LCA Tejas – Soaring to New Heights

Introduction

As India strides confidently towards becoming a global leader in aerospace technology, one gleaming symbol of its soaring ambitions is the LCA Tejas, a light multirole fighter jet that is indigenously developed by India. It has a single-engine, delta-winged design that enables it to perform various air-to-air, air-to-surface, and reconnaissance missions. LCA is a result of the collaboration between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It signifies a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The LCA Tejas delta wings are tailored to optimize its performance for its intended role as a light combat aircraft. These delta wings are designed with variable sweep angle leading edge with canard configuration which helps in achieving the best horizontal and yaw stabilization. This is India’s pride and joy, a light multirole fighter jet that can take on any challenge. This wonder of Indian innovation has not only strengthened the nation’s defence capabilities but also elevated it to the prestigious rank of global aerospace powers.

Background and Development

1) Origins of the LCA Program

In the early 1980s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) felt the need for a homegrown light combat aircraft (LCA) to replace its old MiG-21s. This led to the launch of the LCA program, which eventually developed the Tejas fighter jet. The LCA was envisioned as a versatile fighter jet capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, including air superiority, close air support, and interdiction.

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) set up the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in 1984 to oversee the LCA program. The ADA worked with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to design and build the LCA.

2) Challenges Faced During Development

The LCA program faced several challenges during its development, including:

• Technological Complexity: Developing a modern fighter jet is a complex endeavor that requires cutting-edge technology and expertise. India, at the time, was relatively new to the field of aerospace manufacturing and faced challenges in mastering the required technologies.
• Resource Constraints: The LCA program was initially underfunded, which limited the resources available for research and development. This led to delays in the project timeline.
• International Sanctions: In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests, which resulted in international sanctions that further hindered the LCA program’s progress. These sanctions restricted access to critical technologies and components from foreign suppliers.
• Integration Challenges: Integrating various subsystems and components into a cohesive whole is a critical aspect of fighter jet development. The LCA program faced challenges in integrating the aircraft’s avionics, sensors, and weapon systems.
• Testing and Certification: Testing and certification of a fighter jet is a rigorous process that ensures the aircraft’s safety and performance. The LCA program faced delays in completing the required testing and certification procedures.

Despite these challenges, the ADA and HAL persevered in their efforts to develop the LCA. The first prototype of the LCA made its maiden flight on January 4, 2001, marking a significant milestone in the program’s progress.

Design and Specifications

1) Delving into the Aerodynamic Design of the Tejas

At the heart of the Tejas’s exceptional maneuverability and agility lies its aerodynamic design, a masterpiece of engineering that blends cutting-edge concepts with proven principles. The Tejas’s delta-wing configuration, characterized by its triangular shape and sharp leading edges, is a key contributor to its performance.

• Vortex Generation: The canard generates vortices that interact with the main wing, enhancing its lift and delaying the onset of stall.
• Reduced Radar Signature: The canard’s position helps reduce the Tejas’s radar signature, making it less detectable to enemy radar systems.

2) Unraveling the Power of the General Electric F404-GE-IN20 Turbofan Engine

Propelling the Tejas to breathtaking speeds and enabling its aerial acrobatics is the General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine, a powerful and reliable heart that drives the aircraft’s performance. This engine, a modified version of the General Electric F404, is specifically designed for the Tejas’s unique requirements.

The F404-GE-IN20 delivers an exceptional thrust of 85 kN (20,000 Ibf), enabling the Tejas to reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.6, twice the speed of sound. It provides the necessary power for the Tejas to accelerate rapidly, climb quickly to high altitudes, and maintain sustained high speeds during combat maneuvers.

The engine’s efficiency is another key factor, ensuring that the Tejas can maximize its range and endurance. The F404-GE-IN20’s advanced design incorporates features that minimize fuel consumption, allowing the Tejas to operate for longer periods without refuelling.

3) Unveiling the Tejas’s Avionics Suite – A Symphony of Sensors and Electronics

The Tejas’s true strength lies not just in its aerodynamic design and powerful engine but also in its sophisticated avionics suite, a comprehensive array of sensors and electronics that provide the pilot with situational awareness, targeting capabilities, and advanced communication options.

At the core of the Tejas’s avionics is the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a cutting-edge radar system that offers unparalleled detection and tracking capabilities. The AESA radar can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, even in adverse weather conditions, providing the pilot with a comprehensive picture of the battlefield.

Complementing the AESA radar is the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, a passive sensor that detects and tracks targets using their infrared emissions. The IRST system is particularly effective in detecting stealth aircraft and targets that rely on camouflage or electronic countermeasures.

The Tejas’s electronic warfare suite provides the aircraft with self-protection against a wide range of threats, including radar-guided missiles and electronic jamming. The suite includes radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems, and electronic countermeasure systems that can disrupt enemy radar and communication systems.

In addition to these core components, the Tejas’s avionics suite also includes a digital fly-by-wire (DFBW) flight control system, a glass cockpit, and integrated communication and navigation systems. These systems work together seamlessly to provide the pilot with a user-friendly and intuitive interface, enhancing situational awareness and reducing pilot workload.

Operational Capabilities

Interdiction

In the interdiction role, the Tejas is tasked with disrupting enemy supply lines and preventing them from reaching their intended targets. It is equipped with a variety of air-to-ground missiles and bombs to attack enemy logistics convoys, airfields, and other strategic targets. The Tejas’s long-range and high-speed performance allows it to effectively carry out interdiction missions deep into enemy territory.

The LCA Tejas is equipped with a variety of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) and air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) to engage and destroy enemy targets. Here’s an overview of the missiles used in LCA Tejas:

1) Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs)

• Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile: The Astra is an indigenous BVR missile designed to engage enemy aircraft beyond visual range. It has a range of over 100 km and can intercept targets at high altitudes.
• R-73 Close-Combat Missile (CCM): The R-73 is a short-range infrared homing missile used for close-in dogfights. It is highly manoeuvrable and effective against enemy aircraft at close distances.
• Python-5 Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (SRAM): The Python-5 is a short-range infrared homing missile with high off-boresight launch capability, allowing it to be launched at targets that are not directly in front of the aircraft.
• ASRAAM Close-Range Air-to-Air Missile (SRAM): The ASRAAM is a short-range infrared homing missile with advanced seeker technology and high manoeuvrability. It is effective against a wide range of aerial threats.

2) Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs)

• BrahMos Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile: The BrahMos is a high-speed, long-range missile capable of attacking enemy warships and coastal targets. It has a range of over 300 km and can reach speeds of Mach 2.8.
• Kristal Air-to-Surface Missile (ASM): The Kristal is a precision-guided ASM designed to attack ground targets with high accuracy. It can be equipped with different warheads for various missions.
• HARM Anti-Radar Missile: The HARM is a high-speed, anti-radiation missile designed to suppress enemy radar systems. It can home in on radar emissions and destroy them, preventing them from tracking and engaging the Tejas.
• Gliding Bombs: The Tejas can also carry a variety of gliding bombs, including the SDB (Small Diameter Bomb) and the LGB (Laser-Guided Bomb). These bombs are guided by laser or GPS signals to precise targets.

The Tejas’s ability to carry and employ a diverse range of missiles enhances its versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios, making it a formidable force in modern warfare.

Variants and Future Prospects

The LCA Tejas is a state-of-the-art, all-weather, single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. This 4.5 generation fighter aircraft boasts exceptional capabilities, including air superiority, interception, close air support, and reconnaissance. Equipped with a cutting-edge avionics suite, including a digital fly-by-wire system and an advanced AESA radar, the Tejas seamlessly integrates advanced technologies for enhanced situational awareness and precision strike capabilities. Lets take a look for different variants of LCA with their capabilities.

The LCA Tejas has several variants, each with its own specifications, features, and capabilities. The main variants are:

• LCA Tejas Mk1: This is the first production model of the LCA Tejas, which achieved final operational clearance in 2019. It is powered by a GE F404-IN20 engine and has a mechanically scanned radar, a limited electronic warfare suite, a bottled oxygen supply, and a basic flight control system. It can carry up to 3.5 tonnes of external stores, including short-range air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground weapons, and drop tanks. It will have a maximum speed of Mach1.6, a combat radius of 500km, and a service ceiling of 15km.
• LCA Tejas Mk1A: It has a maximum speed of Mach1.8, a combat radius of 550km, and a service ceiling of 16km. This is an improved version of the Mk1, which was approved for acquisition in 2021. It has an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides better detection and tracking of targets, as well as improved resistance to jamming and interference. It also has an electronic warfare (EW) suite, which enhances the survivability of the aircraft in hostile environments. The EW suite includes a self-protection jammer, a radar warning receiver, a missile approach warning system, and a countermeasure dispensing system. Along with this, there is an onboard oxygen-generating system (OBOGS), which allows the pilot to breathe without relying on a bottled oxygen supply. The OBOGS increases the endurance and range of the aircraft, as well as reduces the logistic burden. The Improved flight control system, enhances the stability and manoeuvrability of the aircraft. The flight control system also incorporates a digital flight data recorder and a health and usage monitoring system, which improve the safety and maintenance of the aircraft. It can carry up to 4.2 tonnes of external stores, including beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, such as the Astra and the Derby, which increase the combat effectiveness of the aircraft.
• LCA Tejas Mk2: This is a further upgraded version of the LCA Tejas, which is expected to fly by 2026. It will have a more powerful GE F414-INS6 engine, which will increase the thrust and performance of the aircraft. It will also have a larger wing area, a higher fuel capacity, a longer fuselage, and a retractable in-flight refuelling probe. There is a state-of-the-art avionics system, including an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, a laser designator pod, a helmet-mounted display, and a data link. It is able to carry up to 6.5 tonnes of external stores, including advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, such as the BrahMos-NG, the Nirbhay, and the SAAW. It has a maximum speed of Mach2, a combat radius of 800km, and a service ceiling of 18km.

Also Read, In Depth Analysis: Tejas MK2

• LCA Tejas Navy: It is a naval variant of the LCA Tejas, which is designed to operate from aircraft carriers. It has a stronger landing gear to withstand the impact of landing on a carrier deck. It also has a tail hook to catch the arresting wires on the carrier. There is a larger wing area and leading edge vortex controllers (LEVCONs) to improve low-speed handling and lift. These features enable the naval variant to take off and land on a short runway, such as a carrier deck. It also has a special flight control law mode that allows a hands-free take-off from a ski-jump ramp on a carrier. The flight control system automatically adjusts the aircraft’s attitude and thrust to achieve an optimal flight path. It has a reduced fuel capacity and range compared to the Air Force variant. It can carry up to 2.5 tonnes of massive external stores, including short-range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and drop tanks. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6, a combat radius of 300 km, and a service ceiling of 15km.

Also Read, In Depth Analysis- Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF)

The LCA Tejas and its future variants will form the mainstay of the Indian Air Force, as well as a significant component of the Indian Navy. The LCA Tejas has demonstrated its indigenous aerospace capabilities by displaying the aircraft at various international events, such as LIMA-2019 at Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show- 2022 and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023. It has also participated in exercises with foreign air forces, such as the Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023. The LCA Tejas has received interest from several countries, such as Egypt, Argentina, the US, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, for potential export. The LCA Tejas is a proud achievement of India’s self-reliance and innovation in the field of defence and aerospace.

In the year January 2023, the Philippines signed a deal with India for three LCA Tejas. The deal is valued at approximately $667 million. Previously Argentina and Egypt also showed interest in LCA Tejas for which they signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India to explore the possibility of co-production of Tejas. But still, there is a long way for Tejas to compete with the other fighter jets in the comparison of technology and efficiency.

A Way Forward…..

The LCA Tejas stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement in the realm of aviation. Its journey from conception to induction into the Indian Air Force is a saga of innovation, determination, and the unwavering spirit of Indian engineers and scientists.

The Tejas’s successful development has not only bolstered India’s defence capabilities but also served as a catalyst for the growth of the nation’s aerospace industry. It has fostered a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological excellence within the Indian aerospace sector.

Looking ahead, the Tejas’s future holds immense promise. The ongoing development of the Tejas Mk2, with its enhanced stealth capabilities, marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of a technologically advanced fighter jet. Additionally, the export potential of the Tejas presents an opportunity for India to strengthen its position in the global arms market and establish itself as a major player in the aerospace industry.

The Tejas’s journey is not merely about building a fighter jet; it is about shaping India’s technological destiny. It is a symbol of India’s aspiration to become a global leader in innovation and a pioneer in cutting-edge technologies. As the Tejas soars to new heights, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a nation determined to make its mark on the world stage.