Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The aircraft has been designed to replace the aging fleet of the IAF, consisting of MiG-21s and MiG-27s. Tejas is an advanced fourth-generation aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics, sensors, and weapons systems.
Tejas has been in development for over three decades, with the first flight of the prototype taking place in 2001. The aircraft has undergone extensive testing and trials, and it was inducted into the IAF in 2016. The Indian Navy has also placed an order for the naval variant of the aircraft, which is currently under development.
The Tejas aircraft is a delta-winged, tailless design with a single engine. The aircraft is constructed mostly of composite materials, which makes it lightweight and reduces its radar signature. It is equipped with a modern glass cockpit, which includes a head-up display, a multifunctional display, and a fly-by-wire control system. The aircraft's avionics suite includes radar, electronic warfare systems, and a communication suite.
Tejas is armed with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including missiles, bombs, and rockets. The aircraft can carry up to 4,000 kg of weapons, and it is capable of delivering precision strikes with its advanced targeting systems. The aircraft's primary air-to-air missile is the Derby, while the air-to-ground weapons include laser-guided bombs, rockets, and precision-guided munitions. The aircraft also has an internal 23mm cannon for close-range engagements.
Tejas is powered by a single GE F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine, which gives the aircraft a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of 3,000 km. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg and can operate from short, unprepared runways.
The Tejas aircraft has undergone extensive testing and evaluation by the IAF, and it has demonstrated excellent performance and capabilities. The aircraft has participated in various international air shows and has been well received by foreign delegations. HAL has also developed an improved variant of the aircraft, called the Tejas Mk2, which will feature a more powerful engine, upgraded avionics, and a larger payload capacity.
Overall, Tejas is a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft that has been developed indigenously by HAL to meet the requirements of the IAF and the Indian Navy. The aircraft is a testament to India's capabilities in the field of aerospace technology and has the potential to become a major export product for the country.
