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89-478: Litening significantly increases the combat effectiveness of the aircraft during day, night and under-the-weather conditions in the attack of ground and air targets with a variety of standoff weapons (i.e., laser-guided bombs , conventional bombs and GPS -guided weapons). The thousandth pod was sold in October 2010. Litening is an integrated targeting pod that mounts externally to the aircraft. The targeting pod contains

178-594: A control configured vehicle incorporating a digital FBW flight control system. Kota Harinarayana was the Programme Director and Chief Designer of Tejas. In 1992, a dedicated National Control Law (CLAW) team was set up by the National Aerospace Laboratories to develop India's own state of the art FBW flight control system for the Tejas. Initially Lockheed Martin 's consultancy was sought. But it

267-876: A Lockheed Martin Sniper XR called the EOTS (Electro Optical Targeting System) built in and from batch 4 the Advanced EOTS with improved cameras. However, in 2020 the delivery to the Israeli airforce of a prototype F-35I with the EOTS's apertures covered over fueled speculation that the F-35I would incorporate a version of the Litening 5 over the Advanced EOTS upgrade. Litening II Pods supplied by Rafael/ Zeiss Optronik joint venture Litening III RD & EF pods supplied by Ultra Electronics Limited Laser-guided bomb A laser-guided bomb ( LGB )

356-523: A radar warning receiver (RWR), integrated self-protection jammer , chaff and flare dispenser system. The upgraded variant of the Tejas Mark 1, named the Tejas Mark 1A have an AESA radar, new high performance digital flight control computer (DFCC MK1A), new EW suite and updated avionics. Some of the production Mark 1A fighters will be equipped with the Elta EL/M-2052 AESA radar, while rest of

445-579: A Plug-N-Play (PnP) III(TM) digital two-way, data link LRU inside the pod. The pods are being delivered as part of the United States Air Force's Advanced Targeting Pod – Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) program. The Litening III, used on the IAF Tejas , Italian Air Force AMX , and RAF Typhoon aircraft, also provides still image capture for reconnaissance missions in addition to the targeting capabilities found on other models. A gimballed version of

534-474: A critical crossing point over the Red River . Starting in 1965, U.S. pilots had flown 871 sorties against it, losing 11 planes without managing to put it out of commission. In 1972 the “Dragon’s Jaw” bridge was attacked with Paveway bombs, and 14 jets managed to do what the previous 871 had not: drop the span and cut a critical North Vietnamese supply artery. In the wake of this success, other nations, specifically

623-415: A fast I/O controller based on an autonomous state machine, increased computational throughput, and sophisticated on-board software that satisfies DO-178C level-A safety regulations. All important metrics and the flight controls' performance were deemed adequate during the flying test. Developing an indigenous jet engine for Tejas was one of the five self-reliance goals identified at the beginning of

712-651: A flight clearance certificate for the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Gear Box (AMAGB) bearings and power take-off shaft . The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) also gave clearance for the pre-production of landing gear seals developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Fluoro Carbon Seals Limited. In December 2006, the IAF announced that it would form an "LCA Induction Team" to manage

801-697: A fresh RFI for the procurement of 57 multi-role carrier borne fighters. Because the technologies developed for the Tejas programme will be carried over to other platforms currently being developed by the ADA, test flying was continued. In 2019, an LCA navy prototype successfully carried out the first arrested landing at the SBTF in Goa in day time and night time. As of December 2019, the Naval LCA programme completed 209 test flights, of these 50 were ski jump take-offs. In January 2020,

890-449: A full 1Kx1K forward looking infrared and charge-coupled device, as well as short wave infrared laser imaging sensors, color symbology, tracker improvement and enhanced zoom. The Litening Gen 4 technology and capability is also available in a kit form that allows users to upgrade their currently fielded Litening pods. The Royal Danish Air Force is the first international partner to take delivery of G4 pods. Rafael Advanced Systems announced on

979-497: A high-resolution, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor that displays an infrared image of the target to the aircrew; it has a wide field of view search capability and a narrow field of view acquisition/targeting capability of battlefield-sized targets. The pod also contains a CCD camera used to obtain target imagery in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. An on-gimbal inertial navigation sensor establishes line-of-sight and automatic boresighting capability. The pod

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1068-616: A modern glass cockpit . The Autolay computer-aided design software developed as part of the LCA programme has been licensed to Airbus for its A380 wide-body aircraft project. The development of a multi-mode pulse-doppler radar was abandoned, off the shelf Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode and EL/M-2052 Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar units being selected for the Mk1 and initial Mk1a aircraft, respectively, while DRDO opted, in 2012, to develop its own Uttam AESA Radar , as of 2024

1157-504: A more powerful General Electric F414 INS6 engine, canards and other design changes. The Tejas Mark 2, which is expected to be rolled out in 2025, will have an increased payload carrying capacity and internal fuel capacity, more external hardpoints, improved combat range, a completely redesigned cockpit, and an integrated infrared search and track (IRST) system, in addition to the AESA radar. The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)

1246-550: A much higher degree of accuracy than unguided weapons but without the expense, complexity, and limitations of guided air-to-ground missiles like the AGM-12 Bullpup . The LGB proved particularly effective against difficult fixed targets like bridges, which previously had required huge loads of "dumb" ordnance to destroy. It was determined that 48% of Paveways dropped during 1972–73 around Hanoi and Haiphong achieved direct hits, compared with only 5.5% of unguided bombs dropped on

1335-407: A need-to-know basis, the pilot interacts with onboard systems through a multi-functional keyboard and several selection panels. The Tejas has a "get-you-home" panel coupled with an air data computer developed by Bharat Electronics Limited to assist the pilot in case of an emergency. The cockpit is equipped with Martin-Baker 16LG zero-zero ejection seat and canopy severance system developed by

1424-473: A nose droop to provide improved view for carrier landings. In addition to the elevons, the naval LCA has wing leading–edge vortex controllers (LEVCON) control surfaces that extend from the wing-root leading edge, which could be deflected to a downward angle or an upward angle to increase lift and reduce airspeed during approach. The LEVCONs also provides better low-speed handling and increase controllability at high angles of attack (AoA). The naval Tejas also has

1513-632: A replacement for the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 , instead it is now part of a general IAF fleet modernisation programme. Prototype testing began in 2003, a year after the first flight of the second Technology Demonstrator (TD-2). The first prototype aircraft, PV-1, made its maiden flight in 2003. The first trainer prototype PV-5 was rolled out in 2009 and made its first flight on 26 November 2009. A total of two trainer prototypes were built and designated PV-5 and PV-06. The first naval prototype, designated NP-1, made its first flight on 27 April 2012. It

1602-588: A strengthened undercarriage, stronger landing gear, and an arrestor hook system for carrier landings. The two-seat LCA Navy variant (NP-1) have aerodynamic commonality with the trainer variant. The Secondary Flight Control of Tejas Mk 1A consists of an indigenously designed Leading Edge Slats and Airbrake Control Module. Aeronautical Development Agency , on 19 April 2024, delivered the first batch of these flight control system. These flight control systems features "state-of-the-art Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic servo actuators and control modules." The technology

1691-463: A synthetic aperture radar with a 100 km range. The Litening 5 is being introduced to service on Saab JAS 39 Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Rafael sees an increased market in the future because of the move to stealth platforms which must have targeting systems built in. In 2013 the company was developing a new model to compete for the F-35 requirement. At present F-35's have the equivalent of

1780-572: Is a guided bomb that uses semi-active laser guidance to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than an unguided bomb . First developed by the United States during the Vietnam War , laser-guided bombs quickly proved their value in precision strikes of difficult point targets. These weapons use on-board electronics to track targets that are designated by laser, typically in the infrared spectrum, and adjust their glide path to accurately strike

1869-419: Is a single-engine multirole combat aircraft which has a tailless, compound delta wing design with "relaxed static stability" for enhanced manoeuvrability and agility. The Tejas is a multi-role combat aircraft and its flexibility permits it to carry out Interception , air-to-surface and anti-shipping roles in a single mission. The wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics analysis have optimised

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1958-530: Is an Indian single-engine, delta wing , multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy . Tejas made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service with the IAF in 2015. In 2003, the aircraft was officially named 'Tejas '. Currently Tejas is

2047-466: Is based on a delta-wing layout with shoulder-mounted wings. The control surfaces include three-section slats on the wing's outer leading edge while the inboard sections of the wings have additional slats to generate vortex lift over the inner wing and high-energy air-flow along the tail fin to enhance high-AoA stability. The wing trailing edge fits two-segment elevons to provide pitch and roll control . The only empennage -mounted control surfaces are

2136-457: Is being developed for the Tejas. The relatively smaller size, extensive use of airframe composites, the Y-duct inlet which shields the engine compressor blades, the application of radar-absorbent material (RAM) coatings and so on, reduces the overall radar cross-section of the aircraft. Apart from aluminium-lithium alloys and titanium alloys , carbon-fibre composite materials are used in

2225-464: Is developing aircraft health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) to integrate the various sensors on board the Tejas Mark 2. The first flight of Tejas Mark 2 is expected to be in 2025. The Naval LCA programme was commenced in 2003. According to ADA, the Naval LCA (N-LCA) Programme was envisaged to be completed in two phases, under Phase-1 two naval prototypes were developed - the two-seat NP-1 and

2314-455: Is equipped with a laser designator for precise delivery of laser-guided munitions. A laser rangefinder provides information for various avionics systems, for example, navigation updates, weapon deliveries and target updates. The targeting pod includes an automatic target tracker to provide fully automatic stabilized target tracking at altitudes, airspeeds and slant ranges consistent with tactical weapon delivery maneuvers. These features simplify

2403-467: Is ready to be integrated with production variants of Tejas Mk 1A as it successfully completed flight trials. These are being produced at Accessories Division, HAL, Lucknow . The avionics of the Tejas Mark 1 is centered around Elta EL/M-2032 radar. Its digital flight control computer developed by ADE and manufactured BEL. It has an electronic warfare (EW) suite domestically developed by Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), which consists of

2492-467: The Fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system, multi-mode pulse-doppler radar , and afterburning turbofan engine . The project definition phase was commenced in October 1986 with France's Dassault-Breguet Aviation as consultant. Dassault-Breguet's expertise was mainly utilised in the design and system integration of the Tejas. In 1988, Dassault offered a hybrid fly by wire flight control system for

2581-638: The R-73 and Python-5 close combat missiles, the I-Derby ER beyond visual range air-to-air missile and guided–unguided munition releases. The LSPs were also used for sensor trials involving integration and testing of the Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode radar, and EL/M-2052 AESA radar, and the Indian Uttam AESA Radar and Rafael Litening targeting pod. The Uttam radar was integrated on

2670-511: The BMI Engine Bay Door for the Tejas Mark 1A, HAL and National Aerospace Laboratories inked a technology transfer agreement. For the engine bay door, where it must survive a service temperature of roughly 200°C, NAL Advanced Composites Division is creating a manufacturing process technique that uses Carbon-BMI Prepreg to create co-cured composite structures that are very temperature resistant. On 28 March 2024, Tejas Mark 1A, equipped with

2759-641: The C4I systems division of Rafael, enables the aircraft to carry out reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering, in addition to target acquisition. The Tejas has an integrated health-monitoring system. The Tejas has a night vision goggles compatible glass cockpit, equipped with a domestically developed head-up display (HUD), three multi-function displays, two Smart Standby Displays by Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO). The Tejas has hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) arrangement to reduce pilot's workload. The displays provide key information on

AN/AAQ-28 Litening - Misplaced Pages Continue

2848-588: The CAG would limit the ability to survive and operation deployment of the aircraft in actual combat. A few of these shortcomings, including lack of combat endurance , were addressed in the Tejas Mark 1 FOC configuration aircraft. Tejas Mark 1 FOC is modified to perform in-flight refuelling from Ilyushin Il-78 and Sukhoi Su-30MKI . Tejas is also undergoing butt firing trials and air-to-air firing at HAL, Nashik facility with Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 . The shortcomings, such as

2937-465: The DRDO for safe ejection. For life support, Tejas Mark 1 relies on conventional liquid oxygen LOX system, while an onboard oxygen-generation system (OBOGS) has been developed for Tejas Mark 1A. The ADA has developed virtual reality assisted cockpit simulator for Tejas, and N-LCA. Currently Tejas pilots are flying with Elbit DASH IV helmet-mounted display system. The aerodynamic configuration of Tejas

3026-559: The Elta ELL-8222WB. The Mark 1A will have software-defined radio -based secure communications and network -centric warfare capabilities. The Tejas can also carry pod-based sensors such as forward looking infrared (FLIR). Currently the Tejas is cleared to carry the Rafael Litening III targeting/reconnaissance pod, while an advanced version named Litening 4I will be integrated on the Tejas. The Litening 4I pod, developed by

3115-507: The FOC certificate to the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at the Yelahanka Air Force base. After the formal ceremoney, ACM Dhanoa stated that Tejas was "ready" and "behaved like a true fighter" . The second Tejas squadron – No.18 Flying Bullets was formed at Sulur Air Force Station on 27 May 2020 with the first four serial production FOC aircraft. A full mission simulator (FMS) phase-1

3204-458: The Government of India established Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the aegis of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manage the LCA programme. The ADA was entrusted with the design and development of LCA while HAL was chosen as the principal contractor. The government's "self-reliance" goals for the LCA included the three most sophisticated and challenging systems:

3293-912: The LCA Programme. A programme led by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to design and develop an indigenous powerplant, the Kaveri , was launched as early as in 1986. However Kaveri jet engine development faced some setbacks, hence the General Electric F404-GE-F2J3 afterburning turbofan engine was procured as an interim solution. The F404-F2J3 (10 units) powers the Technology Demonstrator and Prototype variants of Tejas. Since 2004, uprated General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engines are being used on LSP, Naval prototypes and Mark 1 variants of Tejas. The Tejas Mark 1

3382-410: The LCA, consisting of three digital channels and one analogue channel, with a redundant analogue channel as a back up in case the digital channels fails. But the ADA was in favour of a quadruplex digital FBW flight control system. The design of the Tejas was finalised in 1990 as a small tailless compound delta wing design with relaxed static stability . To provide enhanced manoeuvrability it would be

3471-506: The LRDE's advanced signal processor module. Using an "off-the-shelf" foreign radar as an interim option was considered. ADA met with success in the development of three of the five key technologies identified at the beginning of the LCA programme. The successful endeavours were mastery in the FBW flight control system, the development and manufacturing of carbon-fibre composite structures and skins, and

3560-500: The Litening pod for use on drones such as the Predator B or directly integrated into a crewed aircraft, in addition it incorporates multi-spectral cameras and C & XU band communication channels to transmit recon feeds. RecceLite XR incorporates the improvements from the Litening 5 pod. The Litening 5 is the latest version of the pod introduced in 2019. It improves the resolution of the short and medium-wave infrared cameras and introduces

3649-463: The Litening pod, reaching IOC the same year. Northrop Grumman Corporation and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems completed product improvements on the "Basic Pod" including a third generation FLIR, laser marker and software upgrades (Litening II) which was fielded beginning in 1999. Northrop Grumman and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems subsequently replaced the "320x256" FLIR with a latest technology "640x512" FLIR. This pod, known as Litening ER, extended

AN/AAQ-28 Litening - Misplaced Pages Continue

3738-881: The Mark 1 variant. Upgraded Mark 1A features a new avionic suite centred on EL/M-2052 AESA Radar and Uttam AESA Radar developed in-house. DARE Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS), an externally mounted self protection jammer (SPJ) for enhanced survivability, in-flight refuelling capability, Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) developed by Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) for endurance and an expanded weapon suite consisting of Astra BVRAAM and ASRAAM . Two ASRAAMs are intended for use on Tejas Mark 1A. The production variant will come equipped with dual-rack pylons with weapon systems integration. HAL will install in-house developed Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT) with digital map generator by Mission and Combat Systems R&D Centre which helps transfer

3827-467: The MiG-21 variants, which had been the mainstay of the IAF since 1963. At one point the IAF had operated as many as 874 MiG-21s . The "Long Term Re-Equipment Plan 1981" noted that most of these IAF fighters were approaching the end of their service lives by the early-1990s, and that by 1995, the IAF would be 40 percent short of the aircraft needed to fill its projected force structure requirements. In 1984,

3916-618: The Paveway I completed a combat evaluation in Vietnam from May to August 1968. Without the existence of tracking pods the Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) in the back seat of an F-4 Phantom II fighter bomber used a hand-held Airborne Laser Designator to guide the bombs, but half of the LGBs still hit their targets despite the difficulties inherent in keeping the laser on the target. LGBs proved to offer

4005-473: The Soviet Union, France, and Great Britain began developing similar weapons in the late 1960s and early 1970s, while US weapons were refined based on combat experience. In October 2010, India developed its first Sudarshan laser-guided bomb with the help of IRDE , a lab of DRDO . The USAF and other air forces are now seeking to upgrade their LGBs with GPS guidance as a backup. These weapons, such as

4094-588: The TD-1 successfully flew with an indigenous quadruplex digital FBW flight control system. The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility. Another critical technology needed for LCA was the multi-mode radar (MMR). Initially, the Ericsson / Ferranti PS-05/A I/J-band multi-function radar, also used on Saab 's JAS 39 Gripen ,

4183-643: The Tejas LSP-2 and LSP-3, and logged about 30 hours of flight testing on the Tejas alone. The high altitude trials and hot weather trials were carried out with the LSPs and the PV-3 prototype, in IOC and FOC configurations. These trials were mainly focused on assessing the performance of the various sensors and avionics on board, at temperatures ranging from below -10 degree Celsius to more than +45 degrees Celsius. Sea trials to assess

4272-453: The Tejas Mark 1 is 59.7% by value and 75.5% by the number of line replaceable units . The indigenous content of the Tejas Mk 1A is expected to surpass 70% in the next four years. The LCA programme originated in the early 1980s. In 1983, the Government of India established the LCA project with the initial goal to develop a new light combat aircraft to replace the ageing IAF fighters, especially

4361-589: The Tejas Mark 2. An agreement has been signed by the Indian Air Force and the Aeronautical Development Agency to include advanced weaponry and sensors into HAL Tejas. By transferring technical know-how for the smooth integration of weapons and sensors, ADA and the IAF's Software Development Institute (SDI) hope to empower the IAF to carry out integration and flight testing on its own. The Tejas Mark 1A variant has more than 40 improvements over

4450-407: The Tejas. Tejas has three production variants - Tejas Mark 1, Mark 1A and Tejas trainer/light attack aircraft. The IAF currently has placed an order for 123 Tejas and is planning to procure 97 more. The IAF plans to procure at least 324 aircraft or 18 squadrons of Tejas in all variants, including the heavier Tejas Mark 2 which is currently being developed. As of 2022, the indigenous content in

4539-553: The USAF Enhanced Guided Bomb Unit (part of the Paveway family), use laser designation for precision attacks but contain an inertial navigation system with a GPS receiver for backup so that if the target illumination is lost or broken, the weapon will continue to home in on the GPS coordinates of the original target. HAL Tejas The HAL Tejas ( Sanskrit : तेजस, ISO : Tējasa , lit.   ' Radiance ' )

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4628-510: The Uttam radar is undergoing flight trials. India's self-reliance goal oriented development for the LCA programme has considerably increased the indigenous components in Tejas and contributed to an aviation industry expansion in the country. On 20 December 2021, Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a written reply during winter session of Rajya Sabha clarified that the HAL Tejas is no longer considered as

4717-504: The aircraft are expected to fly with the domestically developed Uttam AESA radar. The new EW system for the Mark 1A, developed by DARE known as the Unified Electronic Warfare suite (UEWS), will have electronic countermeasures and electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities, digital radio frequency memory based jamming and deception capabilities. The Tejas Mark 1A will also carry a pod-mounted self-protection jammer –

4806-745: The aircraft's service introduction. The Tejas was awarded initial operational clearance-I (IOC-I) in January 2011. To ease up the process of FOC, an interim IOC-II was issued to Tejas in December 2013. The IOC-II expanded the g-limit, angle of attack and allowed the aircraft to carry precision guided munitions and close combat missiles. The IOC-II Tejas have an operational radius of 400–500 km (250–310 mi). The first squadron, consisting of Tejas in IOC-II configuration, became operational in 2016. The No. 45 Squadron IAF based at Sulur Air Force Station , Coimbatore

4895-467: The centreline pylon and inboard pairs of wing stations. It has an aerial refuelling probe on the starboard side of the forward fuselage. The Tejas weapon suite consists of I-Derby ER and Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and R-73, Python-5 and ASRAAM close combat missiles. The Tejas has an internal 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barreled autocannon under the starboard side air-intake. The BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile

4984-465: The construction of the Tejas. The composite materials constitute 45% of the airframe by weight and 90% by surface area, the highest among contemporary aircraft. The upper and lower wing surfaces, wing spars and wing ribs are also made out of carbon-fibre composites, while the fin tip is made out of fiberglass . The extensive use of composite materials in the airframe not only makes the aircraft lighter but also gives high strength. This also reduces

5073-532: The current fleet of MIG-29K/KUB carrier-based fighters. In Aero India 2021 a new twin engine naval fighter was unveiled, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). The experience gained in the N-LCA programme will help in the development of TEDBF. In February 2023, the naval prototype completed its maiden landing and take-off from the indigenous aircraft carrier INS  Vikrant . The Tejas

5162-487: The design of Tejas for minimum transonic and supersonic wave drag , as well low wing-loading . Tejas has eight hardpoints – one beneath the port-side air-intake , one under the fuselage (centreline station) and three hardpoints under each wing, of these, three are wet hardpoints which can carry drop tanks. The hardpoint beneath the port side air-intake is dedicated to carrying sensor pods such as FLIR , IRST or laser rangefinder/designator . These can also be carried on

5251-458: The digital flight control computer. The fly-by-wire flight control system of the Tejas has an advanced feature called auto low-speed recovery. This enables envelope protection at low speed and high angles of attack. It prevents the aircraft from entering into uncontrolled flight while maneuvering. Another feature is disorientation recovery function , once engaged it will recover the aircraft to an optimal altitude, airspeed and level flight. Some of

5340-503: The eve of DefExpo 2014 a large order for 150+ Litening targeting pods for the Indian Air Force's combat aircraft fleet. Litening G4 pods have been chosen by the Indian Air Force for its frontline fighter aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and others. Litening SE provides laser ranging and designation in support of weapon delivery, navigational functions, and recording and data-linking of generated imagery and data. This version includes

5429-453: The first set of Carbon-BMI Engine Bay Door assembly, successfully completed the inaugural flight from HAL facility. On 19 April 2024, ADA delivered the first batch of Secondary Flight Control of Tejas Mk 1A which consists of an indigenously designed Leading Edge Slats and Airbrake Control Module. These flight control systems features "state-of-the-art Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic servo actuators and control modules." These development

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5518-457: The flight control laws for these features were formulated by the IIT Bombay research university. On 19 February 2024, Tejas Mark-1A prototype LSP-7 successfully completed sortie with indigenously designed high performance Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC). The system was developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). The latest DFCC has a quadraplex PowerPC -based processor,

5607-610: The forces generated during carrier take off and arrested recovery. In December 2014, the LCA Navy successfully made its first ski-jump assisted take off from a SBTF at INS  Hansa . The navy variant has a distinctive flight control law mode which allows hands-free take-off. In December 2016, the Indian Navy (IN) opted out of the programme, owing to the long delay and technical reasons – such as inadequate thrust to weight ratio of N-LCA for carrier based combat operations, and issued

5696-519: The functions of target detection and recognition, and permit attack of targets with precision-guided weapons on a single pass. The research and development program began at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems ' Missiles Division in Israel, with subsequent completion of Litening I for use in the Israeli Air Force . In 1995 Northrop Grumman Corporation teamed with Rafael for further development and sales of

5785-520: The increased weight and reduced speed, would be addressed in the upcoming Tejas Mark 1A aircraft by increasing the use of composites in manufacturing and reducing the supersonic drag by using more aerodynamic pylons. The MK1A will also have AESA radar, a self-protection jammer, updated avionics and electronic warfare capabilities, among other improvements. The shortcomings identified by CAG that require redesign and structural modification such as increasing internal fuel capacity, are planned to be rectified in

5874-420: The naval prototype NP-2 successfully carried out its first arrested landing and ski-jump assisted take-off from the aircraft carrier INS  Vikramaditya . In July 2020, the DRDO announced that the plan to develop an LCA Mark 2 Navy had been dropped and they were working on a new carrier-borne fighter according to the Indian Navy's multi-role carrier borne fighter requirement floated in 2016 to replace

5963-597: The new technology to the Air Force, Col. Joe Davis Jr. inquired if it could instead be used as a ground attack system to overcome problems US aircraft were having with the accuracy of bombing in Vietnam. Davis had already witnessed a test of the Army's new laser target designator made by Martin Marietta , but no seeker existed to make use of the system. Davis had already performed tests from the back seat of an F-4 Phantom and proved that it

6052-428: The number of joints or rivets , increases the aircraft's structural integrity and lowers its susceptibility to fatigue cracks. The tailfin is a monolithic honeycomb structure , reducing the manufacturing cost by 80% compared to traditional methods. Initially the Tejas prototypes were equipped with a radome made out of Kevlar which was replaced with a quartz radome in the production aircraft. The naval LCA has

6141-502: The radar performance in air-to-air and air-to-sea modes at various altitudes were carried out in 2010. Flutter vibration tests were also carried out in different configurations at high angle of attack (AoA) to assess the structural integrity across the flight envelope . LSP-4 completed the successful trial of BDL developed Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS) with R-73 missile on 2 December 2010. It worked well Open Architecture Mission Computer and Digital Stores Management System. In

6230-799: The required mission map on pilot display, an upgraded IFF+ from older identification friend or foe system. To better accommodate the pilots, cockpit floor is also reshaped. The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A will have a reduced turnaround time. Tejas Mark 1A will use indigenously developed Angad electronic warfare suite and DRDO Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod. BEL will supply 20 types of locally developed critical avionics and upgrades such as Digital Flight Control Computers from ADA , Air Data Computer from DRDO , Weapon Computers from ADE , Radar Warning Receiver from Combat Aircraft Systems Development and Integration Centre (CASDIC) and Head-up display from Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) from 2023 to 2028 for ₹2,400 crore. In order to produce

6319-477: The same area a few years earlier. The average Paveway landed within 23 feet (7.0 m) of its target, as opposed to 447 feet (136 m) for gravity bombs. The leap in accuracy brought about primarily by laser guidance made it possible to take out heavily defended, point objectives that had eluded earlier air raids. The most dramatic example was the Thanh Hoa Bridge , 70 miles (110 km) south of Hanoi,

6408-448: The second half of 2012, the Tejas fleet was grounded for over three months and the ejection system had to be modified to resume flight tests by the end of 2012. In 2013, Tejas (LSP-7) conducted an inflight engine relight test at high altitude to assess the engine response on flameout, a critical parameter for operational clearance. The inflight engine relight test is crucial for single engine combat aircraft. On 15 April 2023, HAL received

6497-433: The side window of the back seat of another aircraft in flight. Unguided bombs had an accuracy rate of just 5.5% per mission, which usually included large numbers of the munitions. Because of this dramatically higher precision, laser-guided munitions can carry less explosive and cause less collateral damage than unguided munitions. Today, laser-guided bombs are one of the most common and widespread guided bombs, used by many of

6586-463: The single-piece rudder and two airbrakes , located in the upper rear part of the fuselage , one each on either side of the fin. Since the Tejas is a relaxed static stability design, it is equipped with a NAL-developed full authority quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system and an open architecture digital flight control computer developed by BEL. Its flight control surfaces are controlled by hybrid electro-hydraulic actuators through

6675-595: The single-seat NP-2 , based on the Tejas Mark 1 design, to carryout carrier suitability certification and weapons integration. Under Phase 2, two single-seat prototypes were planned to be built, based on the Tejas Mark 2 design, with further design optimisation and integration of the General Electric F414 INS6 engine. The first naval prototype NP-1 was rolled out in July 2010, and made its first flight on 27 April 2012. The naval LCA has stronger landing gear to absorb

6764-460: The smallest and lightest in its class of supersonic combat aircraft. Tejas is the second supersonic combat aircraft developed by HAL after the HF-24 Marut . The first Tejas squadron became operational in 2016. The No. 45 Squadron IAF - Flying Daggers, based at Sulur Air Force Station (AFS) in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, was the first to have their MiG-21 Bisons replaced with

6853-613: The target detection range and was fielded in 2001. The newest version, Litening AT, is in production and was fielded in 2003. It further extends target detection and recognition ranges, improves the target coordinate generation accuracy, and provides multi-target cueing. Litening AT features a plug-and-play bay configured to accept a wide variety of data-links and recorders. Plug and Play II data-link capability offers increased range, digital data recording and an option to incorporate secure, two-way communications over ultra-high frequency (UHF) radios. Litening's Plug and Play I, introduced in 2003,

6942-411: The target. Since the weapon is tracking a light signature, not the object itself, the target must be illuminated from a separate source, either by ground forces, by a pod on the attacking aircraft, or by a separate support aircraft. Data from the 28,000 laser guided bombs dropped in Vietnam showed that laser-guided bombs achieved direct hits nearly 50% of the time, despite the laser having to be aimed out

7031-458: The turnaround time by 30% and doubles the sortie rate. In September 2018, the Tejas successfully completed its mid-air refuelling trials required for the aircraft to obtain its FOC. In January 2019, HAL received permission from CEMILAC to start production of the FOC standard Tejas. On 20 February 2019, during the Aero India 2019 show, FOC was formally awarded to the Tejas. The HAL handed over

7120-575: The world's air forces. Laser-guided weapons (LGW) were first developed in the United States in the early 1960s. The United States Air Force (USAF) issued the first development contracts in 1964, leading to the development of the Paveway series, which was used operationally in the Vietnam War starting in 1968. Originally the project began as a surface-to-air missile seeker developed by Texas Instruments. When TI executive Glenn E. Penisten attempted to sell

7209-760: Was a twin-seater aircraft, while the second naval prototype, designated as NP-2, was a single seater. Both naval prototypes were used extensively for various aircraft carrier -related trials at the Shore Based Test Facility in Goa. NP-2 was used in the actual carrier trials, where it made an arrested recovery and ski-jump assisted take-off from the aircraft carrier INS  Vikramaditya in January 2020. The first Limited Series Production aircraft (LSP-1) performed its maiden flight on 25 April 2007. A total of seven limited series production (LSP) aircraft were built. The LSPs were extensively used for developmental trials such as weapon testing – involving test firing of

7298-524: Was commissioned at Sulur Air Force Station on 23 October 2021. Phase 1 of the FMS features training in aircraft handling and full envelope flying. Phase 2 will further augment the training with focus on weapons system and advance sensors onboard Tejas. In May 2015, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) noted some shortcomings in the then-delivered Tejas Mark 1 IOC standard aircraft, which according to

7387-477: Was converted for this purpose. The development of multi-mode was not smooth, as it suffered some setbacks. By 2005, only two radar modes – the air-to-air look-up and look-down - were confirmed to have been successfully tested. The performance of several other modes that had been tested were suboptimal. The problem with the radar was mainly attributed to the lack of compatibility between the LRDE/HAL multi mode radar and

7476-467: Was intended to be used. However, DRDO decided to develop an indigenous multi-mode radar for the Tejas. HAL's Hyderabad division and the DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) laboratory were selected to jointly lead the MMR programme, and work commenced in 1997. The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) was responsible for the MMR's test programme. An HAL-748 airborne surveillance aircraft

7565-504: Was possible to accurately target objects from a moving aircraft. His mock testing proved correct, and during further testing with live seekers, it took just six attempts to improve the seeker's accuracy from 148 feet (45 m) to within 10 feet (3.0 m) of the target. This greatly exceeded the design requirements. It was commissioned by the USAF in 1967 and two different types, the BOLT-117 , and

7654-576: Was terminated following a US embargo in response to India's second nuclear tests in 1998. This delayed the programme partly by about 18 months. Later India indigenously developed a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system for Tejas. The CLAW team completed the design and integration of the flight control laws with the flight control system software, with the aid of an Iron Bird test rig. The quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system conducted over 50 hours of pilot testing on Iron Bird Test Rig. On 4 January 2001, on its maiden flight,

7743-439: Was the first data-link to be incorporated in a third generation targeting pod. Litening G4, which began to be delivered to U.S. forces in 2008, added new sensors for improved target identification and other advanced target recognition and identification features. The Litening G4 provides significant enhancements in terms of both recognition range and image quality due to Rafaels' AVP imaging capability. The G4's technologies include

7832-427: Was the first to have their MiG-21s replaced by Tejas aircraft at the base. The FOC campaign began in December 2014. Two critical parameters set by IAF for FOC clearance was expansion of angle of attack from 24 degree in IOC-II to 28 degree in FOC and inflight refueling capability. In February 2018, as part of the FOC campaign, the Tejas carried out a "hot refuelling" - refuelling with engine running, which shortens

7921-411: Was the result of the collaboration of ADA, Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI). The technology is ready to be integrated with production variants of Tejas Mk 1A as it successfully completed flight trials. These are being produced at Accessories Division, HAL, Lucknow . The HAL Tejas design has been further developed into the Tejas Mark 2, incorporating

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