.

Sources, told NDTV that changes will be made in the ballast and the landing gear making the Tejas Mark 1-A about 1000 kg lighter than its 6500-kg predecessor. Delivery can begin next year.

A lot of discussion happened on BRF regarding this as well. See here.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 08 Apr 2023 21:01

HAL inaugurates third assembly line for Tejas fighters, raises capacity to 24 fighters yearly
https://www.ajaishukla.com/2023/04/hal- ... e-for.html
08 April 2023

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 08 Apr 2023 22:59

I would say LCA MK2 will not enter production before 2028. In 5 years, straight math we can do 24*5=120 LCA. We have order of 83, we can add another 50 to it, and then from 2028, shift to MK2. This will give us

173 Mk1/MK1A - equivalent to Mig 21 in size, range and capability slightly less than M2K (8 sq)
120 -200 Mk 2 - Equivalent to to M2K/Mig 29 in size, capability wise, little shy of Rafale (6-10 sq)
100-200 AMCA - Our sword arm. (5-10 sq)
With say 250 MKI (13 sq) and another 100 Rafale (5-6 sq), we will have our 42 sq strength. The trick is to make manufacturing fast, and it starts with LCA MK1A. I deally you wanted to have more MK2, but it isnt getting ready fast. I would trade 50 more MK2 for 50 mk1a, BUT mk2 is so damned delayed.

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 09 Apr 2023 00:17

Has there been any years where HAL has delivered a full capacity worth of aircraft? It may not be even in HALs control: its suppliers From private industry may not be delivering as well.

Assuming 24 aircraft per year even though that’s the capacity is being optimistic with HALs case. We should be happy if we get 16.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Apr 2023 22:11

https://twitter.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1 ... 72579?s=20 ---> Stabilized Antenna Platform Unit for LCA Tejas by ECIL.

vijayk · Post by **vijayk** » 12 Apr 2023 06:51

*LCA Tejas Mk-1A Production Set To Increase From 16 To 24 Every Year, As Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Unveils New Assembly Line*

https://swarajyamag.com/amp/story/defen ... embly-line

*The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has opened a new production line at Nashik to manufacture Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, with the capability of producing up to 24 aircraft a year

rrao · Post by **rrao** » 12 Apr 2023 16:44

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1 ... 72579?s=20 ---> Stabilized Antenna Platform Unit for LCA Tejas by ECIL.

basant · Post by **basant** » 12 Apr 2023 17:14

Sir, can you please throw some more light on the part, "This APL is a monster compared to el/m2032 ,whose antenna can be moved with finger tip"? Sounds fascinating!

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 26 Apr 2023 00:07

Cope India

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... K5gtw&s=19

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 Apr 2023 01:35

Maitya, What is the replacement cycle for the GE F404 engine?
IOW how many engines during a Tejas Mk1 life cycle?
2 ot 3?

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 26 Apr 2023 09:33

https://www.geaerospace.com/propulsion/military/f404

Looking at the product page for the GE 404. About 4000+ engine's have been produced or will be produced by the time the program is supposed to end.

Having said that. They have also listed all the platforms that are using this engine.

The total numbers of platforms produced or platforms that will use this engine are almost 3850. This number includes 120+ LCA Tejas and the almost 300 proposed Red Hawk.

Going through this page. It would seem that the engine is designed to last the life of the Jet.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 26 Apr 2023 09:50

ramana wrote:Maitya, What is the replacement cycle for the GE F404 engine?
IOW how many engines during a Tejas Mk1 life cycle?
2 ot 3?

Ramana ji, pls. check this document. It has some relevant info. Although a bit dated and data is based on US carrier ops numbers (till that time).

Specifically page 24 of the pdf - LOGISTICS SIMULATIONS METAMODEL FOR F404-GE-400 ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 May 2023 19:53

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/CTPindiaHAL/status/ ... 10720?s=20 --->

....CONTACT...!! ... LCA catching up with big brother for a drink at 35,000 feet. Watch the manoeuvre...
...steady hands,,, extreme precision,,,
..exceptional coordination..

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 May 2023 19:59

Rakesh wrote:VIDEO: https://twitter.com/CTPindiaHAL/status/ ... 10720?s=20 --->

....CONTACT...!! ... LCA catching up with big brother for a drink at 35,000 feet. Watch the manoeuvre...
...steady hands,,, extreme precision,,,
..exceptional coordination..

https://twitter.com/DefenceDecode/statu ... 50722?s=20 ---> CFD vs Reality.

Buddy Refueling Su-30MKI LCA Tejas.

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 15 Jun 2023 21:31

Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took a spin in the first LCA series production trainer today in Bengaluru.

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/166 ... j5EFA&s=19

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 15 Jun 2023 21:39

DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF VISIT TO NATIONAL FLIGHT TEST CENTRE, AERONAUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED, BANGALORE
Posted On: 15 JUN 2023 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) visited National Flight Test Centre, Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas Division to assess the progress of the indigenous combat aircraft projects. A keen Experimental Test Pilot himself, he has been driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts of the Indian Air Force towards self-reliance in the development and manufacture of combat aircraft. During his visit, the Air Marshal flew the Series Production Trainer-01 of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which is undergoing final developmental test sorties, to get a firsthand feel of its capabilities. The IAF is presently operating the LCA Mk 1 aircraft and has a pending order of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft.

During the visit to the Tejas Division, the HAL team briefed the DCAS on the production status of trainer aircraft and the plan for deliveries of the LCA Mk 1A. The DCAS will also visit the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand Production Line to assess the production status of the homegrown combat helicopter. The delivery of 10 LCH Limited Series Production aircraft for the IAF is nearing completion and the production of the Series Production aircraft is likely to commence shortly to meet the order of 145 Series Production LCH for the IAF and Indian Army.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1932718

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Jun 2023 20:10

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... 67104?s=20 ----> On 01 July 2023, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will complete seven years of service in the Indian Air Force. Christened Tejas in 2003, the aircraft is a multi-role platform that ranks amongst the best in its class. It has been designed to undertake the Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance and Strike roles. The inherently unstable Tejas offers carefree handling and enhanced maneuverability. This capability is further enhanced with its Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite and Laser Designation Pod.

https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... 82624?s=20 ---> The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the 'Flying Daggers'. Over the years, the squadron progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being equipped with its current steed. Each of the aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers has been manufactured in India - either under license production or having been designed and developed in India. In May 2020, No 18 Squadron became the second IAF unit to operate the Tejas.

The IAF has showcased India's indigenous aerospace capabilities by displaying the aircraft at various international events, including LIMA-2019 at Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show- 2022 and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023. Whilst it had already participated in exercises with foreign air forces domestically, Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023 was the Tejas' maiden exercise on foreign soil.

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 01 Jul 2023 11:53

Unshackle

https://twitter.com/hvtiaf/status/16750 ... Fb-XA&s=19

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 01 Jul 2023 12:07

Nice photo is that an R-73E being fired?

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 01 Jul 2023 12:09

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/statu ... 82624?s=20 --->

Is this an Asraam CCM on the Tejas MK1A?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 02 Jul 2023 20:27

https://twitter.com/zone5aviation/statu ... 87808?s=20 ---> Tejas LCA Mk.1 (FOC) taking off with live R-73s. The LCA marks seven years of service with the @IAF_MCC today.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 06 Jul 2023 20:37

Amazing video of Tejas production, among other aircraft.

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