Fighter Jets Of Indian Air Force From 1947-Present | Part-2
![Rafale](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rafale-1.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
These are some of the fighter jets that were left in Part-1 of Fighter Jets Of the Indian Air Force From 1947-Present.
So, now we continue with these remaining fighter jets…
Fighter Aircraft | Country of Origin | Service Period | Type |
Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter | USSR | 1968–1986 | Fighter-Bomber |
HAL Ajeet | India | 1977 – 1991 | Lightweight Fighter |
SEPECAT Jaguar GR.I | UK/France | 1979 –1984 | Ground Attack |
SEPECAT Jaguar IM/IS | UK/France | 1979 – Present | Ground Attack |
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN | USSR | 1981–2009 | Fighter-Bomber |
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 RBK & RU | USSR | 1981 – 2006 | Reconnaissance |
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MF | USSR | 1982–2007 | Fighter |
Mikoyan MiG-27 | USSR | 1985–2019 | Fighter |
Mirage 2000 H/I | France | 1985 – Present | Multi-role Fighter |
Mikoyan Mig-29 | USSR | 1985 – Present | Multi-role Fighter |
Sukhoi Su-30 MKI | Russia | 2002 – Present | Multi-role Fighter |
HAL Tejas | India | 2015 – Present | Multi-role Light Fighter |
Dassault Rafale | France | 2021 – Present | Multi-role Fighter |
You should comment on your Top 5 favorite aircraft from these with a specification that you love more.
Fighter Jets That Used By IAF From 1947-Present
These are some fighter jets that have been inducted into the Indian Army from 1947 to date.
Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter
The Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter is a swept-wing, supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in 1955. It was the first aircraft in the USSR to use an all-moving tailplane and translating central body, an inlet cone in the air intake, to manage engine flow at supersonic speeds. The plane also had a wing sweep of 60°, an irreversible ejection seat of Sukhoi’s design.
After the death of Josep Stalin on 14 May 1953, the Sukhoi OKB (Experimental Design Bureau) was opened and work began on the design of a swept-wing front line aircraft named the S1. Several variants of this aircraft were developed with many different wing configurations and were produced in more numbers than any British aircraft. This aircraft made its first flight on 7 September 1955 and by 1959 it was inducted into the Soviet Air Force.
![Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/su-7.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
It was designed as a tactical low-level dogfighter but it did not succeed in this role. The Su-7A was retired in 1965. They never saw combat. After this, the Su-7B series was introduced. Which was included in the Soviet Union Air Force as a fighter bomber and fighter aircraft.
The aircraft was fitted with a Lyulka Al-7 turbojet engine, which had reduced payload capacity due to its high fuel consumption.
Some Specifications of Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 1,340 mph (2,150 km/h) |
Combat range | 1,030 mi (1,650 km) |
Service ceiling | 57,700 ft (17,600 m) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 2 × 30 mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 autocannons (70 rounds per gun, 140 rounds total) |
Hardpoints | 4 × under-wing & 2 × under-fuselage stations for 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) of disposable stores. 2 × reserved for 2,300 l drop tanks |
Extra Fuel tank | Provision for 2 × reserved for 2,300 l drop tanks. |
140 Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter were delivered in 1968, equipping six squadrons. An additional 14 attrition replacements were supplied. The last aircraft was de-commissioned in 1986.
Past Uses of Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter
- It was used in the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Indian Su-7BMKs shot down at least two Shenyang F-6s in the 1971 war.
- The Su-7 saw battle with Egypt in the 1967 Six-Day War, and the following War of Attrition, and witnessed use in the Yom Kippur War by the Egyptians to attack Israeli ground forces.
Some Interesting facts about Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter
- Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter was the first fighter aircraft of JSC Sukhoi Company.
- Su-7 is the second aircraft that was designed and manufactured by Sukhoi and was still in service. It is still in limited service with the Korean People’s Army Air Force.
HAL Ajeet
HAL Ajeet is a derivative of the British light fighter aircraft Folland Gnat. It was redesigned and manufactured under license by Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for IAF.
HAL redesigned it based on many aspects according to Indian Circumstances. Simultaneously, the reliability and efficiency of several subsystems have been improved, such as avionics and hydraulic systems.
The adoption of a wet wing expands the fighter’s internal fuel capacity and freed up several under-wing hardpoints for other objectives. Due to this move, both the combat range and payload capacity of the aircraft increased. The wet wing is an aerospace engineering method where an aircraft’s wing configuration is sealed and used as a fuel tank.
Ajeet made his first flight on 30 September 1976. In the next year 1977, it was inducted into the Indian Air Force as a light fighter. In this program, HAL produced 9 Ajeet aircraft and 10 imported Gnats were also upgraded into this.
It was equipped with a Bristol Siddeley Orpheus engine.
![HAL Ajeet](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ajeet.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
Some Specifications of HAL Ajeet
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 716 mph (1,152 km/h) |
Combat range | 107 mi (172 km) |
Service ceiling | 45,010 ft (13,720 m) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 2 × 30 mm (1.181 in) ADEN Mk.4 cannon with 90 RPG |
Bombs | 2x 250 kg (551 lb) bombs |
Hardpoints | 4 with a capacity of 900 kg (2,000 lb) total |
Extra Fuel tank | 2x 136.5 l drop tanks. |
Past Uses of HAL Ajeet
Not any Operational service history
SEPECAT Jaguar
SEPECAT Jaguar is an attack aircraft jointly built by France and Britain. Breguet of France and British Aircraft Limited of Britain established a joint venture named SEPECAT and as its first product, Jaguar Aircraft also became the first Anglo-French aircraft.
It was initially developed as a jet trainer with light combat capabilities but later changed to supersonic performance, reckoning, and tactical nuclear strike roles as needed.
The Jaguar is a single-seat, swept-wing, and designed aircraft with a Tall tricycle-type retractable landing gear. It is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan engines. The Adour turbofan engine was developed by Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca in parallel to Jaguar. This is a two-shaft turbofan engine that was developed exclusively for Jaguar.
Ease of maintenance was a major consideration of the engine change being possible within 30 minutes. For the Jaguar it needed a low bypass capable of high thrust for take-off, supersonic flight, and low-level “dashes”. Jaguar was equipped with a navigation and attack system from the beginning. Whereas the version had a dedicated double gyroscopic system and a Doppler radar derived from Mirage 3E. The GR1s had an inertial navigation system and a completely new digital system with a heads-up display, as well as LRMTS (Laser Ranging and Marked Targeting System) in the nose.
Some IAF aircraft had an Agave radar system, intended for intentional sea attacks. India later developed the Darin system with the modern 1553 databus in its Jaguar squadron.
![SEPECAT Jaguar](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jaguar.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
Some Specifications of SEPECAT Jaguar
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 (A and S); 2 (B and E) |
Maximum speed | 1,056 mph (1,699 km/h) |
Combat range | 875 mi (1,408 km) |
Service ceiling | 46,000 ft (14,000 m) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 2× 30 mm (1.181 in) caliber DEFA cannon with up to 150 rounds/gun |
Bombs | various unguided or laser-guided bombs or 2× WE177A nuclear bombs |
Hardpoints | 7 (4× under-wing, 2× over-wing and 1× center-line) with a capability of 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range/loitering time |
Variants OF SEPECAT Jaguar
1. SEPECAT Jaguar GR.I
The Jaguar GR.I was a Ground-Attack variant of the SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet. It was introduced into the Indian Airforce in 1979 and was retired in 1984.
2. SEPECAT Jaguar IM/IS
The Jaguar IM/IS was a Ground-Attack variant of the SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet. It was introduced in the Indian Air Force in 1979 and is still serving in the Indian Air Force.
It is a single-seat marine strike aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Equipped with Agave radar and competent in carrying Sea Eagle anti-ship missile, 12 built by HAL. It was Upgraded with EL/M-2052. It is a single-seat all-weather tactical strike, a ground-attack fighter for the Indian Air Force, 35 produced by BAe and 89 built by HAL (Shamser).
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-developed upgrade for the Indian Air Force S, M, and B variant fleet. The upgraded suite was revealed in February 2019 and retains the latest avionics, a revamped cockpit, and the adoption of modern armaments.
Past Uses of SEPECAT Jaguar
- In Operation Deliberate Force, 6 Jaguar fighters, based in Italy, conducted 63 strike missions.
- On 17 January 1991, 12 French Jaguars bombed Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, Kuwait; 3 were damaged in the combat but all returned to base.
- On the 30th of January 1991, two RAF Jaguar fighters destroyed a Polnochny-class landing ship with rockets and cannon.
Some Interesting facts about SEPECAT Jaguar
It is true that right now only India is using Jaguar filters extensively. India has upgraded these jets and is still using them. They will only be decommissioned after 8-10 years. This aircraft has some unique features which are why it is still an asset for the IAF.
- The Jaguar landing gear is comparatively different than other aircraft. It was designed in such a way that it can land on any rough surface or unprepared runway.
- The design of wings provides good stability to the aircraft which is essential for any ground attack aircraft. Jaguar is a ground-attack aircraft It is a good bomber jet as it is capable of low-level flying with high stability.
- Because of its low-level flying abilities, it is difficult to detect it on the radar.
- Jaguar is a good maritime purpose low-level flying aircraft like Jaguar can be used to destroy enemy warship. Over time, the Engine performance deteriorates. However, low-level flying is not hampered by this.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 is a USSR-made variable swept-wing fighter aircraft. A Variable swept wing is an aircraft’s wing or set of wings that can be rotated and then brought back to its original position during flight. This type of wing also allows the shape of the aircraft to be modified in flight. As a result, such aircraft are also called variable-geometry aircraft. It was developed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau as a third-generation jet fighter.
The MiG-23 was developed as a fighter aircraft and fighter-bomber aircraft. Its basic design is similar to the MiG-27, which is a dedicated ground-attack aircraft. MiG-23, the MiG-21 predecessor is fast and agile but Primitive Radar, Short Range, and Limited Weapons Load limit its operational capabilities.
In the early 1960s, replacement work for the MiG-21 had begun. The new aircraft required better performance and combat range than the MiG-21. Along with this were weapons such as more capable avionics and Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missiles.
The MiG-23 was powered by the Tumansky R-27-300 turbojet engine that provided the aircraft with a maximum speed of 2.4 Mach and a thrust of 12,500 K.G. The engine intake had louvers that supplied the environmental control system with air to keep the avionics and pilot cool.
![Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mig-23.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
Some Specifications of MiG-23
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 1,553 mph (2,499 km/h) |
Combat range | 1200 mi (1,900 km) |
Service ceiling | 60,000 ft (18,300 m) |
Max. take-off weight | 17,800 kg (39,242 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 1 × 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L autocannon with 260 rounds |
Hardpoints | 2 × fuselage, 2 × wing glove, and 2 × wing pylons with a capacity of up to 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) of stores |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
Variants OF MiG-23
These are 2 variants of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 aircraft that were used by the Indian Air Force –
1. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN
The MiG-23BN was a Fighter-Bomber variant of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter jet. It was introduced into the Indian Airforce in 1981 and was retired in 2009.
2. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MF
The MiG-23MF was a Fighter variant of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 fighter jet. It was introduced into the Indian Airforce in 1982 and was retired in 2007.
Past Uses of MiG-23
- On 26 May 1999, the Indian Air Force began air strikes during the Kargil War.
- MiG-23BN was used by the IAF in Operation Safedsagar, During the Kargil war of 1999.
- During the Kuwait Invasion of Iraq and the Gulf War (1990–1991), the Iraqi Airforces operated this aircraft to bombing on Kuwait.
Some Interesting facts about MiG-23
- It was the first Soviet fighter jet to field a shoot-down radar, the RP-23 Sapfir.
- One of the first Soviet aircraft to be armed with beyond-visual-range missiles.
- With 5,000 aircraft, It was the most produced variable-sweep wing airplane in aviation history.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft designed by the Soviet Union’s Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau. The design bureau had finalized its configuration after studying several possible layouts. The engine is located side by side, as on MiG-19 because if the engines were stacked vertically or in a stepped arrangement with one engine amidships, with exhaust under the fuselage, and another in the aft fuselage, the engine size would be larger. In these conditions, Because the aircraft would have become very tall, it would have been very difficult to maintain.
After the engine configuration, the decision was taken to make variable-sweep wings and two-seater aircraft in which the second pilot would act as the navigator. The variable geometry would have enhanced the aircraft’s maneuvering at subsonic speeds but would have reduced fuel tank capacity. Therefore this idea was also rejected because reconnaissance aircraft operate at high speed and high altitude. Simultaneously, it dropped the idea of vertical take-off and landing by saying that the engines dedicated to vertical lift become my dead weight in horizontal flight, as well as occupying the space required for fuel in the airframe.
![Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mig-25.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
Its first variant was a reconnaissance aircraft, which made its first flight on 6 March 1964. Special material was needed to counter the thermal stress generated in flight above Mach 2. They preferred E-2 heat resistance Plexiglas for the canopy and high-strength stainless steel for the wings and fuselage. Titanium was a better option than steel, but it was very difficult to work with as it was expansive. Heavier nickel steel was used to avoid cracking in welded titanium structures with lower steel costs. It cost very less than titanium and is permitted for welding, along with heat-resistant seals.
Some Specifications of MiG-25 (Indian Variant)
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 1,900 mph (3,000 km/h) / Mach 3.32 |
Combat range | 1160 mi (1,860 km) |
Service ceiling | 90,000 ft (27,300m) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | No Canon in IAF version |
Hardpoints | Not any Hardpoints Its a reconnaissance aircraft in IAF |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
The IAF took delivery of six MiG-25RBKs and two MiG-25RUs in 1981. They were operated by No. 102 Squadron “Trisonics” based at Bakshi Ka Talab AB in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. One RBK crashed on 3 August 1994. They were retired from service in May 2006.
MiG-25RBK is a single-seat high-altitude daylight reconnaissance aircraft, equipped with cameras and ELINT equipment. MiG-25RU was a two-seat modification trainer for reconnaissance versions. It was equipped with the MiG-25R navigation system.
The construction of the MiG-25 uses an 80% nickel-steel alloy with 11% aluminum and 9% plutonium. It was fitted with 2 Tumansky R-15B-300 turbojet engines each making 73.5 kN dry thrust and 100.1 kN with afterburner thrust.
Past Uses of MiG-25
- It was used by IAF broadly in the Kargil War and Operation Parakram, conducting aerial reconnaissance sorties over Pakistan.
- The MiG-25 was in service with the Iraqi Air Force during the Iran–Iraq War. Iraqi Air Force declared their MiG-25s shot down at least 15 Iranian fighter aircraft during the war, while only one MiG-25 was lost in air combat.
- During the 1970s, the Soviet air force conducted reconnaissance overflights across Iran operating its MiG-25RBSh aircraft in reply to joint US-Iran recon operations.
Some Interesting facts about MiG-25
- It was to be the final aircraft designed by Mikhail Gurevich, Co-Founder of Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau and chief designer, before his retirement.
- MiG-25 is one of the fastest serially produced interceptor aircraft.
- It is the second-fastest serially produced aircraft after the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft.
- It has a record of being one of the highest-flying military aircraft.
- MiG-25 is the fastest plane that was offered for supersonic flights and edge-of-space flights to civilian customers.
- it is one of the few combat aircraft built primarily using stainless steel.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27
The Mikoyan MiG-27 is a supersonic Garuda attack fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the USSR. It is a variable swept-wing aircraft based on the MiG-23 fighter aircraft which was optimized for the air-to-air attack. But unlike the MiG-23, the MiG-27 did not have widespread use outside Russia as most countries opted for the MiG-23BN and Sukhoi Su-22.
The MiG-27 shared the same basic airframe as the MiG-23 with a modified nose. It was first introduced into the Soviet Air Force as the MiG-23B. Dissatisfaction with the MiG-23BN led to the further development of the basic airframe to adopt a stronger undercarriage, simpler intakes, and a shorter exhaust nozzle, without radar on the side of a downward-sloping profile for elevated pilot visibility, a laser rangefinder, and marked-target seeker.
![Mikoyan MiG-27](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mig-27.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
The pilots who conducted its test flights also called it “Balkon” because of the large frontal view from the cockpit. It also got a completely new navigation/attack system with additional cockpit armor installed.
There was also a provision to mount missiles and precision-guided munitions to reduce the weight and maintenance requirements as well as the capability of the MiG-27 to strike and low-level attacks.
Some Specifications of MiG-27
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 1,171 mph (1,885 km/h) |
Combat range | 480 mi (780 km) |
Service ceiling | 46,000 ft (14,000m) |
Max. take-off weight | 20,670 kg (45,570 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-30 rotary cannon with 260 rounds, or, can be modified in a workshop to: 1 × 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 autocannon with 200 rounds. |
Hardpoints | 1 × centerline, 4 × fuselages, and 2 × wing glove pylons with a capability of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
This aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 1985. The Indian Air Force has retired their aircraft (165 MiG-27Ms licensed and built by HAL). The first batch of MiG-27MLs was retired in December 2017. While the final batch was retired from service on 27 December 2019.
Past Uses of MiG-27
- It served as the main fighter role in the IAF, in the Kargil war of 1999.
- During the Sri Lankan Civil War, they saw significant action bombing targets and provided close air support.
- Soviet forces operated the MiG-27 during the later phases of the Afghanistan clash in 1987–89.
Mirage 2000 H/I
The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a single-engine multirole jet fighter. It is a fourth-generation fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation. It was developed in the 1970s as a lightweight fighter to replace the French Mirage 3s. But many variants were made to sell to multiple countries, due to which it evolved as a multirole fighter.
Like the SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft, it also gets a retractable Tricycle landing gear that was developed by Safran Landing Systems (formerly Messier-Bugatti-Dowty). Its tail can also be fitted with a runway arrested hook or brake parachute to stop the aircraft. This works in conjunction with the carbon brakes on the landing gear to reduce the landing distance. Its aircraft flight control system is fly-by-wire.
The Mirage fighter jet comes in both single-seat and double-seat configurations. The ejection seat in all variants of the Mirage 2000 will be offered with the Martin-Baker Mac. 10 only licensed variant SEM MB Mach. 10 seats are available. In addition, all aircraft are powered by a SNECMA M53 turbofan engine that produces up to 95.1 Kn (21,400 lb) of thrust when the afterburner is used.
![Mirage 2000](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mirage-2000.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
It is a single shaft engine that is lighter and simpler than it’s British or American designs. Although the production of this aircraft was stopped in 2007 itself, even today all its operators are using it in significant numbers.
Some Specifications of Mirage-2000
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 2,336 km/h (1,452 mph) |
Combat range | 1,550 km (960 mi) |
Service ceiling | 55,970 ft (17,060 m) |
Max. take-off weight | 17,000 kg (37,479 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 2× 30 mm (1.2 in) DEFA 554 revolver cannon, 125 rounds per gun |
Hardpoints | 9 total (4× under-wing, 5× under-fuselage) with a capacity of 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) external fuel and ordnance |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
Variants of Mirage-2000 in IAF
These are the 2 versions of Mirage-2000 that were modified for the Indian airforce, and the IAF used this for many years –
1. Mirage 2000H
Mirage-2000H was introduced into the Indian Airforce in 1985 as a multirole fighter jet. and IAF still uses this aircraft. Mirage 2000H is a single-seat fighter aircraft and 2000 TH is a trainer variant of this that comes with 2 seats.
2. Mirage 2000I/TI
It is an Indian-specific variant single/twin-seater fighter for the Indian Air Force similar to Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 fitted with Indian French and Israeli avionics and weapon packages. Its agreement was signed in 2011 and the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in 2015.
Past Uses of Mirage-2000
- During the 2001–02 India–Pakistan standoff, IAF Mirage 2000s fighters were operated to destroy Pakistani bunkers with precision-guided munitions.
- In the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan, the IAF used it heavily as the main fighter aircraft.
- On 26 February 2019, 12 Mirage 2000s of IAF were utilized to strike an apparent Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group’s training base in Balakot, Pakistan.
Some Interesting facts about Mirage-2000
- It became the first fourth-generation fighter aircraft to be inducted into the Indian Air Force.
Mikoyan Mig-29
The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a Soviet Union-made twin-engined fighter aircraft. Like other MiG aircraft, the MiG-21 and MiG-25 were designed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau. It was developed by the Soviet Union during the 1970s as an air superiority fighter equivalent to the American F-15 and F-16 Fighters. But later it was also furnished as a multirole fighter by making it capable of different operations.
The MiG-29 exhibits broad aerodynamic similarities apart from some notable differences from the Sukhoi Su-27. The MiG-29 is a swept-wing aircraft with 40° backward sweep wings with swept tailplanes on the outboard boom of the engine and 2 vertical fins. But it doesn’t have a fly-by-wire control system like the Su-27.
Yet, it is very agile, with excellent quick and sustained turn performance, high-alpha capacity, and generic resistance to spins. The airframe consists mostly of aluminum with some mixed materials. In addition, the MiG-29 is powered by two Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines, each generating 50Kn of dry power and 81.3Kn of power with afterburners. Effective wing loading was reduced to enhance the maneuverability of the aircraft. The intake ramps have been installed under Leading-Edge-Extensions (LERXs) to feed the engines. These are all variable ramps that help the aircraft to achieve high Mach speed. The cockpit comes with a conventional center control stick and left-hand throttle controls. The pilot sits in a Zvezda K-36DM ejection seat. MiG-29 was introduced into the Indian Airforce in 1985 as a multi-role fighter jet. and IAF still uses this aircraft.
![MiG-29](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/सगु-29.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
MiG-29 is a Naval variant based on MiG-29M, the letter “K” stands for “Korabelnogo bazirovaniya” (deck-based). It is specially developed for the Indian Naval Air Arm. In addition, the Indian Airforce operates the MiG-29 UPG variant of MiG-29.
Some Specifications of MiG-29
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 2,400 km/h (1,500 mph) |
Combat range | 1,430 km (890 mi) |
Service ceiling | 59,000 ft (18,000 m) |
Max. take-off weight | 18,000 kg (39,683 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon with 150 rounds |
Hardpoints | 7 × hardpoints (6 × underwings, 1 × fuselage) with a capacity of up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of stores |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
Past Uses of MiG-29
- Indian MiG-29s were used broadly during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir by the Indian Air Force to provide fighter escort for Mirage 2000s striking targets with laser-guided bombs.
- In August 2014, Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29, bort number 53 White, commissioned with air-to-ground duties against rebel locations was shot down by pro-Russian rebels in the Luhansk province.
- During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, MiG-29s were operated as air superiority fighters.
Some Interesting facts about MiG-29
- MiG-29K (the naval variant of MiG-29) became the first fourth-generation fighter aircraft to be inducted into the Indian Navy.
Sukhoi Su-30 MKI
Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a twin-engine two-seater fighter aircraft. It was specially designed by Sukhoi Aviation Corporation as a multi-role fighter for the IAF. After the initial few units are imported from Russia, it is assembled by HAL in India itself. It is a supermaneuverable fighter aircraft capable of all-weather, air-to-air, and air interaction missions. This aircraft is equipped with a fly-by-wire system.
Along with this, it comes with thrust vectoring control capability and integrated aerodynamic configuration. All these provide it with unique landing and takeoff features and high maneuverability. In some types of advanced maneuvering exercises, its relative speed drops below the limit at which the Doppler radar signal of the pursuing fighter is received. This means that while performing maneuverability, its high thrust is also so useful for an enemy fighter jet that it does not show in its seeker radar.
![Su-30MKI](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/su-30.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
It is powered by two Lylka Saturn AL 31FP turbofan engines, each producing 122.6 Kn of afterburning thrust that pulls the aircraft’s max speed up to Mach 2. Autopilot mode is included in all its flight stages. Along with this, it has an interconnected navigation system and an automatic control system that ensures routine flight, target approach, recovery to the airfield, and landing approach.
It has capabilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components. Su-30 is known as the backbone of the Indian Air Force. The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and incorporates Indian indigenous systems and avionics as well as Israeli and French sub-systems. The Sukhoi Su-30 was inducted into the IAF in 2002 and still giving service in IAF with a large number of 272 aircraft.
Some Specifications of Su-30MKI
Features | Measures |
Crew | 2 |
Maximum speed | 2,120 km/h (1,320 mph) |
Combat range | 3,000 km (1900 mi) |
Service ceiling | 56,800 ft (17,300 m) |
Max. take-off weight | 38,800 kg (85,539 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon |
Hardpoints | 12 hardpoints (2 × wing-tip AAM launch rails, 6 × pylons under-wing, 2 × pylon under-engine nacelles, and 2 × pylons in tandem in the “arch” between the engines. It can be increased to 14 using multiple ejector racks.) with a capacity of up to 8,130 kg (17,920 lb) |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
Past Uses of Su-30MKI
- On 26 February 2019, four Sukhoi Su-30MKIs escorted Mirage 2000s into the Pakistani airspace for the Balakot airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp.
Some Interesting facts about Su-30MKI
- The Su-30 can perform some very advanced maneuvers, including the Pugachev’s Cobra and the tailslide. That’s why it is known as supermaneuverable fighter aircraft.
HAL Tejas
HAL Tejas is a single-seat delta-wing multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aerospace Limited (HAL), an Indian aerospace company. It has been made by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Center (ARDC) in collaboration with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Tejas is a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) that is part of the LCA program run by HAL in the 1980s to replace the MiG-21 Fighters. This is the second fighter aircraft made by HAL after the HF-24 Marut for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
LCA Tejas is a supersonic aircraft with 65% off composition by value indigenous.
Its tailless, delta wing configuration enhances its maneuverability and agility. And its high maneuverability and agility allow it to perform air-to-surface, anti-shipping, and interception roles in a single mission. By reducing its effective wing loading to make it a faster turnable, the design minimizes transonic and supersonic wave drag. With its smaller size compared to other aircraft, the radar with the Y-duct inlet ramps shields the engine compressor. The absorbent material (RAM) coating reduces its overall radar cross signature.
The Elta EL/M-2032 radar is used in Tejas Mk1 as the main radar. An upgraded variant of the Tejas Mk 1, the Tejas Mk1A gets an AESA radar, a new EW suite, new digital flight control computer with updated avionics.
![HAL Tejas](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/tejas.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
Along with this, the latest Martin-Baker Mk16 LG zero-zero ejection seat has been used for the seating of the pilot. Due to some drawbacks of the indigenous turbofan jet engine Kaveri, the General Electric FR 404 GE-F2J3 afterburner engine was used to power the Tejas. But after the initial trial aircraft, the new and advanced General Electric F404-GE-IN20 was used from 2004 onwards. Tejas aircraft made its first flight in January 2001. It was inducted into the IAF in 2015 but the first Tejas squadron—No. 45 Squadron IAF (Flying Daggers) became operational in July 2016.
Some Specifications of HAL Tejas
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 1,980 km/h (1,230 mph) |
Combat range | 500 km (310 mi) |
Service ceiling | 53,500 ft (16,000 m) |
Max. take-off weight | 13,500 kg (29,762 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 1x 23 mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon |
Hardpoints | 8 (1 × beneath the port-side intake trunk for targeting pods, 6 × under-wing, and 1 × under-fuselage) with a capacity of 5300 kg |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
Past Uses of HAL Tejas
As of now, HAL Tejas has no wartime operational history but it has shown its capabilities in several national and international military exercises.
Some Interesting facts about HAL Tejas
After the India-Malaysia deal for Tejas, HAL Tejas will become India’s first fighter aircraft to be exported abroad.
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a Canard delta wing twin-engine multi-role fighter aircraft. Canard is denoting the aircraft’s wing configuration, in which the main wings of a fixed-wing aircraft are mounted on 2 smaller wings. It is designed and manufactured by the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. Active-close coupled canard wings with delta wings configuration enhance its maneuverability to the maximum instance. It uses digital fly-by-wire flight control to artificially enhance aerodynamic stability.
The tail wing has been reduced in size to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS), fuselage rushing, and the engine air intakes have been repositioned under the aircraft’s wing. Simultaneously, an s-duct was used for the engine’s air intake, which partially conceals the engine blades. Apart from this, the composition material and serrated patterns also reduce the RCS. Composition material is made up of 2 or more constituent materials. 70% of the surface area of Rafale is made of composite material. Several other salient features have been classified to reduce Rafale’s visibility against threats.
![Dassault Rafale](http://i0.wp.com/www.defencexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rafale.png?resize=708%2C398&ssl=1)
The Martin-Baker Mk 16 F zero-zero ejection seat has been used for crew seating in the Rafale. Two Snecma M88 engines are used to power the Rafale. Each of these engines produces 50 kilonewtons(Kn) of dry thrust and up to 75Kn of thrust when using the afterburner. Rafale made its first flight in May 1991 and was commissioned on 18 May 2001 by the French Air & Space Force.
Some Specifications of Dassault Rafale
Features | Measures |
Crew | 1 |
Maximum speed | 1,912 km/h (1,188 mph) |
Combat range | 1,850 km (1,150 mi) |
Service ceiling | 51,952 ft (15,835 m) |
Max. take-off weight | 24,500 kg (54,013 lb) |
Armament | Measures |
Autocannon/Machine Canon | 1× 30 mm (1.2 in) GIAT 30/M791 autocannon with 125 rounds |
Hardpoints | 14 for Air Force versions (Rafale B/C), 13 for Navy versions (Rafale M) with a capacity of 9,500 kg (20,900 lb) external fuel and ordnance |
Extra Fuel tank | external drop tanks for extended range |
The Rafale is considered a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. It is the latest and most modern fighter aircraft to be included in the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is the most advanced aircraft to be inducted into the IAF’s fighter fleet after the 4th+ generation Su-30 MKI and the 4th generation LCA Tejas.
Past Uses of Dassault Rafale
- In 2002, the Rafales were first deployed to a war zone; 7 Rafale Ms embarked aboard Charles de Gaulle of the French Navy during “Mission Héraclès”, the French partaking in “Operation Enduring Freedom”.
- In January 2013, Rafale took serving in “Opération Serval”, the French military interference in help to the government of Mali against the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa.
- In April 2018, during the Syrian Civil War, five Rafale Bs from the Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Gascogne participated in the 2018 missile strikes against Syria.
Some Interesting facts about Dassault Rafale
Armed with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform interdiction, intensive strike, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, anti-ship strike, air supremacy, and nuclear deterrence missions. And because of so many roles, the Rafale is referred to by Dassault as an “omnirol” aircraft.
In conclusion, we have studied all fighter jets and now, you understood the capabilities of all aircraft and their importance for our national security. If you want to understand How the Ejection seat works? I hope you defiantly like these life-savior machines who save our brave and well-trained pilots.