ADA hiring additional 200 engineers to support the testing and production activities for Tejas MK2 project
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is bolstering its engineering team by hiring an additional 200 engineers to accelerate testing and production efforts for the Tejas Mk2 project.
Additionally, ADA has acquired three Array Power Supply units to enhance the performance of the Uttam AESA radar system onboard the Tejas Mk2.
According to sources within ADA and DRDO, prototype production of the Tejas Mk2 is already underway, and necessary infrastructure is being put in place to support this phase.
🇮🇳 #ADA hiring additional 200 engineers to support the testing and production activities for #Tejas Mk2 project.
— News IADN (@NewsIADN) October 26, 2024
ADA is also procuring 3 Array Power Supply units for the AESA radar of Tejas Mk2. #IADN pic.twitter.com/TLQslzHxKD
Overview of the Tejas Mk2
The HAL Tejas Mk2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), is an advanced single-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed by ADA in collaboration with HAL's Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This aircraft is a progression from the Tejas Mk1, featuring an extended airframe, close-coupled canards, advanced sensors, and a more powerful engine.
The Tejas Mk2 is designed to replace several aging IAF strike fighters, including the SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29. Initially, the Tejas Mk2 will feature 82% indigenous components, with plans to exceed 90% as the engine is manufactured locally.
While incorporating some commonalities from the Tejas Mk1A, the Tejas Mk2 introduces advanced technology inspired by the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The Tejas Mk2 will feature radar cross-section-reduction measures in the airframe design, including radar-absorbent materials and composite structures for a degree of frontal stealth. The aircraft has a tailless compound delta wing configuration, a single vertical stabilizer, and close-coupled canards to enhance stability and maneuverability. The fly-by-wire control system ensures stable handling.
The MWF will also include an indigenous integrated life-support system with an onboard oxygen generation system (ILSS-OBOGS), developed by the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory. Other systems, such as the aircraft health and usage monitoring system, come from the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology. ADA has optimized the fuselage and increased the air intake to support the powerful GE F414 INS6 engine.
The Tejas Mk2 is also fitted with an infrared search and track (IRST) system and a missile approach warning system. Its payload capacity has increased to 6,500 kg, with an internal fuel capacity of over 3,400 kg, giving it enhanced operational range and weapon-carrying capabilities.
Enhanced Sensors and Avionics
Tejas Mk2’s avionics incorporate multi-sensor data fusion, integrating active and passive sensors. A variant of the Uttam AESA radar developed by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) will be onboard. An integrated IRST system enables passive target acquisition. The aircraft will also feature a software-defined radio-based tactical data link for secure communication, enhancing network-centric warfare capabilities supported by the Air Force’s digital grid.
Advanced Cockpit Design
The cockpit of the Tejas Mk2 is designed for night vision and includes a large, touch-sensitive panoramic display. A wide-angle holographic head-up display provides vital flight data, while hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls simplify pilot operation.
Powerful Propulsion System
The Tejas Mk2 is powered by a single General Electric F414 INS6 afterburning turbofan engine with a maximum thrust output of 98 kN, improving fuel efficiency over the F404 IN20 engine used in the Mk1 and Mk1A variants. The Tejas Mk2’s design allows for a future Indian-developed engine to replace the F414, ensuring minimal configuration adjustments.
In 2023, eight units of the F414 engine were delivered as part of a deal for 99 engines originally signed in 2010. Initial batches are supplied directly by GE, with further production transitioning to Indian facilities under an 80% technology transfer agreement involving both public and private sector enterprises.
Extensive Armament Options
The Tejas Mk2 offers a robust selection of weaponry, with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon and 13 hardpoints supporting various air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-radiation missiles, as well as precision-guided munitions and laser-guided bombs.
Some of the primary weapon options include:
- Air-to-Air Missiles: MICA, ASRAAM, Meteor (planned), Astra Mk1/Mk2, NG-CCM (planned)
- Air-to-Surface Missiles: BrahMos-NG ALCM, LR-ALCM (planned), Rudram 2/3 (planned), Storm Shadow (planned), Crystal Maze
- Anti-Radiation Missile: Rudram 1/2 (planned)
- Bombs:
- Precision-Guided: Spice, HSLD series, DRDO Glide Bombs, DRDO SAAW
- Laser-Guided: Sudarshan
- Loitering Munition: CATS ALFA
With the addition of these powerful armaments and advanced capabilities, the Tejas Mk2 is set to become a formidable asset to India’s air defense, offering both strategic flexibility and enhanced national security.
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