In last article, we discussed various aspects of Tejas mk2 or MWF. We discussed its need and utility in IAF’s arsenal. The article tried to outline timeline of the project. We also saw how project is going as per timeline if not ahead of time. It also checked possibly of private sector participation in its production.
In this article, we will discuss the specifications and features of upcoming MWF. What are the new things added to its design till the latest update? How will be its avionics? We will try to analyse its capabilities and compare it with other fighters of its class. Also we shall decode its possible weapon package.
Design Of Tejas MK2 or MWF-
Design will be a delta wing type. The design will be largely based on its predecessor LCA Tejas mk1. But there will be some new elements added to enhance maneuverability and stealth capacity of the fighter aircraft.
Specifications Of Tejas MK2 or MWF-
Tejas mk2 or MWF is going to be a single engine, multi-role fighter aircraft. It will have specifications as follows- (all these specifications are as per current stage of design. The final model is in the detailed design stage)
- Engine- General Electric’s F-414 turbofan engine. It creates thrust of 98 kn. This will be an upgradation from the LCA Tejas which uses GE F-404 engine.
- Hardpoints- 11
- Length- 14.60 m
- Wingspan- 8.50 m
- Height- 4.86 m
- Empty weight- 7850 kg
- Maximum takeoff weight- 17,500 kg
- Fuel capacity- 3400 kg
Performance Parameters- (expected)
- Maximum speed- Mach 2.0
- Range- 2500 km
- Combat range- 1500 km
- Service ceiling- 17,300 mtr (50,000 ft)
- G limits- +9/-3.5
New/ Advanced Features Of MWF As Compared To LCA Tejas?
Structural Advancements-
- Canards– Unlike LCA Tejas, there will be canards added behind the cockpit in Tejas mk2. Canards are the small wings added in front of main wings. They add to the maneuverability of the aircraft. They can be seen in many front-line combat aircraft of IAF like Su-30 MKI, Rafael, etc.
- Engine– There will be more powerful and heavier GE-414 engine. This will enhance payload capacity and other performance parameters.
- Improved drag reduction.
Technological Upgrades-
Tejas mk2 will have enhanced avionics. Many technologies that are being developed for India’s 5thgeneration Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will be used in MWF.
Radar- HAL is looking for integrating indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This will be enhanced radar that has more range compared to earlier Israeli radar of LCA Tejas. This is also more resistant to jamming by enemy electronic warfare systems.
Electronic warfare suite– Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) is working on an indigenous Electronic Warfare suite. This will be integrated in MWF.
Sensors– Apart from AESA radar, MWF will have Infra-red search and track (IRST) system. It will also have a missile approach warning system. This will drastically enhance its combat capabilities.
Cockpit– MWF’s cockpit will have next generation Wide area multi-function display. It will also have side mounted control stick. This will improve ease of operating aircraft for the pilot.
It is also planned to integrate an artificial intelligence based “optimally manned” cockpit. It will have a system that will be able to report to ground control station if the pilot goes unconscious. In such conditions, ground control will take control of the aircraft.
To Which Generation Does Tejas MK2 or MWF Belongs?
As per its structure and specifications, it is a 4th generation fighter. But it is going to have avionics of next generation. It will have many technologies of 5th generation AMCA. Thus Tejas mk2 or MWF will be a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft.
Is Tejas MK2 Better Than Rafale?
Recently, Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar (Retd) talked about this. He showed confidence that MWF will be better than Rafale. The reason is clear. Rafael took its first flight in 1980s while MWF is going to take first flight in 2023. Thus it is going to have much advanced technologies and avionics.
Capabilities Of Tejas MK2 or MWF-
Last year, Girish Deodhare, Program Director (combat aircraft), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) shed light on Tejas mk2’s capabilities. He said, “While Tejas MK I is for combat air patrol within the Indian territory, MK2 will have the capacity to conduct Balakot-like surgical strikes in enemy territory as it will carry heavy standoff weapons like Crystal Maze and Spice missiles”.
He added that Tejas mk2 will have double range than LCA Tejas. Also it will carry Astra II BVR air-to-air missiles. These will have range of at least 150 kms.
Thus Tejas mk2 or MWF will be much more capable than the current aircrafts of IAF like Mirage-2000 or Mig-29.
Possible Weapon Package Of MWF-
MWF can carry lethal weapon package with itself on its 11 hardpoints.
Recently Dr. V Madhusudana Rao, Project director of Tejas mk2 gave information about the possible weapon package of the combat aircraft. He said MWF will be able to carry wide variety of weapons. These will consist of various Western, Russian as well as Indigenous weapons. Feasibility study for these weapons is already completed.
- Standoff weapons- MWF will carry stand-off weapons like Scalp, Spice-2000 and indigenous Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW).
- Air-to-air missiles- Developers are looking forward to integrate Astra family of Air-to-air missiles in MWF.
- Anti-radiation missiles- India is developing Rudram series of anti-radiation missiles. Rudram-1, 2, 3 will be integrated in Tejas mk2.
- Air-to-surface missiles- Brahmos NG (Next generation) with Tejas mk2 will be a deadly combination for any ground attack mission. This will be a next generation variant of Brahmos missile. It will be lighter and more capable than the current variant.
- Apart from these, it will be carry various kinds of bombs.
Conclusion-
Tejas mk2 or Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) is going to be an important part of IAF’s modernization program. It will add to numbers as well as capability of the IAF’s arsenal. No doubt IAF is going to fight future wars with indigenous platforms. After LCA Tejas, Tejas mk2 is all set to be the next success story of India’s combat aircraft program.
