ADA Tejas Mark-II/Medium Weight Fighter

mostuselesshit

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why doesnt govt go all in and order 2 versions of tejas...single engine and twin engine...

even with fifth generation fighters at frontline a decade in future...there will be need for cheap 4++ gen fighters to be backbone of air force...I feel it will be better investment now to have those in future...to replace all sukoi & rafale with Indian built twin engine 4++ gen fighters...then to keep buying upgrades from foreign govts in future....
 

HariPrasad-1

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I have a question. It is this diagram of LCA Tejas Mark 2, or of Tejas Mark 1A..?
View attachment 23642
Isn't Mark2 supposed to be longer?..
Mk1A, 8% aerodynamic improvement is planned in MK1A. That will give it a 20% better transsonic acceleration and 2% higher speed. Can you please post the research paper in which these diagrams appeared. I am unable to locate it.
 

HariPrasad-1

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I had compared Tejas MK2 and Gripen E here.

Since the time India show its interest in buying a single engine fighter, there is a lots of discussion going on whether India should buy F 16 or Saab Gripen. Both the companies i.e Lockheed martin and Saab are pushing their planes very very hard. Both the companies have made some very very attractive offer including Make in India and total technology transfer. Both the companies have promised their latest technology to India. Lockheed martin has offered its top of the line F16 with Block 70 version, Saab has offered Gripen E. Both the companies has offered to shift their assembly line to India and make India a hub of all future production and export. Saab has shown interest of 100 years of business relationship and ensure that they will export more planes from India than what they sell to India.

While both the companies are making trying to make their offer more attractive, HAL has come out with a news that they can make LCA MK2 by 2018-19 and production may begin in 2020. This is a time frame by which we may expect F 16 and Saab Gripen to produce their Aircraft if we take decision today and give them green signal to start the work on their plant.Now there is a question whether we should go for Gripen E or we should opt for LCA MK2. And this question needs an analysis to evaluate the pros and cons of both proposals. I am trying to analyse both the planes on various parameters in Indian context.

- Engine and power.

Both the planes are using GE 414 with Dry thrust 62 kn and wet thrust 98 KN. So both the derives the power from same engine. However, India is working on Kaveri engine. They are taking consultency from fom France and France has promised to make plane operational within 18 month. New engine is supposed to have same power as GE 414. Hence, LCA MK2 will have an additional engine option and most important of all is that it is a desi option. Gripen uses US engine and if gripen is bought, the separate agreement with US is required for the engine which adds to the vulnerability to the Gripen make in India deal.

-Dimension, Aerodynamics and T/W ratio

Saab Gripen NG has following specifications. I will compare them one by one against the specification of LCA Mk2.

KEY DATA
  • Length overall 15.2 m
  • Width overall 8.6 m
  • Basic mass empty 8000 kg
  • Internal fuel 3400 kg
  • Max takeoff weight 16500 kg
  • Max thrust 98 kN
  • Min takeoff distance 500 m
  • Landing distance 600 m
  • Max speed at sea level > 1400 km/h
  • Max speed at high altitude Mach 2
  • Supercruise capability: Yes
  • Max service altitude > 52.500 ft
  • G-limits -3G / +9G
  • Hardpoints 10
  • Combat turnaround air-to-air 10 min
  • Full engine replacement 1 hour
LCA Mk2 will be a 14.2 M long plane which is 1 meter short in length of Gripen. Both planes will have same g limits. LCA mk2's service ceiling shall be 18000 m which will be much higher than the 52500 Ft which is 16000 meter. This will be because of low wing loading and will give protection to LCA Mk2 against many short range and shoulder fire missiles.

So far as highest speed is concern, both the planes will have almost same highest speed or gripen may have a little bit higher highest speed which does not make a big difference.

LCA MK1 has 500 m take off distance and it will reduce 15% atleast in Mk2 so LCA mk2 will have short take off distance compared to Gripen.

Speed at sea level is concern, MK1 has a speed of 1350 KM/Hr at sea level so LCA mk2 with lower weight, better aerodynamic and almost 20% higher dry thrust engine and 9% higher after burner thrust should easily cross 1400 Kmph figure of Gripen.

The most important difference between the 2 plane is the weight of both plane. Designers of LCA Mk2 has said that they have designed the plane with 6100 Kg weight and target is 6000 Kg. Even if we take it 6200 Kg , LCA mk2 shall be significantly lighter than Gripen . It will have 2 ton lower weight. and that is going to make big difference. I will discuss that later on.

So far as MTOW is concern, Gripen DATA shows that at 16.5 Ton. Ideally it should be 2.5 times the dry thrust which comes around 15.62 tons but let us assume that it is 16.5 tons as stated in specification. LCA Mk2 uses the same engine so it should have an ability of 16.5 tons MTOW but let us apply that 2.5 factor rule. LCA Mk2 should carry atleast 15.62 MTOW. Now Gripen with 8 ton weight +3.4 ton fuel is left with 5.1 ton payload on plane. On the other hand LCA MK2 with 6.2 ton empty weight and similar fuel of 3.4 ton should left Tejas with 5.7 ton weight which compares favorably to Gripen.

Fuel fraction of tejas shall be 0.35 against 0.29 of gripen which is favorable. So far as range is concern, Tejas should have higher range as both planes are using same engine and same quantity of fuel but Tejas being significantly lighter should have a longer range. However, as we show in case of MK1 vs Gripen C, Gripen has a higher range.

So far as aerodynamics is concern, Gripen is n excellently designed plane so far as aerodynamics is concern which give it a very good speed and long range. LCA Mk1 was considered to be a bit draggy but a lots of studies have been made to improve its aerodynamics is concern. Making LCA Mk2 0.5 m longer is already a part of Aerodynamic improvement process for better compliance of Area rule. There are some other aerodynamics changes which are coming in LCA Mk1+/LCA Mk2. Study says that it will reduce drag by 8% and improve trans sonic acceleration by 20% (For MK1). So these aerodynamic changes should make LCA Mk2 a plane with very good aerodynamic characteristic.

-Radar, Electronic, EW, Sensor fusion.

So far as radar is concern, Gripen has a very good radar. LCA Mk2 is also all set to get top of the class AESA radar till Uttam is ready with 150 KM range. Israel has already offered ELTA 2052 but india has issued a tender for the same with TOT. So India will either get ELTA 2052 or any better radar and it will not be any way inferior to the one of Gripen.

So far as EW is concern, India and Israel are making EW for Tejas and has designed MAYAVI Ew suite for Tejas and work is on for better EW. India has got spectra confugered for Indian requirement. If spectra technologies goes in LCA MK2 by the way of buy back clause, It will be superior to Gripen. If not, Indo-Israeli EW will match that of gripen.

So far sensor fusion is concern, Gripen is a top class plane. India is also working on sensor fusion but how much effective that will be is not known and time will tell the story. Here is an area where I see gripen is leading in current scenario.

So far as other avionics are concern, Gripen uses lots of imported Avionic compared to India. I do not see any plane a clear winner here.

- Weapons: Both will use very good targeting pod and imported missile. India shall use Python and derby and Russian missiles along with Astra. Gripen can uses AIM Series and Meteor missile. Meteor is a top class missile but new Israeli I Durby will provide 80% of meteor performance claims rafael. How ultimately ASTRA will turn out to be is not know but it will be a promising missile. Both planes are neck to neck in A to A missiles but If Meteor is used, Gripen will have an edge. Both will have gun according to their requirement and both can use guided bombs. India has just tested SAAW bomb which will give LCA MK2 an edge in anti airfield strike capability.

-BVR and close combat

Both the planes have excellent BVR and top AESA radar. However, because of small size and extensive use of Composite should give LCA Mk2 first detecting capability. I see LCA Mk2 at a slight advantage.

In combat configuration of 50% fuel and 800 KG Air to air missile, Tejas will have a significant advantage because of very high combat TWR. it is 6200 KG empty weight+1700 KG fuel +800 KG missiles against the gripen figures of 8 ton empty weight+1700 KG fuel+800 Kg air to air missile. Tejas has figure of 1.11 against 0.93 of gripen with GE 414 engine of 98 KN Wet thrust. Tejas shall be at a big advantage because of its light empty weight and should maneuver fast and beat Gripen in close combat. Tejas shall have an advantage of low wing loading also which should give it an edge at high altitude fighting.

-Conclusion: Both plane are very good having their edge over others in different area. However, Tejas with its small size and very high T/W ratio offers many advantages as a platform. There is nothing in Gripen which gives it any significant advantage over LCA Mk2. LCA Mk2 shall be very cost effective and offer India a platform to integrate its own weapon , Own engine to which Thrust victor can be added (Russia has already offered) . It will have a lots of configuration options also. Once it is ready in next 5 years with Indian engine , Indian AESA, it will be a weapon very difficult for any other system to match and will give India and edge over any other rival in air combat. It will easily outclass anything china or pakistan has. India can mass produce it and offer it to many friendly countries across the world including Vietnam, Indonesia, African countries and even to the countries like Brazil who are interested in Gripen. It will offer everything which Gripen offers + many more. What India need at this stage is to expedite LCA Mk2 program and make it it sure that it goes into production in 2020 as promised.


-Hari Prasad

http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/...b-gripen-an-analysis-in-indian-context.78098/
 

Sancho

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He is being too generous here as far as the timeline of production is concerned. They haven't even finalized the design yet. I'll be happy if they manage to fly it by 2022.
He is merely giving the official figures and as I said before, on twitter he is basically stating opinions with some bias, while in his well researched and sourced reports, he also shows the bad facts.
Air Chief Dhanoa stated, that MK2 delivery is planned for 2027, the production of an LCA takes 3 years, so start in 2024 makes sense...

...we talk about an ideal scenario here!

Given the track record of the programme and the delays in FOC, I prefer to wait and see, till there is a real achievement and take all these estimates with caution.
 

proud_indian

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Given the track record of the programme and the delays in FOC, I prefer to wait and see, till there is a real achievement and take all these estimates with caution.
Me too!
Right now I am more concerned about how good MK1-A would turn out to be and how quickly they can come up with the first MK1-A prototype as they haven't selected the radar and Electronic warfare suite yet.
 

Sancho

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Me too!
Right now I am more concerned about how good MK1-A would turn out to be and how quickly they can come up with the first MK1-A prototype as they haven't selected the radar and Electronic warfare suite yet.
I don't care much about MK1A, because it's just a compromise. The FOC is the key to get LCA some value for operational service and the MK2 is the key, to finally fix it's problems.
 

Prashant12

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DRDO asks for LCA Mk2 funding

IAF 'committed' to 201 LCA Mk2 fighters


The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has asked the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence for additional funds to develop the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2.

In submissions made to the committee, Secretary, Defence Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO, S. Christopher mentioned a request of INR 800 crore for work on the LCA Mk2, also, saying the Indian Air Force (IAF) had committed itself to 201 LCA Mk2, in addition to the 123 LCA Mk1/1A or order or being contemplated at the moment. The naval LCA was also intended to be based on the LCA Mk2.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence cited his remarks in a report released on Tuesday, in which he was quoted as saying, “We have LCA Programme which is coming under grants-in-aid which requires funding. As of now, we have got the orders for about 123 aircraft and also Air Force is committed to take another 201 aircraft which means, Mark-II to be designed and developed, we are in the half way through. There are some expenditures involved. We request another Rs.800 Crore under grants-in-aid. If it could be provided we will be happy.”

Christopher had made a reference to an IAF commitment for 201 LCA Mk2 earlier this month, as well. The Indian Express quoted him as saying in Ahmedabad, “In addition to that (123 LCA Mk1/1A order), the air force has given in writing another 201 aircraft, which is the next version, that we call as Mark-II. We are working on it and by 2022 it will be flying.”

These remarks come during a period of confusion about the intention of the defence ministry and IAF with respect to acquisition of fighter aircraft. After the withdrawal of the IAF tender for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) in 2015 and the order for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, the defence ministry under Manohar Parrikar announced its intention to hold a competition for a Make in India single-engine fighter aircraft.

Fighters were also listed as one of four domestic manufacturing priorities in Chapter 07 of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) on strategic partnerships, released last year.

More recently, reports have emerged suggesting that the defence ministry under Nirmala Sitharaman might be open to throwing the competition open to all manufacturers and fighters, to include twin-engine aircraft, as well.

At the same time, while there is talk of IAF interest in the U.S. fifth generation F-35, the French have also urged India towards a repeat government-to-government order for Rafale fighters.

The IAF’s current order numbers for the LCA:

  • LCA Mk1 (IOC standard): 20
  • LCA Mk1 (FOC standard): 20
  • LCA Mk1A: 83
IOC refers to Initial Operational Clearance; the existing standard of the aircraft, which includes a number of waivers of Staff Qualitative Requirements (SQRs). FOC refers to Final Operational Clearance, which is the next objective for the aircraft; to demonstrate an enhanced capability to meet additional SQRs, including air-to-air refueling, and integration with the Derby and Python missiles. The LCA Mk1A includes four specific capability improvements prescribed by the IAF. These include:

  • Digital RWR and External SPJ Pod
  • Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
  • Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT)
  • ASRAM – Close Combat Missile
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile
Although the defence ministry has approved the acquisition of 83 LCA Mk1A, no order has been placed yet.

The LCA Mk2 requires a more powerful engine than the the current GE F404 powering the LCA Mk1. The GE F414 had been selected for the LCA Mk2. However, there is now speculation a revived indigenous Kaveri engine could power the aircraft with French assistance. This is not the first time such an idea has been considered.

Either way, any engine upgrade would likely require significant changes to the existing airframe. In recent years, both the IAF and the navy had dropped the idea of pursuing an LCA Mk2 model from active consideration.

On its part, the committee recommended the extra cash for the LCA Mk2, but said, “The Committee, while examining the Demands for Grants, discovered that delays in completion of projects is a part and parcel of DRDOs functioning. For instance, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was supposed to be completed in 2008 but the revised date of completion is June, 2019. In the case of Aero engine, Kaveri, the original date of completion was 1996 but was revised to December, 2009. Further revision of the completion schedule continues to be under process. Similar is the case with LCA-Navy, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System, Air to Air Missile system-Astra, Long Range Surface to Air Missile etc. to name a few.”

https://www.stratpost.com/drdo-asks-for-lca-mk2-funding/
 

vishnugupt

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Saurav Jha on MK2 test and production time lines:
This is the beauty of Indian working culture we might never know what is the truth. Here tweet implies that Government is culprit by not releasing funds but I doubt because ADA has not been frozen even design of MK2. ADA has been lying since 2010 ( typical V.K. Saraswat style) they have absolutely nothing ready neither design nor subsystem.
 

vishnugupt

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During UPA era it's became habit of DRDO or any agency, if somebody (foreigner ) tested anything unique then DRDO quickly come up with false statement that they also working on same concept, their design is ready and after few more ground test there will actual test at the year end.. blah blah (V.K. Saraswat syndrome). After 2014, Modi told them "perform or perish" and asked to complete ongoing programs which they again lied ( like design ready, few testing, year end, Release Funds ) but unfortunately this time Government meant it asked to Show design and DRDO cough napping on designs. Actually ADA did nothing all these year on MK2 and MK1A they aren't prepare for anything now under pressure even they are struggling to achieve FOC for MK1. forget about MK1A, MK2 and AMCA
 

rone

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Mk2 have slightly different airframe i think 1 to 1.5 m longer

Mk1a
Air to air refueling
Aesa radar
Improved avionics ( 7×5 multi functional display current 5x5)
Spj on external hard point ( on targeting pod hard point or near to Central fuselage)
Advanced short range and 3rd gen bvr (derby or Astra) air to air missile ( may be included in foc tejas mk1 )
New buble canopy ( mostly fine tuned from navl mk1 )
Integrated gun ( currently test going on for reduction of vibration caused due to short burst fire and optimized FCS)
And less number of lru( to brig down weights)


Ps: all these are my assumptios based onthe data i received,and also becoz it don't have any structural mod from mk1 it mostly under go sp production more faster end of 2020 or mid 2021)
 
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Screambowl

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^^ Lots of noises coming out from the GoI and "analysts" in favour of MK2..good to see this. For Tejas to fully succeed as a platform, MK2 is essential.

Now this is a news that warms jingo's heart.
No matter what mallus and madrasis design. IAF will only trust foreign maal.
 

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