Home made or Assembled, Tejas 40%, Arjun 55 %

Homemade or Assembled, Tejas 40%, Arjun 55 %

The defense minister said in parliament that indigenous component in the home made projects like Tejas, Arjun and Brahmos has many foreign components, which make India once again to be top on the arms importer. Under new defense procurement policy, India tries to slower down the imports and wants to self-reliant on most aspects, However due to lack of technology India remains to import major weapons from Foreign.

Brahmos is the known reliable system, which was a 50-50 joint project of India and Russia, even so India holds 51% of the stakes in Brahmos. Still India can't indigenous the Brahmos missile. Ministry said 65% of the missile components are outsourced, It's an easy guessing game that why the procurement cost of Brahmos remains high.

Arjun is also developed in mind to boost the Indian Army's firepower also it was developed to replace the older T 72 tanks in Indian Army, which was bought from Soviet and assembled in India. Ministry reported in Parliament that more than 55% of Arjun's components are outsourced.

Mainly the engines, missile firing unit's and the tank's fire control system, actually those systems are made in India, the components are the one which could be bought from outside. As an example Fire control system of Arjun was developed with the Support of Israeli's. they still buying those sub-components  where DRDO just assembling them in India.

Tejas is the known project which is slated to replace the Soviet origin MiG 21 from Indian fleet, India plans to make each and every component of the fighter jet in India, Due to lack of technological aspects, India couldn't achieve major breakthrough's in aviation technology. The airframe of the Tejas developed with support from French and German experts, and it's developed besides on the Mirage 2000 Airframe.

ADA plans to power the Tejas with home made engines, They given the project to the another state-run company named GTRE. GTRE initiated a project under the code name of Kaveri to develop a 90kN engine for Tejas. However, the program failed to deliver a good engine with required power output. So India needs to be bought engines from foreign.

Radar, Radome and refueling probe also bought from foreign, Missiles also bought from Foreign. Which makes the Tejas only 60% indigenous, nearly 40% components are still outsourced.

As some reports from served officials criticized the work culture of HAL and DRDO. who is doing just screwdriver jobs rather than working on new projects, lack of fund also concerned about that issue?  If the same continuous in future it's clear during a war like situation, India needs to spend a large amount of money just for buying ammunition's and sub-components.

Ministry confirms 106 improved Tejas Mark 1 A for IAF

Ministry confirms 106 improved Tejas Mark 1 A for IAF

   The defense ministry once again confirmed the acquisition of five squadrons of modified Tejas light fighters into IAF. This number adds the earlier orders of 40 IOC 2 standard Tejas fighters. Making the total orders of 146 Tejas fighters in IAF. The ministry also insists the HAL to double the  production capability to deliver those fighters before 2023.

    The Indian Air force has nearly 260 numbers of older generation MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighter aircraft's. Air force already started decommissioning of nearly 20 fighters every year. However there is no option of inducting newer fighter jets. Except the earlier ordered Su 30 MKI units. The ADA designed HAL Tejas also perform poor and inadequate to conduct IAF missions.

    The CAG criticized the HAL and ADA , that they didn't provide a good fighter jet for the IAF's requirement of Light combat aircraft, The CAG found issues in Tejas, the list includes lack of Electronic warfare suites, radar warning receivers, counter measure suites, issues in weight, reduced fuel storage and over weight ballast. 

    However the Air force agreed to buy 40 IOC 2 Tejas jets, even those fighters having above mentioned problems. Tejas planned to deliver those first order of 40 fighters before 2019. By delivering eight fighters per year, starting from 2016.

   The IOC 2 standard aircraft's have  Kevlar radome, Lack of BVR missile firing capability, lack of in-flight refueling, lack of self protection jammers. The IOC 2 Tejas can capable to conduct close air support mission inside friendly air space, with Laser guided bombs supported by Lighting Pod. Tejas also fire short range IR guided missile for self protection.

   The Mark 1 A fighter have increased performance, with reduced weight, ADA plans to remove the Ballast and re engineer the landing gear, both of them can reduce the weight by nearly one ton. however many analysts confirms there is no way of reduce the weight more than some 400 Kgs. The pre assumed value of one tone is pure specifically Aviation experts said. 

    In addition the Tejas Mark 1 A comes with dual color missile approaching warning system, Radar warning receiver, and externally carried self protection pods in wingtips and counter measure dispensers who can provide provide protection to the Tejas against enemy missiles. This allows the fighter can perform missions in stand alone mode. Even have capabilities to conduct mission in contested airspace.

    Mark 1 A comes with solid state AESA radar made by Israeli firm ELTA,The actual range of the Radar remains classified, However performance wise the EL/M 2052 AESA have range of more than 200 kilometers. with the simultaneously tracking of 64 air targets with look down shoot down capability. The EL/M 2052 can guide more than four missiles into variety of air targets at once.

    Adding the Cobham quartz radome can increase the range of Radar. In Air to ground mode the Radar perform better Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging, ground target detection and tracking, real beam tracking and weather application too.

   The Mark 1 A can fire long range radar guided air to air missiles like Israeli made Derby BVR missile and Indian made Astra BVR missile, each having interception range of more than 50 kilometers. with the in flight refueling the range of the LCA can be increased, allows the fighter remain in the air for long time.

   The Tejas Mark 1 A can achieve the first flight before 2018, and the serial production starts the same year. with the production capability of 16 fighter per year to meet the 2023 time line to deliver all 100+ Tejas Mark 1 A fighter. Ministry provided nearly 1200 crores to HAL setup and modernize the production line to increase the production capability.

   Compared to the previous versions, the Mark 1 A have more than 43 modifications,  The Tejas Mark 1 A becomes 5500 kg of weight compared to the Tejas' 6500 ton weight. reduced weight can improve the fighter to carry more weapons and increase the combat radius.

ADA Tejas for Sri Lankan Air force

ADA Tejas for Sri Lankan Air force

ADA Tejas

   A silent Indo-Pak stand-off is brewing up in Lanka. India’s premier aerospace agency ADA is gearing up to offer the HAL manufactured Tejas or the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to Sri Lanka Air Force. This is undoubtedly a game changing move to the maturing aerospace industries of India.  Sri Lankan Air Force is all set to replace its aging fleet of Mig 27 and Kfir platforms with advanced light combat fighter jets. Pakistan has already offered Sri Lanka its JF 17 multi role fighters and went on to claim of a possible deal. Time and again Sri Lankan officials have denied of having worked out any deals.

   Tejas is a demonstrating product for the budding Indian aerospace industry.  Tejas was designed and manufactured in India by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), further the jet was manufactured by HAL in house. Tejas even though built in India has incorporated an array of international components. The engines, radars and missiles were all imported and then further integrated to form a deadly weapon platform. However JF-17 was designed and developed by Pakistan and China with its own resources. Major components were built in-house and further incorporated to the aircraft. The reliability question of these components however remains unanswered.

   Considering on paper stats, the JF-17 has an upper edge over the under-development Tejas. The combat radius of the JF-17 is just unquestioned. The aircraft is powered by a Russian RD 93 engine. The aircraft also uses Chinese made  air to air missiles. These missiles were cloned from the original components and are vulnerable to malfunction threats.  The aircraft also carries a mix of air to ground munitions. The aircraft uses cruise missiles and anti shipping missile. However the need of SLAF is unique; Sri Lanka is a country that has seen lot of political unrest. SLAF employees extensive numbers of ground attack platforms, the real need is for an aircraft capable of dealing with aerial threats. The JF-17 fails miserably in this regard.

  Sri Lankan based newspaper ‘Sunday Observer’ has run a detailed report regarding the offer of Tejas to SLAF. Quoting the newspaper “India offers its latest Tejas multi-role combat aircraft to the SLAF to compete with Pakistani offer of JF 17”. The newspaper claims SLAF sources have been keen in both the jets and rank both the aircraft as very potential in fighting capability. SLAF is a cash strapped force; the budget allotted to SLAF is extremely less. Undoubtedly SLAF will consider the factor an economically viable option. The selected jet has to perform multiple missions. Reliability will be another concern for the SLAF; JF-17 was fielded years ago and has dedicated production lines. Tejas is yet to be inducted to the force; Its primary end user IAF has raised concerns over the performance of the jet.


SLAF currently operates nine Israeli made Kfir multi-role aircraft. Under its command is also seven Chinese made MiG 21 variant F-7 interceptor and  6 Soviet made MiG 27 ground attack jets. The diversified jets have overtime forced SLAF to spend a chunk of its budget on the maintenance of these aircraft. Plans of replacing these aging war pieces with a single model multi-role fighter air craft.

IAI Kfir

   SLAF have relied on Russia to induct aircraft to its fleet. SLAF is not only responsible of securing the air space but counter any arising on ground.  Sri Lanka is recovering from the Civil war waged by the dreaded LTTE. This war had shown the need for multi-role jets. The air space was always prone to attacks and there was unprecedented activity on the ground.

    As mentioned, SLAF has a very pale budget. High end products like the F-16 Blk 52 are the best aircraft that suits the needs of SLAF but budget is a major concern. America had made clear it wasn’t interested in helping Sri Lanka during LTTE war. All these factors have led Sri Lanka to look at the products fielded by maturing contenders.

    Sri Lankan Air Force Chief is scheduled to visit Pakistan early next month as a routine official visit. However some sources mention that he will be observing the PAF aircraft taking-off to skies. This show of force will be led by JF-17 and a deal may very much be finalized during this visit. Pakistan during Paris air show had claimed of an Asian country having signed up for a squadron of JF-17’s. Sources say it was Myanmar Air Force that reached out Pakistan for the aircraft but details were never divulged and the credibility of the deal is left unanswered.

JF 17

  

    Aircraft survivability is one more factor to consider; PAF has lost one or two JF 17 in accidents till date. It's widely known that a JF 17 crashed in late 2011; Faulty engines with Chinese sub-parts in the engine blades were ascertained as the reason for the crash. The pilot failed to eject from the aircraft due to a major fault in the crucial ejection seat. This is a major dent to JF-17. Tejas has clocked several thousands of air time in its test flights. The aircraft has been in flown in the most extreme conditions. The aircraft has remained in the skies and touched ground only when ordered to do so.

    The major concern for exporting Tejas is the need for obtaining clearance from various partners. The engine for the aircraft is from General Avionics, a USA based company. America has freezed all help to Sri Lanka after reports of war crimes surfaces. Various other components haven been imported from USA. For a deal to mature it is crucial that US gives a go ahead; America has been blunt in denying any assistance to Sri Lanka. The deal will go nowhere but down if Sri Lanka fails to kill the war crime allegations.  Taking all these factors it is likely that SLAF will likely favour and opt for JF-17 in the near future. 

Editor Karthik Kakoor

IAF Dream of 42 Squadron of Fighter Jets

IAF Dream of 42 Squadron of Fighter Jets 

   The Cabinet committee approved IAF to operate 42 squadron of fighter jets, to confront against both Chinese and Pakistani Air force same time. not only the combat jets, the need of support planes like cargo planes, airborne Radar systems, ELINT planes, and rotary wing systems like Helicopters, unmanned platforms and anti air missiles. as Air force almost lost good years by focusing only the MMRCA acquisition and LCA, now only the government providing full support to speed up the pending deals.

    The air force now running with very low number of combat air crafts, less than twenty five squadron fighters jets only combat capable. which can fight against either China or Pakistan, however not withstand against coordinated attack by both Chinese and Pakistani fighter jets. currently Indian Air force have some ten plus Su 30 MKI squads, six Jaguar squad, three MiG 29 and another three Mirage 2000 squads, which are capable to fight or out perform both Chinese and Pakistani air crafts.

    IAF's Flanker and Fulcrum variants are highly customized fighters, which can out perform Pakistani F 16 Blk 52 fighters and Chinese Su 27 Flankers, the Mirage is a good multi role fighter can perform multiple missions in single sortie, China and Pakistan don't have such kind of fighters. Jaguar is the best ground attacker jets, can fly very low and used for suppressing enemy air defense systems,which is called as Bomb truck.

    In future IAF plan is to induct two squad of Indian made Tejas MK 1 and another eight squadron of improved Tejas MK 1 A. this ten squads eventually replaces the older MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighters. as per plan all MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighters will be withdrawn from service before 2022. with or without adding an replacement. IAF currently operating nearly 15 squadron of MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighters. each year two MiG 21 and one MiG 27 squadrons replaced without adding new fighters, despite delay of LCA and Rafale.

    IAF plans to replace those MiG 21 with the addition of desi made Tejas MK 1 fighters. The Tejas is yet to test fire a Radar guided missile and yet to perform air refueling which is a milestone to achieve final operational clearance to be certified to fly combat missions under IAF tag. The MMRCA meant to replace those MiG 27 ground attack jets with more powerful multi role Rafale jets. the government scrapped the MMRCA and went to direct purchase of less than two squad of Rafale's. it's believed that IAF may license manufacture more than ten squadron of Rafales in India, however it's still on speculations.

In the next decade IAF comes with variety of new fighter jets, which include fifth generation fighter jets like PAK FA and FGFA, which brings the IAF squadron count close to 42,

15 Squad of Su 30 MKI

10 Squad of Tejas MK 1 and MK 1 A

6   Squad of Jaguar M/S

3   Squad of PAK FA

3   Squad of MiG 29 UPG  

2   Squad of Mirage 2000 TI

2   Squad of Rafale F3R

    Thus brings the Fighter Aircraft numbers close to 41 squadrons, before 2025. that is ten years from Now, as before IAF may face least number of Squad in coming days. that's counted less than 25 squadrons.

    IAF's another major program is to modernize the strategic and tactical air lifters. IAF currently operates some nine C 17 globe master III and fifteen Il 76 MD planes. IAF lost to capture the  Boeing's last ten C 17 from it's final assembly line, which makes the IAF to sufficient in strategic air lifters for next forty years. because of the lose IAF needs to look up some other platforms or modernize the Il 76 MD planes. Ai rforce also acquires 12 C 130 J tactical transporters for special operations, and IAF plans to buy more numbers of C 130 J in coming years.

     Another program is to replace the HS 748 Tactical transporters with much powerful modern C 295 transporters. TATA won the deal to supply some 50+ Planes to the IAF. however the contract yet to be signed. due to the delay in MTA project, IAF upgraded almost all An 32 Cline Transporters into An 32 RE with the support from Ukraine, which will be remain in service till 2030.

    The Fighter Jets must need tactical supports like Aerial Refueling and Airborne radar support, IAF currently operates seven IL 78 MKI refeulers, and IAF shortlisted french airbus A 330 MRTT to supply six more aerial refulers to IAF. the contract yet to be signed, anyhow this numbers are not enough for large IAF fleet. IAF must need atleast 20 such bigger aerial refuelers.

    Airborne Radar support is another major aspect in air combat, who assist the friendly aircraft. also perform as a flying air traffic controller who assign and coordinate friendly fighter jets to carry out strike missions. IAF currently operates three Phalcon AEWCS and another two under construction in Israel. two EMB 145 AEWCS under testing. IAF also shortlisted Airbus A 330 to supply six air frames to DRDO, to modify the air crafts who can carry DRDO developed LRSTR Radar on it's top. which is similar to American E 3 sentry aewcs, all these support planes may enter the IAF before 2020, and within next ten years IAF dominate the Asian skies as proving one of the best Air force in Asian continent.

'Make in India' for 90 medium combat jets

'Make in India' for 90 medium combat jets

    In another major step towards self reliance in the defence sector, a plan is being finalised to produce 90 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) in India, informed sources said.

   A Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be drafted soon after the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) comes in place.

   Expected to be one of the biggest projects under the Make in India campaign, the cost of the programme is expected to be around $30 million, the sources said.

   The Indian Air Force requires 126 MMRCAs. With India getting into an agreement with France to get 36 Rafale fighter jets in flyaway condition, there was a lack of clarity on how the rest of the gap will be filled.

   The sources said that now these remaining jets will be made in India, in what will be a major step in domestic manufacturing of such aircraft.

   According to the sources, the air force does not have enough squadrons in the event of a joint war with Pakistan and China.

   "An RFP is expected to be drafted soon for making 90 MMRCAs in India. A global tender will be floated. The private sector will also have an active participation," said an official from the defence ministry.

   As many foreign bidders were in the race when India set out to buy 126 MMRCAs, for which Dassault Aviation, the makers of Rafale, was finally chosen, the sources said all original bidders will be invited.

   The list of fighters that were in competition for the MMRCA bid included Russia's MIG-35 (RAC MiG), Swedish Gripen, Dassault, American Lockheed Martin and Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon made by a consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian firms.

   The sources said that out of the 90 aircraft, 54 will be single-seaters and the remaining 36 tandem-seaters.

  There will be an option of acquiring 45 additional fighters as a follow-up order.

   The Indian Air Force is expected to be down to 32 squadrons by the end of this year, 576 fighter jets short of the 750-strong fighter jet fleet required as per vision documents to face simultaneous two-front wars with Pakistan and China.

    At least three squadrons of the vintage Soviet origin MiG-21 and MiG-27 single engine aircraft are scheduled to be phased out.

Article Published in  Times of India

2nd hand Mirages for Indian Air force

2nd hand Mirages for Indian Air force

    The Indian Air forces major problem is the less numbers of required Fighter jets and Failed back up plans, as their two Back up plans failed to restore the squadron strength, It looks like IAF plans to re think to look on the Qatari proposal of buying their Mirage 2000-9 fighters, and the Greece also shown interests of sell their Mirage 2000-5 Fleet. as Greece in major problem of no reserve money to run the government.

     MiG 21, and Mig 27 is running behind the Schedule of the retired date, they even didn't have the capability of doing single mission in modern combat, IAF plans to retire them by early 2010 or at most 2012, with one major plan and another Back up plan, they almost in Talks with the government to purchase multi role combat Jets since 2000,  more than fifteen years still no progress of the Acquisitions, except missing deadlines and Bureaucracy sounds,  and another is the LCA Tejas, which is also in same scenario running behind the Schedule.

     While some one says, If HAL completes a design and Suggest it to the IAF, the IAF change the requirements and ask for different model. not the entire air frame but some minor changes. ADA again spend  one or two years to design new and request the IAF to accept, But meantime , New Technologies were incorporated by foreign enemy air forces as new technologies  discovered. so Air force again changes it's requirements and design new one .thus makes the Program delay. But actually it's the history of Invention and emerging threats from foreign air force makes the outdated Fighter not capable to fight against the enemy.

   as those two plans are almost dead, The Air force gets a option of spend some $2 billions for fighter Aircrafts, The IAF loves the Mirage very well, it proved well in the Kargil, so they need to upgrade those Mirages into newest standard. meantime they get another proposal from Qatar that they willing sell their mirages to foreign countries, Qatar has some 10+ Mirages 2000 all were upgraded into newest version along new Radar and New Engines. But IAF has only one plans buy the Mirages from Qatar and forget the Upgradation vice versa.

   But interestingly the IAF decision makers took a good decision of upgrading the Mirage 2000 platform into most advanced Mirage 200OTH version, but yes the Mirage upgrade is too costly, same for the missile packages, the deal almost went more than $3 billions. and IAF already inducted those Highly upgraded modern Mirages into the IAF fleets. Interesting is the mirages service availability remains more than 80%. means almost all Miarges Ready to fly mode in all times,meantime the Indian made HAL Su 30 MKI service availability somewhere between 50-60 percentage.

   As no clear path of Rafale procurement, IAF lost it's hopes over the Rafale's. also the depleting squadron strength also makes huge problems. so they look for second hand planes, earlier many of the  defense analysts raised their voice over the same concern and insisted  buying some retired F 18 fighters from the US Navy, Thus gives the life to IAF more than 10 years, means some 100 second hand F 18 can easily fill up five full fledged Squadrons, makes sense for depleting squadrons,

  But for sake, The Greece is in heavy financial crisis, some western Journalists reports Greece may sell their advanced Mirage 2000 Fleets and stick with the F 16 only, the Greece uses those Mirages very well, the Mirage protected Greece Airspace from intruders and violators, early in 1996 the Greece Mirage 2000 engaged a Turkish F 16 and Shoot it down, later in the 2012 they did the same, again Turkey F 16 violates, The Greek Mirage Shoot it down, Just last week same kind of incident a Turkish F 16 flew near to a Greek controlled Island, within a minutes Greek Miarge 2000 dispatched and Chased the Turkish F 16, But didn't shoot it.

   Both Qatari and Greek Mirages are upgraded and modern one, well maintained also combat proven, but which should come in a Handy price of some $7 to $12 million a piece, Qatar has some 10 Miarges and Greece has some 40 Mirages, with the combine price of some $500 millions makes that good deal, and another $500 millions for Ground support equipments and missiles makes the deal very good for stop gap measure.

  But the Option is on the Ministry's Table, and they should take care of the IAF proposal.

US offers Small Diameter Bomb to Su 30 and Tejas

US offers Small Diameter Bomb to Su 30 and Tejas

     The US offers it's modern Small diameter glide bomb to equip it in the light combat jet Tejas and the Long Range Su 30 MKI, as Precession Bombing and pin point strike is a game Changer in future warfare and asymmetric warfare, India also planning to develop it's own small anti armor missiles, as Defense correspondent Saurav Jha reveals about the Indian Plans of developing own anti armor missile same like US made Hell fire and European Brimstone. But all of these systems are not having good range, also it needs the launching platform comes close to the Target before engining, or need a visual identification before engaging.

      But the SDB is entirely different it can glide through the air and travels more than 100 kilometers and  hits the Moving vehicle at pin point accuracy with highly lethal fragmentation warhead. the SDB is low in cost, weights low. but the performance is superior with the Tri seekers the Target acquisition and pin point strike become more easier. as the main aspects of lock on after launch, means it acquire targets his self.

     The SDB comes with three Guidance system, first is the GPS/INS based guidance to get a approximate target location of moving or stationary Target, the on board mmW seeker tracks the inbound threat, whether it's highly moving or stationary, and the Imaging infrared seekers identifies the priority targets, thus three makes the SDB hit the Target very accurately, the accuracy calculated less than one meter when the SDB Launched far from 60 kilometer or less.

      So far India has many types of PGM/LGB's which way too heavy more than 250 kg to 750kgs. Bombs like Russian made OFAB dumb bombs, KAB 500,1000, 1500 laser guided Bombs, Israeli made Improved fragmentation Bombs,variety of other PGM's like Gabriel and other, American made CBU 105 Cluster Bombs,  and the desi made Sudharshan LGB,  along with two or three models of Glide Bombs and anti armor missiles are at developing stage,  But those Indian Glide bombs and anti armor missiles is still in development stages would require another three to five years before adopted into the Airborne Platforms.

      But the need of Glide bomb is it  can strike targets at pin point launched from and can be launched from stand off Ranges, as increasing threats of armor platforms like Tanks and IFV along with support systems who moves at the speed of some 50 to 60 kilometers, striking them with PGM's or LGB from directly above is not give a good result, even those LGB's are guided they can actually hits the Targets and destroys it, but the Launch platform gets threats from Enemy SAM missiles. also using a 250 Kg of LGB to strike armor a target seems quite overkill. although Those PGM's are good for striking stationary targets like aircraft hangers, Radar installations, Supply Dumb,

     Also the Anti armor missiles like Hell fire and Brimstone is good against moving targets like Tanks and other platforms, with the less weight and mmW those missile can strike such moving vehicles at pin point strike. due to less weight Aircrafts and Helicopters can carry such missiles in good numbers, even those AH 64 E can carry 16 AGM Hell fire missiles, good for Battlefield Air support missions, and Close air support missions.

      But in Asymmetrical warfare, it's hard to identify the threats, where they mostly works deep inside enemy territory and works with the enemy as it's proxy, the Enemy government supply supports and logistics and keeps them within his Territory and neglects it's connection and existence, the current Ukrainian  crisis is the best example, where Russian sponsored Militants  attacks Ukrainian positions with Russian support then vacate the area and hide inside Russian controlled territory, which makes the Ukrainian can't have the option to attack deep inside Russia or it's controlled area.

      The same is also happening in Pakistan, they nowadays sends terrorists, who were intercepted and killed by ground forces, also they get continued fire support from regular Pakistani forces,  But in future they use their armors to provide support to the infiltrators, thus makes our forces pinned down till support arrives, here we can use those SDB's it can be launched from our space and strikes the targets deep inside the enemy territory.

      Fighter like Tejas can carry eight to twenty SDB with or without drop tanks, makes that effective in good battlefield support Aircraft,  with the stand off range the LCA can withstand from enemy air threats too, but for missions like continued Bombing, IAF can use the Su 30 MKI with the payload of more than 20 to 32 SDB missiles. thus proves more effective in any short sharp war with Pakistan.

     As precession Bombing is the Major concern in future warfare, IAF needs to stock guided munitions like  LGB/PGM's , Glide bombs and anti Armour missiles.

Engines who powers Future Indian Combat Jets

Engines who powers Future Indian Combat Jets

      HAL and ADA selected the US made Engine General Electric F 404-IN20 to powers the Home made Tejas fighter Jet. which was bought in high numbers include tot after the Home made Kaveri Failed to perform the designated power output, which having normal dry power of 53.9 kN. and 89.8 kN in full after burner mode, and the ADA and HAL officials plans for more powerful General Electric Engines to powers the Tejas MK 2 fighters for increased performance and power output, also it can increase the range of the Fighters.

     Those 99 number of Engine orders should be increased, where most fighters need nearly three to Four Engines in it's entire life, because the engines life lasts only 3000 to 3500 flying hours, even most of the LSP's already flown over 2000 flying hours, although these engines are made in India under the technology transfer from the American General Electric, the same GE F 404 engines powers the US navy's older generation F 18 fighter Aircrafts, modified GE F 404 named Volvo RM 12 is used in the JAS 39 Gripen.

     The Americans further developed the GE 404 to provide more power to their Fighter air crafts, so they modified the GE 404 and developed the advanced GE F 414  Engines who can produce more power, the power output designated 57.8 kN in dry and 97.9 kN in Full after burner, so the ADA impressed about the advanced Engine and picks up the GE 414 to power the Tejas MK2, who passed in the contend with the European Eurojet EJ 200 engine which have bit lower power output, 60kN in dry thrust and 90kN in full after burner mode, the same engines who powers the Euro Fighter Typhoon Jets, but those houses two such engines. also the F 414 also powers the upgraded F 18 Super Hornets operated by the US navy from it's carriers. who also runs with twin Engines.

   Currently the F 414 and the F 414 INS6 has been used in the F 18 E/F and the Tejas Mk 2 Fighters.

      But the ADA now hunts for even more powerful engines with good super cruise and more powerful Engines for the Home made 5th Generation fighters, the ADA and HAL plans to power the AMCA with affordable 220kN Engines, where the AMCA comes with twin engines each of them should show 110kN in full afterburner mode, but ADA didn't reveal the information about the required dry thrust power values,

     So India and US agreed to further develop the F 414 Engines to increase the power output by 110kN, both the US Navy and Indian AMCA team suggested the GE to re-mod the engine to deliver more power, the same also discussed with the US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, he confirms that he will discuss with the US officials for the Joint research in the engine development, but since months the project didn't wakeup from the discussion Tables, the US and India signed a agreement called DTTI which involves co-developments in core technology. 

     The Americans may opt for their own Pratt & Whitney engines for their Higher output needs, that's the suspected reason of the negligence of co developing the F 414 to deliver more power. the American Fifth Gen fighters like F 22 and F 35 and the F 15 uses the advanced Pratt and Whitney F 119 engines who delivers 156 kN to power the F 22, the twin engines give awesome power output of more than 300 kN to the world's finest fighter Aircraft, also the F 35 uses the Pratt&Whitney F135 who delivers 191 kN in full after burner mode, and the F 15 uses the PW F 100 who delivers 129 kN power, the twin engines gives the F 15 nearly 250 kN of power,

     But the above are all mentioned fighter Aircrafts are heavy in size and design so the tremendous powers needed to lift off the Fighters with heavy load, The Indian Su 30 MKI heavy fighter uses the Satrun AL 31FP which can produce 123 kN, and the twin engine gives nearly 245 kN power to the Indian Su 30 MKI, also the future heavy Fighter FGFA uses the more powerful Satrun AL 41 who can produces more than 150 kN, the twin engine gives more than 300 kN to the FGFA, makes similar power to the American F 22 engines power.

     But the AMCA is not the Heavy fighter, It's fall on medium Weight category like AMCA expanded as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, so it requires medium power  but not less than 220 kN, Thats why the India need a good medium power engines, and as a surprise the lost contender EJ 200 also offer co development of the Engine to produce more than 110 kN , if Washington refuses to the co development of F 414, India opt for the European EJ  200 for the AMCA.

Interview with the boss of LCA Tejas, P S Subramanyam

Extracts of Interview with P S Subramanyam, PGD and Director-ADA

The blog today brings forward to you all a very unique article. It is an interview with the outgoing Tejas boss, ‘P S Subramanyam’. The article contains extracts taken from Tarmak 007, a leading aerospace and defense page of the nation which is being maintained by Dr Anantha Krishnan M.

-Tarmak 007

It was an emotionally charged day at ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) HQ, Bangalore.The leader and pilot of India’s aerospace dream project the ‘LCA program’ bid a final adios to his office. P.S Subramanyam an M.E and ISSc scholar, a distinguished scientist and the Director of ADA under whom the nations pride ‘Tejas’ took to skies retired after serving the nation for 40 long years. P S Subramanyam completed his PG (Post Graduation) in Aeronautical Engineering from India’s premiere institution IISc. He has Mechanical Engineering as his basic degree from the after sought NIT (National Institute of Technology), Warangal. P S Subramanyam started his service with DRDL (Defense research and Development Laboratory) in the year 1975. He contributed significantly for the IGDMP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme) with his vast knowledge in control, guidance and navigation.

P S Subramanyam joined ADA in 1986 which was set up primarily to look after the nation’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme. It was in the very initial phase of the programme that he was introduced to the program which was being worked upon by eminent engineers pooled in from various fields and Air force pilots. P.S. Subramanyam was elevated as the PGD and Director in 2005. Below is a long Q&A regarding 'LCA Tejas' as reveled by P.S. Subramanyam.

Q: The current fleet of IAF MiG 21 and MiG 27 are aging pretty rapidly and there are reports of IAF decommissioning nearly 3 squadrons of MiG 21 and MiG 27 by the year end. How will the gap be filled without FOC for Tejas?

A:  The initial orders for Tejas are on IoC configuration and FoC clearance will not come in the way of ramping up the production.

Q: Can Tejas be compared to other aircraft available in the international market, ex f-16 block-52 and JF-17?

A: In its class of aircrafts LCA is equal if not superior and it is comparable in performance.

Q:  The total cost spent on the project.

A: Rs 7,500 cores has been spent to develop 2 TDs, 5 prototypes and 7 LSPs and establish a production line. The most economical programme in the world so far for the above purpose.

Q: What is the current production rate of Tejas, IAF is already phasing out the MiG-21?

A: The production rate is aimed at producing at least 16 to 20 per year. The production rate maybe doubled at a suitable time.

Q: What is the range of radar in tejas mk 1 and will it be improved in mk 2?

A: The radar range in mk1 is approximately 80 - 100 kms. It will be improved to to 120 Kms in mk2.

Q: Will private players be part of LCA to bolster the Tejas production capacity in the near future?

A: The option of involving private players is being explored.

Source - ADA

Q: When will we see the upgraded version of MK.1?

A: The upgraded version of Tejas MK1 can be expected in the next 2 years.

Q: Has the On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) been tested?

A: All the ground tests involving OBOGS has been completed and is ready for integration on a prototype vehicle.

Q:  What is the capability of Tejas in terms of precision guided ground attack roles and close air support to ground troops in the battlefield?

A: LCA can carry Laser guided bombs which can strike targets with less than a meter precision.

Q: Are our pilots satisfied with Tejas and its performance?

 A: Yes. The pilots find the aircraft extremely pilot friendly in its handling qualities.

Q: Your views on the export of Tejas!

A: Let's first take care of the needs of our customers. Exports will happen in future to friendly nations. There have been many inquiries during various air shows.

Source - Net

Q: The home grown engine program ‘Kaveri’ is now scrapped, is there any plans to develop a new engine?

A: The dry engine development of Kaveri is on.

Q: The degree of stealth in Tejas?

A: Very minimal amount of stealth has been provided with Tejas.

Q: As the years roll by, the avionics maybe outdated will it be upgraded with the passing years?

 A: LCA is developed on an Open Systems Architecture which will enable continuous upgrades to the electronics.

Q: What is the level of composite materials used in LCA?

A: 40 per cent by weight and 90 per cent by surface area.

Q:  Is Tejas capable of pulling 9G manoeuvres and is it comparable with other aircraft of its class in manoeuvrability?

A: Tejas is capable of pulling 8G’s and can be compared to all other aircraft in its class for performance.

Q: Is there any update from Cobham in reference to the supply of quartz radome and IFR probe? How vital is the Quartz radome? Is it possible to fire BVR missiles with the existing radar system?

 

A:  ADA will get access to the complete hardware in less than a month. The Cobham Radome will increase the range by about 10-15%. Yes BVR missiles can be fired with the existing radar system.

Q: What would be the service ceiling, ferry range and max speed of Tejas by the end of FoC?

 A:  LCA will enjoy a service ceiling of 15 km, ferry range will be 1500 km and maximum speed will be 1.6 Mach.

Q: Can the current radius of operation of Tejas be enhanced? What are the modifications required for it?

A:  The radius of operation can be enhanced by increasing the drag reduction capability and by carrying extra fuel.

Source - Net

Q: How many hard points are Tejas equipped with and is it sustainable for an aircraft of its class?

 A: Tejas has got 8 hard points and is optimal for this class of aircraft.

Q: An overview of the Electronic Warfare Equipment going into Tejas.

A: We have got RADAR Warning Receivers and planning to have the self protection jammers in the next variants.

Q: What is the Angle of Attack (AOA) of Tejas and is it in par with IAF requirements? 

A: The AoA of Tejas is 24-26 degree and meets the IAF requirements.

Q: Anything regarding the AMCA project and the challenges you may face as it takes shape.

A: AMCA configuration studies have been completed. The Engine requirement for the aircraft has been finalised. Stealth technology and super-manevourability will e the key challenges faced.

Q: What is the expected life span of a Tejas aircraft?

A: 30 years or 3000 hours.

Q: How many Tejas have been produced till date?

A:  As of now SP-1 has been handed over. 19 more are under construction in IOC config.  Two technology demonstrators, Five prototypes and 7 LSPs have been completed till date.

Source - Net

Q: The key differences between the naval version and the air force supplied aircraft? When will the naval version have its FOC?

 A: LCA Tejas will have strengthened undercarriage, leading edge vortex control devices, Arrester Hook, Drooped Nose, Fuel dumping  and many more capabilities unique to the Naval variant. The naval aircraft will be cleared by carrier compatibility after our own air carrier INS Vikrant is available for tests.

Q: Tejas is slated to fire the Python and Derby missiles. Will we see the home grown ASTRA being fired from Tejas?

A:  Astra missiles programme was actually initiated at ADA only. All the time the integration of ASTRA on to LCA has been kept in mind while evolving Astra. Once Astra is cleared on any other platform it will be integrated on LCA.

Extracts of interview published in Mathrubhumi English.

Q: Your tenure will probably go down in the history of Indian military aviation as the most challenging one. Isn't it an irony that you had to leave the project just months ahead of its Final Operational Clearance (FOC)?

A: The Mk-1 configuration aircraft started coming after I took over in 2005. The challenge started with PV-2, which is the present Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration aircraft. In the last 10 years there were major transformation in the aircraft and systems. I would say 80 per cent changes took place in the last 10 years in terms of design and systems. Now, FOC is on track and I am happy that it will be achieved in the next six to nine months. Remember that projects are bigger than people. There are capable hands to take the programme forward. I am not running away and will be always available to offer any help.

Q: So what are the major changes to Tejas in the last 10 years?

A: Well, there are many. There were changes to the front fuselage, cockpit layout, radome, windshield and canopy. Almost 80 per cent avionics changed and even the wings underwent modifications due to R-73 missile. The rear fuselage too had to be changed to accommodate GE404-IN20 engine. Even the MMR (Multi-Mode Radar) underwent changes after the indigenous effort to make one did not succeed. So we had to go for Israeli Elta Radar. Even the fuel system got changes for better CG (Centre of Gravity) management. New Communication systems too came in. Fourteen aircraft were built during my regime and around 2500 flights achieved in 10 years. Tejas story will inspire generations to come.

Q: What was the most satisfying moment during your command?

A: I would say the handing over of SP-1 to the Indian Air Force, the first Series Production aircraft, is the most memorable moment. I can proudly say I saw through the programme end to end.

Q: During your tenure, there were many attempts to close the project. How did you manage to overcome those pressures?

A: Okay. We had faced many unexpected encounters while taking Tejas project forward. In 2007, we came to a situation which almost was like to be or not to be. There were several meetings held to close the programme. From our end, we gave confidence to the government and convinced them that it is a doable project. There were occasions in the past that many wanted to merge ADA with some other organisations. We faced all the rough weather bravely.

Q: Who are the people who were behind these 'undercover operations?'

A: They were not undercover operations, but open attempts. Names don't matter as we have come a great distance ahead successfully.

Source - Net

Q: We understand that the FOC is likely to spill over to next year?

A: The programme has come this far and we are confident of achieving the FOC by March 2016. The current delays are just passing clouds and we will have access to all hardware within a month. Nothing can stop achieving FOC now.

Q: What was it like handling multiple agencies, which had different command and structure?

A: Interesting one (Laughs). I am not sure whether we have any other national programme running with so many stakeholders associated with it. It made me a better leader. Barring ADA, I had no control over any of the stakeholders in the programme. Still, I got the support of everyone, which I am proud of.

Q: Media has been mostly very critical of the programme, but you never came out countering them.

A: (Laughs) If I had to that, who would have run the programme? I believe that everyone has a job to do and I did mine. The media never had the right appreciation of the time and cost of the programme. Every time a new figure came out along with a new set of timelines. With Rs 7500 crore, we made 14 aircraft and also set up a production line. Isn't it far superior than the expenditure twice incurred in any other programme in the world? Honestly, we were ever affected by any media reports.

Source - Broadsword

Q: What are your immediate plans?

A: I want to get connected with the youngsters. I will visit universities and talk to engineering students. I want to share with them the Tejas story. In the next 10 years, India should be second to none in military aviation. If aviation needs to grow, we need to introspect our position in science and technology today. I have already set a blueprint in my mind to target youngsters. In the last 10 years, I have not gone for any vacation. Even Sundays were working days. Probably, now I will get some time to listen to some old Hindi and English songs. 

Q: Songs like...

A: My all-time favourite number is Mary Hopkin's -- Those were the days my friend...

This article published is possible only because of Tarmak007. All the question Q&A published here are formed after clubbing the comments on Tarmak 007, hope it was an interesting read .  Due credits is all paid to the photographers have produced these stunning images. 

Composed by - Karthik Kakoor