FIRST FLIGHT OF LCA TEJAS MARK 1A FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

On March 28, 2024, The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday successfully completed the first flight of indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet in Bengaluru.

About the LCA Tejas:

1. The LCA Tejas program was initiated by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to develop a state-of-the-art light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
2. The LCA Tejas is a single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft designed to fulfill various roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
3. It's the smallest and lightest contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.

Versions of LCA Tejas:

The LCA Tejas program has evolved over the years, resulting in different versions with specific enhancements and capabilities. The primary versions include:

1. Tejas Mark 1: The initial operational clearance (IOC) version with limited capabilities.
2. Tejas Mark 1A: An enhanced version with improved avionics, radar, electronic warfare capabilities, and a wider range of weapons.
3. Tejas Mark 2: A significantly improved version with a more powerful engine, increased payload capacity, and advanced avionics (currently under development).
4. Tejas Navy (LCA Navy): A naval variant designed for carrier operations.
5. Tejas Trainer: A two-seat training variant for pilot training.

LCA Tejas Mark 1A:

1. The LCA Tejas Mark 1A is an enhanced version of the Mark 1, featuring improved avionics, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities. It's equipped with an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a self-protection jammer, and can carry a wider variety of weapons.
2. The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft to strengthen its fleet.

Deployment and HAL's Efforts:

1. The LCA Tejas Mark 1A is likely to be deployed at the Nal airbase in Rajasthan's Bikaner, near the Pakistan border.
2. HAL is working to deliver the first twin-seater trainer version of the LCA Tejas HAL to the Indian Air Force by March 31, 2024.

IAF's Commitment:

The IAF has already signed a contract worth over ₹48,000 crore with HAL for the supply of 83 LCA Tejas aircraft. Additionally, the IAF has clearance to purchase 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter jets at a cost of ₹65,000 crore.

Previous Inductions:

The LCA Mark 1 aircraft were inducted into the IAF in 2016. Currently, two IAF squadrons operate the LCA Tejas.

 

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