The HAL Tejas AF MWF is India’s advanced single-engine, multirole combat aircraft featuring a canard-delta wing design and GE F414 engine.
The HAL Tejas AF MWF (Medium Weight Fighter), also known as Tejas Mk2, is an evolution of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), this single-engine, multirole combat aircraft features a tailless, compound delta wing configuration with close-coupled canards. Powered by the General Electric F414-INS6 afterburning turbofan engine, it offers enhanced thrust over its predecessor. The airframe incorporates advanced carbon-fiber composites, reducing weight and increasing strength. Equipped with modern avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, the Tejas Mk2 is capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions across its multiple hardpoints. With an increased internal fuel capacity and payload, it is designed to replace aging fleets such as the SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29 in the Indian Air Force.
History of Development
In the late 20th century, India recognized the need to modernize its air force, which relied heavily on aging platforms like the MiG-21. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program was initiated to develop an indigenous fighter, leading to the creation of the HAL Tejas Mk1. While the Tejas Mk1 achieved operational status, it became evident that enhancements were necessary to meet evolving combat scenarios and to replace multiple aging aircraft in the IAF’s inventory.
To address these needs, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) embarked on developing the Tejas Mk2, later designated as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF). The objective was to create a more capable aircraft with increased payload, range, and advanced avionics. The program aimed to replace platforms such as the SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29, consolidating their roles into a single, versatile fighter.
The development phase saw significant milestones:
- 2009: Authorization of the Tejas Mk2 development as a continuation of the LCA program under Phase 3 of the Full-Scale Engineering Development (FSED) process.
- 2014: Completion of preliminary design studies, transitioning into the detailed design phase.
- 2019: Unveiling of the redesigned fighter at Aero India, showcasing a 17.5-tonne-class aircraft with close-coupled canards and an integrated IRST system.
- 2021: Commencement of metal-cutting for the Tejas Mk2 in February.
The rollout of the first prototype was initially scheduled for August 2022 but was postponed to late 2022. The first flight is anticipated by late 2023, with a total of four prototypes planned initially. The ADA completed its critical design review on November 15, 2021, with 20 subsystems cleared by the IAF for production.
The Tejas Mk2’s development reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign platforms and enhance indigenous capabilities.
Design of the HAL Tejas AF MWF (continued)
- Radar System: The aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, improving target tracking and engagement capabilities compared to the mechanically scanned pulse-Doppler radar in earlier models. This system provides enhanced situational awareness, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously.
- Infrared Search and Track (IRST): The IRST system enhances passive target detection, allowing the aircraft to detect and track enemy aircraft based on their heat signatures. This system is especially useful against stealthy targets and in electronic warfare scenarios.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: The self-protection system includes Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), and Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS). These systems improve survivability by alerting the pilot to threats and deploying countermeasures such as flares and chaff.
- Cockpit and Human-Machine Interface (HMI): The Tejas Mk2 features a glass cockpit with a wide-angle Head-Up Display (HUD), multifunction displays (MFDs), and hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls. These features allow pilots to access critical information quickly and reduce workload.
- Weapon Hardpoints and Payload: The aircraft has eleven hardpoints (compared to the Tejas Mk1’s eight), allowing it to carry a variety of weapons, including beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs), close combat missiles (CCMs), air-to-ground precision-guided munitions, and anti-ship missiles. The total payload capacity has been increased to 6.5 tons (14,330 lbs).
Performance of the HAL Tejas AF MWF
The General Electric F414-INS6 afterburning turbofan engine powers the Tejas Mk2, significantly improving thrust and efficiency compared to the F404 engine used in the Tejas Mk1. This engine enhances the aircraft’s combat capabilities with better acceleration, higher speed, and improved fuel efficiency.
Performance Data:
- Engine: General Electric F414-INS6 afterburning turbofan
- Thrust: 98 kN (22,000 lbf) with afterburner
- Maximum Speed: 1.8 Mach (2,205 km/h or 1,370 mph)
- Combat Radius: 1,500 km (932 miles)
- Ferry Range: 3,500 km (2,175 miles) with external tanks
- Service Ceiling: 16,500 meters (54,000 feet)
- Rate of Climb: 300 m/s (59,000 ft/min)
Comparison with Competitors:
The Tejas Mk2 competes with other 4.5-generation fighter aircraft, including:
- Dassault Rafale (France)
- Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 (USA)
- Chengdu J-10C (China)
- Mikoyan MiG-35 (Russia)
While the Tejas Mk2 lacks the twin-engine advantage of the Rafale, it benefits from a modern avionics suite, reduced radar cross-section (RCS), and an improved weapons load compared to legacy aircraft like the MiG-29. Its combat radius and payload surpass those of single-engine competitors like the J-10C and F-16 Block 70/72, making it a well-balanced fighter for the Indian Air Force.
Variants of the HAL Tejas AF MWF
The Tejas Mk2 is being developed as a single-seat, multirole combat aircraft with no immediate plans for a twin-seat trainer version. However, the aircraft exists in different configurations based on mission requirements:
- Tejas Mk2 Standard Variant: This version is designed for air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike operations. It integrates advanced avionics, weapons, and sensors, including AESA radar, IRST, and an EW suite.
- Naval Variant (Proposed): The Indian Navy has considered a navalized version with a reinforced undercarriage and tailhook for carrier operations. However, the focus remains on the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) for future naval air power.
- Upgraded Future Variant: HAL has indicated the possibility of further enhancements, including AI-assisted avionics, additional stealth coatings, and upgraded engines for improved thrust-to-weight ratio.
Military Missions of the HAL Tejas AF MWF
Armament and Weapons:
The Tejas Mk2 is equipped with a diverse arsenal of weapons, making it a highly versatile combat platform. It carries:
- Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs): Astra Mk1 and Mk2, R-73, Derby, and MICA
- Air-to-Ground Weapons: Spice-2000, BrahMos-NG, and SAAW (Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon)
- Anti-Ship Missiles: BrahMos-NG and Harpoon
- Close Combat Weapons: 23mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon
- Electronic Warfare Pods: Advanced jamming and countermeasure pods
Operational Roles:
- Air Superiority Missions: The Tejas Mk2 can engage enemy fighters using BVRAAMs and advanced IRST targeting systems.
- Ground Attack Operations: The aircraft can deliver precision-guided munitions against enemy installations.
- Maritime Strike Missions: With BrahMos-NG anti-ship missiles, it can attack naval targets at long range.
- Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD): Equipped with anti-radiation missiles, it can neutralize radar installations.
- Escort and Defensive Operations: The Tejas Mk2 is capable of escorting bombers and defending airspace against intruders.
International Sales and Service:
- Currently, the HAL Tejas Mk2 is being developed for the Indian Air Force, and there have been no confirmed international customers.
- The aircraft is expected to enter production by 2027, with an initial order of 108 units for the IAF.
- It will replace the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, streamlining India’s combat fleet.
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