MWF loadout drawing

Designed to carry upto 8 BVRAAMs + 4 CCMs

Centerline hardpoint will be designed to carry upto 1800 kg payload. A new heavy stand-off precision weapon named Rudram-3 is in development and MWF will need to be able to carry it.

Rudram-1 is an anti-radiation weapon

Rudram-2 is another stand-off weapon

HAL signs contract with IAI for 54 Elta 2052 AESA radars for Jaguar DARIN III upgrade. Includes ToT

JUST IN! HAL signs contract with IAI ELTA for AESA Radar: The Avionics Division, Hyd has entered into a contract with IAI ELTA, Israel for manufacture/supply of AESA Radar (total of 54) for Jaguar DARIN III upgrade aircraft under the Transfer of Technology.

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As part of TOT, HAL will manufacture Gallium Arsenide-based Trans Receiver (T/R) Elements of Radar Antenna. Also, Transfer of Design Tech like Antenna with different configurations, development of Radar Processor application software/Low Voltage Current Source are also ensured

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Still waiting for the source of this claim that HAL used Rafale offsets with Messier Bugatti to optimize the LCA Navy landing gear. Never heard of it before.

And HAL had several years ago spoken of changes being made to reduce the landing gear weight. Well before the Rafale deal was even signed.

I don’t know what you’re talking about..redesigned landing gear designed with the help of Rafale offset contract? Says who? HAL designed the original overweight landing gear and then had to re-design it as well. No foreign help was sought, as far as I know.

A great interview with Grp Cpt Rajeev Joshi, Tejas test pilot on flying and fighting in the Tejas Mk1

Flying and fighting in HAL Tejas- interview with test pilot Rajeev Joshi

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What is the best thing about it?

“The small size and the good sensor package. The ability of the avionics design to absorb changes and upgrades seamlessly is a positive advantage. The biggest strength of the programme comes from the fact that the design and integration is indigenous. This gives the aircraft the ability to match the best in terms of features, utilities and modes. Small size and low (radar) signature, coupled with a good sensor package, puts the Tejas in a good advantageous spot with respect to bigger birds. The typical ‘first look, first kill’ works very well for the Tejas in a fight, both in the beyond visual and the visual realms. The Helmet Mounted Display System works well in a snap engagement and the coupled missile ‘line of sight’ (LOS) modes allow the first shot to be good. The HMDS is a very versatile piece of equipment for a number of tasks. The handling of the flight control system is fabulous and is being refined continuously. Based on the operational feedback from the fleet, the build up of rates is being refined to make it crisper and yet more responsive. In this area too, the 100% indigenous flight control system is a winner. It’s ours, and can be tweaked continuously. The process is very robust and the feedback about handling and what would ‘feel’ better is addressed very quickly. The full authority Auto Low Speed Recovery makes the aircraft truly carefree, more so than any other fighter in the world. This may be contested, but I’m willing to defend this position in a debate! The ALSR and other higher control law modes put this a notch higher. Throw it around as much as you can — when she says ‘no’, she will take over and recover the situation for you. The control and handling in high gain tasks like aerial refuelling is superb. It will beat contemporaries or older birds in this area. It really makes you feel like a great pilot!”

…and the worst?

“Ironically, the size! It invariably tends to get compared to its bigger cousins in the business. The size essentially limits internal fuel and hence the shorter legs as compared to others. However, if the focus is kept on the fact that it was intended as a light fighter, the fuel fraction is reasonable. The ‘404 and aircraft combo is frugal, and with external tanks and a high flow-rate aerial refuelling system, it’s ok…..”

How would your rate Tejas in the following categories:

A. Instantaneous turn
“Snaps into it! However, the traditional drag of the delta platform does start showing after a while.”

B. Sustained turn
“Mid mach numbers and mid altitudes, good. Like an aircraft of its size, affected by stores carried.”

C. Acceleration
“Climbs well, and the acceleration is good. The continuing refinement in the drag department is an ongoing process which aims to make this better still. With every drag count being ‘counted’ with a fine tooth comb, it will only get better”

D. Climb rate
“Reasonable and meets the specs laid out.”

E. High alpha performance
“Fabulous! Difficult to enter a difficult situation with respect to this… a very robust control law makes the Tejas a winner here. Do remember though, that comparisons with its thrust-vector control- equipped Russian cousins would be unfair here. The nose holds up well in low speed fight, and the ALSR makes you trust the aircraft. High angles of attack manoeuvres and reversals are comfortable, albeit with a little ‘barrellish tendency’. Though like any flight control system controlled fighter, the rate of roll and pitch rate does go down with high AoA and/or high pitch angles.”

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How does it compare with other fast jets you have flown? Which aircraft has most similar flight characteristics?

“A lot of inspiration for the Tejas came from the Mirage 2000. Of course, the Mirage was a worthy template to look up to, and hence it is quite like it. Flight characteristics-wise? Closest to the Mirage 2000. Lovely similarities in feel and handling.

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Poland to sign order for 32 F-35A fighters next week

New Delhi’s Su-30MKIs get hard hitting anti-ship capability