Air Force Tejas Mk1A: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

[Jay]

Dang, 20 years later to powerpc! I first heard about it in 2005 when working at the group that put an ad out touting the processors for Indian defense needs and had a flying image of LCA.

Cybaru ji, 2001 is when I first heard about power PC in some of our desi components. A defense lab in HYD was working on this and I cannot recall if it was already inside in some of the wares at that time or in some other stage.

[Cybaru]

I don't understand why you would go from intel to powerpc and add extra little and big endian testing to the mix...
I guess it's a movement forward and hopefully they are not using the oldish powerpc heat generators. They were terrible with heat management.
It is probably a wind river setup for sure. Would love to see what part number they ordered.

[Tanaji]

More likely that these processor units were available in EMI hardened packages and allowed for export. Not all processors can be bought that way.

[Rakesh]

Click on link below to see all the pictures that came with this twitter thread...

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/17 ... 98297?s=20 ---> The Indian Air Force is all set to receive its first batch of Tejas Mk1A fighters this month, a superior version of the indigenous LCA Tejas. What's new in Tejas Mk1A? 43 Improvements across Avionics, Weapons & Maintenance!

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/17 ... 37675?s=20 ---> Some of the improvements are as following:

1] Radar: Tejas Mk1A will have a state-of-the-art AESA radar, superior to the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar of Tejas Mk1. The first batch will have the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar, while the rest will have the indigenous "Uttam" AESA radar.

2] Self Protection Jammer: Tejas Mk1A will overcome the limitation of Tejas Mk1, which lacked a Self Protection Jammer to counter enemy missiles. Tejas Mk1A will carry the Israeli ELL-8222 jammer pod, which will disrupt the radar signals of BVR or SAM missiles.

3] Software Defined Radio (SDR): DRDO's SDR replaces the Mk1's digital radios, enabling secure, high-bandwidth data communication with other aircraft, AWACS, & ground stations. This real-time information exchange is crucial for modern air combat coordination.

4] Software & Computing Power: Tejas Mk1A will feature a revamped DFCC (Digital Flight Control Computer), which will boost its agility and computing power. The new DFCC will use PowerPC architecture, and the Mk1A will have a press-fit mechanism for connectors, making it easier to maintain.

5] Radar Warning Receiver (RWR): Tejas Mk1A integrates a multi-channel digital receiver based RWR, which will track & identify the enemy aircraft.
The RWR will warn the pilot of incoming missiles or radar locks, and activate the Self-Protection Jammer to jam the enemy radar.

6] Weapons: Tejas Mk1A will have superior missiles for close, BVR and long range BVR combat. It will use MBDA ASRAAM, Astra MK1 and I-Derby ER respectively. It will also have 500 kg LGB and unguided bombs for air-to-ground attack.

7] Maintenance: Tejas Mk1A's maintainability is vastly improved, featuring re-positioned Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and new LRUs for easier access & faster repairs. It will also have quick-release fasteners for airframe panels, which will save time and effort.

8] Tejas Mk1A will have smart multi-function displays, combined interrogator and transponder, digital map generator, improved radio altimeter and the "Angad" electronic warfare suite as per the IAF’s wish list. These features will enhance its performance and survivability.

9] This is just a glimpse into the Tejas Mk1A's transformative capabilities. Its arrival marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in fighter jet technology.

[pravula]

press-fit mechanism - as opposed to? I thought harnesses were already using these. The tech is pretty old…

[maitya]

Click on link below to see all the pictures that came with this twitter thread...

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/17 ... 98297?s=20 ---> The Indian Air Force is all set to receive its first batch of Tejas Mk1A fighters this month, a superior version of the indigenous LCA Tejas. What's new in Tejas Mk1A? 43 Improvements across Avionics, Weapons & Maintenance!

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/17 ... 37675?s=20 ---> Some of the improvements are as following:

...

2] Self Protection Jammer: Tejas Mk1A will overcome the limitation of Tejas Mk1, which lacked a Self Protection Jammer to counter enemy missiles. Tejas Mk1A will carry the Israeli ELL-8222 jammer pod, which will disrupt the radar signals of BVR or SAM missiles.
...

Oh boy, whatever happened to the indigenous ASPJ units ...

[pravula]

Aren’t ASPJ tuned to the radar? It may come with Uttam is my guess.

[Kartik]

Click on link below to see all the pictures that came with this twitter thread...

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/17 ... 98297?s=20 ---> The Indian Air Force is all set to receive its first batch of Tejas Mk1A fighters this month, a superior version of the indigenous LCA Tejas. What's new in Tejas Mk1A? 43 Improvements across Avionics, Weapons & Maintenance!

https://x.com/Tanmaycoolkarni/status/17 ... 37675?s=20 ---> Some of the improvements are as following:

...

2] Self Protection Jammer: Tejas Mk1A will overcome the limitation of Tejas Mk1, which lacked a Self Protection Jammer to counter enemy missiles. Tejas Mk1A will carry the Israeli ELL-8222 jammer pod, which will disrupt the radar signals of BVR or SAM missiles.
...

Oh boy, whatever happened to the indigenous ASPJ units ...

Oh they're coming, currently in flight trials. That poster didn't mention it in his thread, but the EL-8222 WB SPJ is to be used till the DRDO ASPJ doesn't enter production, which is supposed to be sometime around 2025-26 or so.

This is what it looks like on the Mk1A prototype

[Aditya_V]

My other question does that the MK1A loose 1 pylon for a CCM when carrying the SPJ's or will it still have the ability to carry 2 CCM +4 BVR missiles with SPJ's

[JTull]

My other question does that the MK1A loose 1 pylon for a CCM when carrying the SPJ's or will it still have the ability to carry 2 CCM +4 BVR missiles with SPJ's

No idea. But they are working on dual missile pylons for Astra, and perhaps ASRAAM.

Hope they qualify new wings for second lot of 97 with wingtip pylon like LCA Mk2.

[srai]

Hope they qualify new wings for second lot of 97 with wingtip pylon like LCA Mk2.

… those kind of casual “simple” requirements delay the whole production bonanza!

Produce as is in full volumes. The IAF needs aircraft now.

If you want those wing changes, then make the IAF order another 100 batch as Mk1B

[Rakesh]

I am all for Air HQ asking for the moon on the Tejas Mk1A, but not at the expense of stopping the production line. Whatever upgrades Air HQ wants - new wings, thicker windscreen, etc - can be incorporated as part of a future MLU upgrade. But keeping the production line going is key to the success of large scale induction of the Mk1A into the IAF. This will have a direct correlation to the Mk2 production line as well.

[titash]

Hope they qualify new wings for second lot of 97 with wingtip pylon like LCA Mk2.

… those kind of casual “simple” requirements delay the whole production bonanza!

Produce as is in full volumes. The IAF needs aircraft now.

If you want those wing changes, then make the IAF order another 100 batch as Mk1B

Two relevant quotes from my Fab Manager during my manufacturing days:

"shoot the engineers, and let production begin"

"any idiot can make one chip; its making tens of thousands of them cheaply and reliably that really matters"

You have to "freeze" the process and mass-produce at some point. The Chinese produced 2,500+ F-7s. The Russians produced 10,000+ MiG-21s. The Americans made 4,500+ F-16s and 5,000+ F-4 Phantoms. That's how you become a supapawa

[Vivek K]

MK1A cannot/must not be changed. This is how our armed forces come in at the 13th hour to delay domestic projects and advocate for imports! If changes are needed, develop MK-1B and order 100 of those.

[Cybaru]

MK1A cannot/must not be changed. This is how our armed forces come in at the 13th hour to delay domestic projects and advocate for imports! If changes are needed, develop MK-1B and order 100 of those.

Bang on!

[Cain Marko]

My other question does that the MK1A loose 1 pylon for a CCM when carrying the SPJ's or will it still have the ability to carry 2 CCM +4 BVR missiles with SPJ's

Can't the pod be carried on the pylon reserved for the LDP, at least for a2a work? Unless of course they plan to use the LDP as an irst as well.

[Raman]

The plan is to carry ASPJ on one wing and a dual-rack CCM on the other wing.

Please see the article at https://delhidefencereview.com/2019/02/ ... er-part-i/

[Kartik]

My other question does that the MK1A loose 1 pylon for a CCM when carrying the SPJ's or will it still have the ability to carry 2 CCM +4 BVR missiles with SPJ's

Dual rack pylon will enable the Tejas Mk1A to carry 4 BVRAAMs (inner and mid pylons), 2 CCMs (#1 outermost dual rack pylon) and 1 SPJ (#2 outermost pylon) with a center drop tank.

[Kartik]

Hope they qualify new wings for second lot of 97 with wingtip pylon like LCA Mk2.

… those kind of casual “simple” requirements delay the whole production bonanza!

Produce as is in full volumes. The IAF needs aircraft now.

If you want those wing changes, then make the IAF order another 100 batch as Mk1B

Even the retired Chief Test Pilot of HAL, Grp Cpt Muthanna had stated during an interview that the new batch of 97 Tejas Mk1A should see modifications, to cater to any other obsolescence issues that weren't considered during the original Tejas Mk1A configuration freeze in 2020.

So some changes can be expected, but what those will be will have to be worked out between HAL and IAF. My guess is they will mostly be avionics and electronics related to cater to newer spec and lighter electronics available since when Mk1A was conceived.

HAL will till 2028 be producing the 73 Tejas Mk1As plus 10 Tejas trainers anyway. There will be some time in between to design, test and implement those changes. Wing change to include the wing tip launcher could be explored, given that the Tejas Mk2 will feature it anyway.

[srai]

^^^
You are very optimistic

Su-30MKI were mass produced (270+) in batches without any major changes once design was frozen. However, there have been continuous additions of new weapons and other minor upgrades once in service. Major upgrades are to occur in MLU.

[S_Madhukar]

Those upgrades requests sounds a bit like one of my IT managers. Inhouse team be very Agile , external vendor Saar do Waterfall take your time we understand you need to resolve technical debt also … bhai all the love for the in-house team onleee

[Rakesh]

From the Jan 2024 edition of Vayu Aerospace. Interview with HAL Chairman starts from Page 43. Please click on link below....

https://www.vayuaerospace.in/Issue/2024 ... 151624.pdf

Q. HAL has ramped up LCA Mk.1A production capacity to 24 aircraft per year. Is there more scope to scale up?

A. Our current goal is to deliver 24 aircraft from the Bengaluru and Nashik facilities from 2025–26. Once we have reached that goal, we can ramp up production to 30 aircraft per annum. It is possible if we can streamline the supply chain. But first we have to prove we can deliver 24 as there’s a general sense that HAL is not capable of producing aircraft in big numbers. I don’t want to get into that debate. More numbers are achievable as we know what our capacities and capabilities are. We are focused on making more numbers available to our customers as soon as possible.

Q. How is the first LCA Mk.1A shaping up?

A. As far as the first aircraft goes, the certification process of the new systems is underway by the Centre for Military
Airworthiness and Certification. Most of this has been done, and only three or four more systems need to be certified. It should happen in the next two to three months. On the production side, we started work on the aircraft last year and it is now in an advanced stage. It should get into equipping soon. Once all the systems are certified, we will do the ground runs and test flying. The first Mk.1A will be delivered to IAF in February 2024, and the last of the 83 jets by 2027–28 – a year ahead of the contracted delivery schedule.

[vonkabra]

Any news about the cannon? Has it been cleared for usage?

[bala]

This YT claims that Argentina is in talks with India to acquire 18 Tejas MK1A and Dhruv helos. Also claimed: This is the first inquiry for export of Tejas aircraft.
Q: would Argentina need US permission for Tejas MK1A and its GE 404 engine?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXtnVted3EI

[pravula]

This YT claims that Argentina is in talks with India to acquire 18 Tejas MK1A and Dhruv helos. Also claimed: This is the first inquiry for export of Tejas aircraft.
Q: would Argentina need US permission for Tejas MK1A and its GE 404 engine?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXtnVted3EI

Yes. Also see that F16 is in contention as well.

[Pratyush]

IIRC, the ex Dutch F 16s were cleared for export. But the Ukrainian war has created some wrinkles in the transfer of F 16 to Ukraine.

That leaves the JF 17, the T50 and the the Tejas as competation.

With the Argentinian president all but jumping in the US lap. It's going to be interesting, as 2 of the jets use the same engine.

[Manish_P]

..
That leaves the JF 17, the T50 and the the Tejas as competation.

With the Argentinian president all but jumping in the US lap. It's going to be interesting, as 2 of the jets use the same engine.

And with Argentina jumping out (or rather not jumping into) of the BRICs, the T50 would seem to be the clear front-runner

[Kartik]

..
That leaves the JF 17, the T50 and the the Tejas as competation.

With the Argentinian president all but jumping in the US lap. It's going to be interesting, as 2 of the jets use the same engine.

And with Argentina jumping out (or rather not jumping into) of the BRICs, the T50 would seem to be the clear front-runner

No the FA-50 isn't going ahead. South Korea has used quite a few British parts on the T-50 family and the UK has exercised it's veto on any sales to Argentina.

The Tejas Mk1A and JF-17 Blk3 will be the frontrunners if Danish (not Dutch) F-16s can't be transferred to Argentina due to Ukrainian requirements. But very recently, just in October 2023, the US Govt. gave the go ahead to the Danes for the sale of these MLU F-16s.

F-16s for Argentina

[Rakesh]

Digital Flight Control Computer for Tejas Mk1A flown successfully
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2007465
20 Feb 2024

https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/17 ... 51473?s=20 ---> Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer integrated in prototype LSP7 for Tejas Mk1A program underwent a successful maiden flight on 19 Feb 2024.

https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/17 ... 83978?s=20 ---> Developed indigenously by ADE Bengaluru, DFCC promises enhanced computational throughput and safety features. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh hailed this achievement as a significant stride towards self-reliance, reducing dependency on special imports.

[basant]

Congratulations to the Team Mk1A for the Digital Flight Control Computer test flight. I was surprised that it came so close to the first flight!

[Manish_P]

No the FA-50 isn't going ahead. South Korea has used quite a few British parts on the T-50 family and the UK has exercised it's veto on any sales to Argentina.
..

Oh yes. I forgot

[Rakesh]

The fact that this deal is being signed is clear indication that the 97 Mk1A order will be coming through.

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1764 ... 14621?s=20 ---> HAL might sign a ₹70,000 crore with NAL, Larsen & Tubro, Dynamatic Technologies and TASL for spares and avionics parts, will ramp up the production to 30 jets per year.

HAL's Mega Deal: A Potential Turning Point for L&T and Dynamatic Tech!

[fanne]

But is it not hemmed by only 20 f404 available per year from GE?
But if we are planning 30 a year, that means we already have many engines delivered. The GE site said over 120 GE F404-INS6 engine produced. Then 20/year can keep the line running at 30/year for a decade at least.

[Rakesh]

HAL and GE are in discussions over that issue. Not sure what the final outcome will be, as discussions are still taking place.

GE will have to ramp up production of the F404, as other platforms also use the same engine. See Below;

* Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk
* KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
* TAI Hürjet

[fanne]

Yes, but apparently only Indian effort is facing supply chain issue. Rest of them are getting what is needed.

[Rakesh]

Thus the discussion with GE Have to wait for the final outcome.

[ashishvikas]

Any new updates on Mk1A first flight & Delivery if happening in March?

[Rakesh]

Any new updates on Mk1A first flight & Delivery if happening in March?

You are asking question?

Saar, I look forward to your posts for the latest news.

[JTull]

GE production limit is to prevent exports and even keep IAF hand to mouth. Any high tempo operations will immediately bring forth serviceability issues. HAL should prioritise bringing production to desh suggesting to GE that it can use its capacity for other things.

[ashishvikas]

#WriteTake

* Tomorrow a crucial post on e-auction of a sketch. (Don't miss)

* Also tomorrow, a tiny update on why #TejasMk1A maiden flight got delayed.

* And, from Monday (11 Mar '24), a thread on #UttamRadar, which I kept you folks waiting.

https://twitter.com/writetake/status/17 ... iQTUw&s=19