The Future of India’s Combat Aviation: Discover the Best of the LCA Tejas Mk2

Under development by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Discover the Best of the LCA Tejas Mk2. With a length of approximately 48 ft and a wingspan of 28 ft, it is designed to boast enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessor, Tejas Mk1. The jet will be powered by a more potent GE F414-INS6 engine, capable of attaining speeds beyond Mach 1.8 and operating at altitudes exceeding 55,000 feet.

Designated under ADA as LCA AF Mk2, its advanced avionics suite includes radar and sensor systems for superior situational awareness, making it adept at air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft features a glass cockpit with state-of-the-art displays, enhancing pilot interface and mission effectiveness. With increased payload capacity and modernized weaponry, the Tejas Mk2 will stand as a formidable asset, representing India’s commitment to indigenous aerospace technology.

The collaborative effort of ADA and ARDC ( Aircraft Research and Design Center ) with HAL ( Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ) has led to the creation of LCA AF Mk2, known as the HAL Tejas Mark 2. This Indian-origin, single-engine, delta-wing with canard, multirole combat aircraft is designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Featuring an extended airframe, closely connected canards, advanced sensors, and a more potent engine, it signifies a compelling next-generation development of the HAL Tejas.

The aircraft is intended to replace several IAF fighters, including the Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29. The aircraft’s indigenous content is reported to increase from its initial 82% to 90%. The maiden flight is anticipated between 2026 and 2027. The purchase involves 99 GE F414 engines, with the initial batch supplied directly by GE, while the remainder is set to be manufactured in India by HAL under a transfer-of-technology agreement.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved ₹10,000 crore for Tejas Mark 2, which includes developing a prototype and conducting flight testing, on September 1, 2022. An additional ₹6,500 crore will be needed for fighter jet development, on top of the ₹2,500 crore that was already approved through internal finance. HAL intends to begin limited series manufacturing in 2025 and high-speed taxi trials in 2023.

By 2027, all development work will be finished, and serial production will commence in 2030. The Tejas Mark 2 is scheduled to go into service in 2028. Expectations include a further order of 210 aircraft in addition to the present commitment of 110–120 aircraft that will form six squadrons.

Design Analysis of the Tejas Mk2 Aircraft

Besides sharing design commonalities and specific critical systems with its predecessor, Tejas Mark 1A, the majority of technologies incorporated in the Tejas Mk2 are derived from advancements developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The Mk2 aircraft showcases a sophisticated design that seamlessly integrates aerodynamic excellence with state-of-the-art technology. Its airframe, predominantly constructed from lightweight composite materials, maximizes strength while ensuring agility and fuel efficiency. The delta wing design enhances both manoeuvrability and stability, meeting a diverse range of operational requirements.

In order to attain frontal stealth capabilities, the airframe design will incorporate various techniques to minimize radar cross-section (RCS). These methods include twisted air-intake ducts, partial radar-absorbent material covering, and the use of composites in the skin construction. Featuring a single vertical stabilizer, close-coupled canards for static instability, and fly-by-wire technologies for instability management, it showcases a tail-less compound delta-wing configuration that ensures exceptional agility.

The aircraft is set to feature a missile approach warning system and an infrared search and track (IRST) system. With an enhanced payload capacity of 6,500 kg (14,300 lb) and an increased internal fuel capacity exceeding 3,400 kg (7,500 lb), it will have the capability to carry more weapons with an extended range.

In addition to various avionics enhancements, the design will incorporate an integrated electro-optic electronic warfare suite, an aircraft health and usage monitoring system that integrates various sensors onboard Tejas Mark 2 from the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, and an indigenous integrated life-support system with an onboard oxygen generation system (ILSS-OBOGS) from the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory. ADA has expanded the air intake doors to accommodate the powerful GE F414 INS6 engine, utilizing additional fuselage space.

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