In a boost for Indian defense aviation, the configuration for the fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) has been frozen and the preliminary design is complete.
While TEJAS MK-2 is a single-engine multirole fighter designed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be 4.5 generation, AMCA is called the 5th generation fighter jet program of India.
Girish S Deodhare, Program Director (combat aircraft) and Director, ADA while speaking at an event by the Centre for Air Power Studies and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers said: “The detailed design is complete. In fact, we are in the critical design review stage and metal cutting should start very shortly. Roll-out of the aircraft (MK-2) is planned for next year and the first flight in early 2023. We are well on track to achieve these goals.”
The fighter jet has a tailless compound delta-wing configuration with high maneuverability and will be powered with a heavier GE 414 engine and is expected to be commissioned into the Indian Air Force by 2026.
As per public information, the supersonic fighter aircraft is made of lightweight materials like aluminium, lithium and titanium alloys, and carbon composites, etc.
The TEJAS MK-2 is a 4.5 generation aircraft with enhanced range and endurance. It is 1,350 mm longer featuring canards and can carry a payload of 6,500 kg compared to 3,500 kg the TEJAS can carry. Reportedly, the aircraft will also be equipped with a multi-sensor data fusion system including an active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track, and a missile approach warning system.
For the first time, an onboard oxygen generation system is also being integrated into the aircraft. Heavy weapons of the class of Scalp, Crystal Maze, and Spice-2000 will also be integrated on the Mk2.
The Defence Ministry signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL in February for 83 TEJAS MK-1A to the Indian Air Force which has one squadron of the TEJAS that has operational clearance.
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