Tejas Mk 1A: Advanced Indian Light Combat Aircraft Specifications and Features

The Tejas Mk 1A is an advanced variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This article outlines the detailed specifications and capabilities of the Tejas Mk 1A, making it a renowned asset for the IAF.

General Specifications

The Tejas Mk 1A is a single-seat aircraft with the following dimensions:

Length: 13.2 meters (43 ft 4 in) Wingspan: 8.2 meters (26 ft 11 in) Height: 4.4 meters (14 ft 5 in) Wing Area: 38 m2 (409 ft2) Empty Weight: Approximately 6,000 kg (13,228 lb) Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 13,500 kg (29,762 lb)

Performance

The aircraft has impressive performance metrics, including:

Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 km/h or 1,367 mph) Range: 3,000 km (1,864 miles) Service Ceiling: 15,000 meters (49,200 ft) Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: Approximately 0.9 to 1.0 Engine: General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan, with a thrust of 84 kN (19,000 lbf) with afterburner

Avionics and Radar

The Tejas Mk 1A is equipped with sophisticated avionics and advanced radar systems:

Radar: Multi-mode radar that can include EL/M-2032 or similar systems Electronic Warfare (EW): Advanced electronic warfare suite for enhanced situational awareness Cockpit: Glass cockpit with modern displays and controls, enhancing pilot efficiency and situational awareness

The aircraft is also fitted with an Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) radar, such as the EL/M-2052, which is expected to be integrated in future upgrades. This radar provides high accuracy and a wide range of capabilities for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Armament and Missiles

The Tejas Mk 1A is designed to undertake a variety of missions and is armed with a combination of guns and advanced missile systems:

Guns: One 23 mm twin-barrel cannon with 220 rounds of ammunition Hardpoints: 8 hardpoints for ordnance, including: Air-to-air missiles: Derbys, Python-5, and R-73 Air-to-ground missiles: BrahMos, Kh-59, and Anti-Radiation Missiles Air-to-sea missiles: Kh-31/35 Bombs: Laser-guided bombs, glide bombs, and cluster weapons Drop tanks: For extended range and ferry flights

Stealth and Other Features

The Tejas Mk 1A incorporates several innovative features:

Stealth: Reduced radar cross-section design to evade detection by enemy radar systems Flight Control System: Advanced fly-by-wire system Multirole Capability: Designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions Air refueling: Capable of mid-air refueling to extend its operational range Maintenence: Design optimized for maintenance, allowing for high sortie rates of up to 5 sorties per day

Conclusion

The Tejas Mk 1A represents significant advancements in India's indigenous defense capabilities. This aircraft is expected to contribute substantially to the Indian Air Force's strategic needs, ensuring a robust air support capability for years to come.