Tejas: The Inside Story of How India Designed the Light Combat Aircraft - News18 (2024)

The Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is welcome news.

Way back in 1983, a decision was taken by the government to design a new combat aircraft in India in a bid to reduce dependency on imports and encourage those aspiring for a career in aeronautics.

However, HAL, which had been absent from the scene for over 20 years, did not have the capacity to take on this task. As an alternative, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) was created to design and develop the LCA, with the production to be undertaken by HAL.

ADA was the brainchild of Dr VSR Arunachalam, then head of DRDO. With no designers and facilities, a nucleus was formed at ADA with 250 engineers drawn from HAL on ‘deputation’. A new facility was built on an open plot behind HAL. Dr Kota Harinarayana, the Chief Residential Engineer of Directorate of Aeronautics at HAL, Nashik, was made the Programme Director of ADA. A bright and energetic aeronautical engineer, with a smile even under extraordinary circumstances, was suited for the job that would involve facing a series of challenges.

The Roadblocks

A search was initiated for a suitable design for the LCA. Two designs from Germany were evaluated. They were unique but unfamiliar and did not generate enthusiasm in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF was then in the process of procuring the Mirage-2000. The aircraft was test-flown by the IAF team, which was impressed by its design and performance.

The ADA invited M/s Dassault Aviation for design assistance in developing a lightweight combat aircraft (The Air Force had the Gnat in mind and was looking to replace the Mig-21s). Dassault agreed to support the Project Definition Phase (PDP) wherein the Indian engineers would participate. The aim was to come up with the basic design for the aircraft. The work was carried out in France, using the French facilities.

Similarly, L.M. Ericsson of Sweden was roped in for the PDP to develop the design of Air Interception (AI) Radar. The radar design that was presented did not meet the performance expectations of the Air Force.

The idea was dropped, and instead, it was decided the radar would be developed indigenously at HAL, Hyderabad, following the guidelines from the PDP. After working on it for a while, the HAL gave up. It was then decided that radars would be imported to equip the initial batch of aircraft and would be indigenously developed subsequently. The attempt to develop an indigenous engine, Kaveri, met a similar fate. A hunt for a suitable engine for the LCA culminated in the selection of the GE-F404 of General Electric from USA.

Building the Best

The design that emerged looked very much like a mini-Mirage-2000 but there was nothing in common between the two aircraft. The performance projection for the LCA, deduced from the PDP, was found falling short in some areas.

To overcome doubts, it was decided that two “Technology Demonstrators” would be built. This decision eased the pressure and the Demonstrator programme provided an opportunity to refine and improve the design. Designing digital fly-by-wire controls was a difficult task and American help was sought. Extensive simulations were conducted in the US and Indian test pilots got the feel of it, flying in variable stability aircraft at Calspan, US.

The enthusiasm of the ADA silenced the naysayers. The ADA brought in IT engineers for the job. Flight control hardware was sourced from the US. The basic design of the LCA was even more unstable than the F-16 or the Gripen, which was being developed in Sweden. One of the Gripen prototypes crashed while landing (due to over-sensitive flight control close to the ground). This made the Indian designers a bit nervous; discussions were held with the Gripen team that cleared the doubts. Flight control laws of the LCA were made more robust.

Today, the LCA is recognized as having one of the best flight controls in the world—state-of-the-art, offering excellent and safe handling.

The body of the LCA was to be made of carbon-composites – first such attempt in India. Special sanction had to be obtained from the US for carbon fibre material and the production technology besides the GE-F404 engine.

When the HAL was about to start series production, the production drawings were not ready. The longer-than-expected delay resulted in cost overruns. But once the government committed to the project, there was no turning back.

Success and Key Learnings

Thirty-five years have gone by since the formation of the ADA. It would take a few years for the order for 83 aircraft to fructify. Currently, the programme is managed by a string of committees, the apex one being the ADA Governing Body, headed by the defence minister. The three organisations concerned with the development and production of the LCA are ADA, HAL and the Air Force. Each organisation works independently and is not directly accountable to the other—together, they function under the Ministry of Defence.

The ADA has come a long way. The LCA project has been an enormous learning experience for the Indian team and the industry. The biggest learning being that all participants must be integrated at all levels from day one.

The initial roadblocks have been overcome, but it is important to improve the organisational structure based on the lessons learnt. Strong supervision and directions are necessary to help the programme stay on course.

The nation is indeed proud of Tejas and looks forward to more impressive indigenous aircraft designs. The atmanirbhar principle has strengthened our determination.

The author is a retired Air Chief Marshal, who was Chief of Staff, Indian Air Force, 2001-2004. Views are personal.

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Tejas: The Inside Story of How India Designed the Light Combat Aircraft - News18 (2024)

FAQs

What is the story of Tejas? ›

Plot. Indian Air Force pilot Tejas Gill is on a mission to rescue an Indian spy who has some very confidential information while also battling with her tragic past of haunted memories.

Why is Tejas failure? ›

The root of the engine issue lies in the failure of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the indigenous Kaveri engine, initially intended to power the Tejas. The Kaveri project, launched in the 1980s, faced multiple technical and funding challenges, leading to its eventual abandonment.

Is Tejas better than F-16? ›

The LCA Tejas reaches a maximum speed of 1,975 kph (1,227 mph), while the F-16 surpasses it at 2,120 kph (1,317 mph). The LCA Tejas has a range of 3,200 km (1,988 miles), whereas the F-16 can cover 4,220 km (2,622 miles).

How good are Tejas aircraft? ›

India's Tejas Mk 1A is comparable to the JF-17 flown by rivals Pakistan and China. Both light combat aircraft types are designed as low-cost fighters for cash-strapped air forces. They are comparable in development and cost, technical specifications and capabilities, and export potential.

Why is Tejas so special? ›

In 2003, the Light Combat Aircraft program was named as 'Tejas' (which translates to 'radiance' in Sanskrit) by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is the second supersonic fighter jet that was developed by HAL (the first one being HAL HF-24 Marut).

Who is the man behind Tejas aircraft? ›

Kota Harinarayana was the Programme Director and Chief Designer of Tejas. In 1992, a dedicated National Control Law (CLAW) team was set up by the National Aerospace Laboratories to develop India's own state of the art FBW flight control system for the Tejas. Initially Lockheed Martin's consultancy was sought.

Can Tejas go supersonic? ›

The Tejas is a domestically developed supersonic aircraft used by the Indian military, succeeding the ageing Mig 21 fighter jets. It is the lightest and smallest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its category, designed to accommodate various types of weaponry.

Which is better MiG 21 or Tejas fighter jet? ›

Tejas is superior to MiG 21 in every aspect but yes MiG 21 wins in top speed and maneuverability. Tejas has a better, efficient engine, more hardpoints, better weapon package, better safety standards, better radar, has HOBS and HMCS capabilities, better airframe.

How many missiles can Tejas carry? ›

While the standard QRA configuration utilizes two BVRAAMs and two infrared missiles for countering typical threats, the Tejas MkII's versatility allows for adaptation. Its 11 hardpoints, including two dual pylons that can carry four missiles each under the wings, provide immense flexibility in weapon loadout.

What are the disadvantages of Tejas? ›

The Tejas does come up short on some things:
  • Lack of true low observable capability - although it does use some materials that afford a small radar cross section.
  • Lack of true long range missile (beyond visual range, or BVR) capability.
  • Limited range and payload (it is a small airplane after all)
  • Lack of superagili.
Sep 30, 2015

Can Tejas do cobra maneuver? ›

No known variant of the HAL Tejas can perform the Cobra Maneuver.

Who makes Tejas engine? ›

On 18 November 2023, Dr. Samir V. Kamat of DRDO announced that the United States has provided the necessary permits, opening the door for GE Aerospace and HAL to jointly produce the General Electric F414 engine in India for Tejas Mark 2 and HAL AMCA.

What is the significance of Tejas? ›

In Hindu mythology, Tejas is associated with Agni, the god of fire, symbolizing the radiant and illuminating nature of fire. Additionally, the word Tejas is used in Hindu philosophy to describe the celestial and metaphysical elements involved in human cognition and perception.

Is the Tejas movie based on real incidents? ›

Directed and written by Sarvesh Mewara Tejas is a fictional account of a female fighter pilot who doesn't think twice before going on risky missions. She is a gifted, bright, Airforce pilot who has never been a stickler for rules.

What is the history of the word Tejas? ›

Tejas is the Spanish spelling of a Caddo word taysha, which means "friend" or "ally". In the 17th century the Spanish knew the westernmost Caddo peoples as "the great kingdom of Tejas" and the name lived on to become the name of the 28th state of the United States—Texas.

Which god does Tejas belong to? ›

In Hindu mythology, Tejas is one of the attributes of Agni, the god of fire. Agni is seen as the embodiment of light and energy, and he is often depicted as a flame. Tejas is also associated with the sun god, Surya, and the wind god, Vayu.

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