Source : Indian Defence Analysis
BIG UPDATE: Indian Air Force considering offer of ADA to build Air Force version ORCA of Indian Navy TEDBF
ADA is developing TEDBFs (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighters) to operate from aircraft carriers of Indian Navy. In September 2022, ADA began the preliminary design phase of TEDBF, which is expected to be completed within two years. In next 2-3 years, the TEDBF program will transition from the design phase to the prototype development phase. The aircraft is expected to enter into production from 2032 onwards. A proposal for TEDBF prototype development likely to be taken up by the Cabinet Committee on Security soon, with the navy’s requirement expected to around 100 aircraft.
TEDBF will have unfolded wingspan of 11.6m and folded wingspan of 8.3m with wing area of 53.5 sq.m. It will have length of 17m and height of 5.65m. The aircraft will have maximum take-off weight of 26 Tons with external stores of 7.5 tons where it can carry weapons and drop tanks. The aircraft will have 12 hard points. The aircraft will have maximum flight altitude of 55,000 ft. The aircraft will have network centric capability along with multi sensor data fusion integrated with advanced sensors like AESA Radar, IRST, Unified EW suite, and MAWS.
The TEDBF has excellent design and there is no reason why India should not develop its air force version. Earlier, the proposed land version of TEDBF was called Omni Role Combat Aircraft or ORCA.
Multiple reports of ORCA development
As per report from India Today, India’s future twin-engine Medium Class Omni-Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA) fighter is also in the works.
Earlier in January 2023, The LCA Mk2 Project Director at ADA, V Madhusudana Rao has told financial express has said that there are clusters of other projects underway – some of them at the concept stage to design like the twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) for the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the LCA Naval (LCAN) and the Omni Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA).
Omni Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA)
If we consider these two reports, the ORCA program seems to have revived. Back in July 2020, the MOD also has asked Indian Air Force (IAF) to consider ORCA to make the TEDBF program financially viable and also share costs in its development phase.
ADA has proposed Twin-engine Medium Class Omni-Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA) as an Air force deviate for IAF which will be 1.5 tonnes lighter than the TEDBF and will have Maximum take-off weight of 23 tonnes. ORCA psychically will be same and share the same engine and design characters of the TEDBF. The aircraft is going to be heavier and more capable than LCA Mark2 and in similar category as Rafale. Indian Air Force considering offer of ADA to build Air Force version ORCA of Indian Navy TEDBF Indian Air Force considering offer of ADA to build Air Force version ORCA of Indian Navy TEDBF Indian Air Force considering offer of ADA to build Air Force version ORCA of Indian Navy TEDBF Indian Air Force considering offer of ADA to build Air Force version ORCA of Indian Navy TEDBF Indian Air Force considering offer of ADA to build Air Force version ORCA of Indian Navy TEDBF IgMp
