NO. 10
HAL TEJAS
Image: DRDO
The Story of Tejas, is the story of development and maturity of combat aircraft technologies in India. The Tejas program had the twin objectives of designing and developing a state-of-the-art combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force besides bridging the technology gap of many decades in the process. The Tejas is a pure delta wing configuration, with no tail-planes or fore-planes, and a single dorsal fin. It integrates technologies such as relaxed static stability, fly-by-wire flight control system, composite material structures, and a flat rated engine. Accordingly, the critical fourth generation of technologies were identified and demonstrated such as quadruplex digital fly-by-wire control system, all glass cockpit, composite structure and microprocessor based monitoring and control systems.
In addition, open architecture avionics with advanced glass cockpit, hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS), head up display, active matrix multi-function displays and helmet mounted display are integrated into the system. Multi-Mode Radar and electro-optic pod provide advanced sensor capabilities. The weapons load includes conventional bombs and rockets, Laser Guided Bombs, close combat and beyond visual range missiles. The Tejas is also equipped with an integrated electronic warfare suite, complex hydraulics, fuel, environmental, landing gear, brake, nose wheel steering and life support systems.
The country had been placed in comfortable position as far as Tejas was concerned as it was not depended upon any country for life cycle support, maintenance and others because of the technology is indigenous. Tejas boasts of many stealth-aircraft like features. The all weather combat aircraft has been extensively tested in ‘tough’ flying conditions since its maiden test flight in 2001. The Tejas has four variants which are Tejas for Air Force, Tejas Trainer, Tejas Navy and Tejas Navy Trainer. India has also developed a special facility in Goa that mimics the conditions for the Tejas Navy variant to land and take-off from INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya aircraft carriers.
The Tejas in its current form is one of the best modern aircraft in the world, with technologies that will not go obsolete for decades. The Tejas was cleared in January 2011 for use by the Indian Air Force pilots.
The country had been placed in comfortable position as far as Tejas was concerned as it was not depended upon any country for life cycle support, maintenance and others because of the technology is indigenous. Tejas boasts of many stealth-aircraft like features. The all weather combat aircraft has been extensively tested in ‘tough’ flying conditions since its maiden test flight in 2001. The Tejas has four variants which are Tejas for Air Force, Tejas Trainer, Tejas Navy and Tejas Navy Trainer. India has also developed a special facility in Goa that mimics the conditions for the Tejas Navy variant to land and take-off from INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya aircraft carriers.
The Tejas in its current form is one of the best modern aircraft in the world, with technologies that will not go obsolete for decades. The Tejas was cleared in January 2011 for use by the Indian Air Force pilots.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
- Tejas has successfully completed more than 2,600 flights and has participated in Hot Weather, Cold Weather, Iron Fist and Weapon Trials comprising of Bomb releases both in Computer Calculated Release Point (CCRP - Uses GPS for target acquisition and termination) and Continuous Computed Impact Point (CCIP - Uses Radar for target termination) modes.
- R73E missile successful launching in MMR and Helmet Mounted Display Guided Modes.
- Stick Bombing, separation trials of emergency jettison of multiple stores and Drop Tanks were conducted at various locations across India.
- Other notable milestones achieved are Spool Down Engine relight, Envelope expansion up to 24 degrees Angle of Attack, operational readiness platform scramble, Laser guided missions with Litening POD, Fuel System, Brake Management System and General Systems performance.
- Multi-role capability demonstration by simultaneous release of Laser Guided Bombs, Chaff & Flare dispensation and firing of R73E missile within a span of 100 secs. Other important achievements are night flying and wake penetration.
- Advanced Composites development of engine parts, Bypass Duct, Nozzle Flap, Bullet Nose Cone, curing achieved in both autoclave and press processes, indigenous resin development, developed glass transition temperature in excess of 300ºc.
- Indigenous aircraft paint system, characterization to DEF STAN 80-216, BS 2x 33 & 34 and application process fine tuned to Tejas.
- Indigenously developed single trolley multiple operations, shorter flight readiness cycle time, loading trolleys for Drop Tanks, Weapons, Digital Flight Control Computer, Battery, Jet Fuel Starter, Landing Gears etc.
- Realization of Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) - Implementation for all projects, complete product data management across work centers, pipelines and electrical looms data management, synchronization of data, query workflows from design through manufacturing, digital manufacturing and ERP interface, online design query management for faster disposition, real time status dash boards for effective tracking.
- Production Optimization - Introduction of laser tracker, high speed machining, automated drilling and riveting technologies, application of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) concepts, production standard drawings, build quality improvement and product cycle time reduction.
- Strength Test of Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON) for LCA Navy, successful flight trials with indigenously designed and qualified composite drop tanks, flight flutter tests for operational clean and heavy stores flight envelope expansion.
- Water Tightness Tests, Lightning Test Facility and configured and commissioned Automatic Cable Harness Tester.
- Production standard Digital Mock up (DMu) including system pipelines and electrical looms, capabilities like Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), analysis and assembly sequencing introduced.
- Qualification of indigenous autoclave consumables like pressure sensitive tapes, vacuum bag sealants and release films for Carbon/Epoxy system.
NO. 9
GENERAL DYNAMICS F-16 FIGHTING FALCON
(Image: Wikipedia)
The General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,500 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. (Text: Wikipedia)
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NO. 8
BOEING F-15E STRIKE EAGLE
(Image: Wikipedia)
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15E Strike Eagle is an American all-weather multirole fighter, derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The F-15E was designed in the 1980s for long-range, high speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagles can be distinguished from other U.S. Eagle variants by darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks mounted along the engine intakes. (Text: Wikipedia)
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NO. 7
SAAB JAS 39 GRIPEN
(Image: Wikipedia)
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light single-engine multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet). The Gripen has a delta wing and canard configuration with relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls. It is powered by the Volvo RM12, and has a top speed of Mach 2. Later aircraft are modified for NATO interoperability standards and to undertake in-flight refueling. (Text: Wikipedia)
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NO. 6
McDONNEL DOUGLAS F-18 SUPER HORNET
(Image: Wikipedia)
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (F/A designation for Fighter/Attack). Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations.
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NO. 5
LOCKHEED MARTIN F-35 LIGHTNING II
(Image: Lockheed Martin)
The F-35 Lightning II, virtually a flying computer is the most advanced multirole fighter in the world, which is a combination of a stealth bomber and a fighter jet and it promises to be the most effective fighter aircraft in the decades to come. It has exceptional abilities as a fifth generation fighter which features radar evading all aspect stealth capability, supersonic speed and extreme agility, network-enabled operations, advanced sustainment, combined with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat potential, unmatched air dominance air combat roles with the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history. (Text: Wikipedia)
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NO. 4
DASSAULT RAFALE
(Image: Wikipedia)
The Dassault Rafale ("Squall" in French) is a French twin-engined, canard delta winged, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Dassault describes the Rafale as an omnirole fighter, with a high level of agility, capable of simultaneously performing air supremacy, interdiction, reconnaissance, and airborne nuclear deterrent missions. The principal defense contractors are Dassault, Thales and Safran. The Rafale features a delta wing with close-coupled canards. Composite materials are extensively used in the Rafale and they account for 70% of the wet area. (Text: Wikipedia)
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NO. 3
EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
(Image: Wikipedia)
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile aircraft, designed to be an effective dog fighter when in combat with other aircraft; later production aircraft have been increasingly more well-equipped to undertake air-to-surface strike missions and to be compatible with an increasing number of different armaments and equipment. The Typhoon saw its combat debut during the 2011 military intervention in Libya with the Royal Air Force and the Italian Air Force, performing reconnaissance and ground strike missions. (Text: Wikipedia)
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NO. 2
SUKHOI SU-30 MKI
(Image: Wikipedia)
Essentially one of the most formidable fighter aircraft operating in the world today, the mighty Sukhoi Su-30 MKI (M-Improved, K-Export, I-India in Russian) has garnered what is by any yardstick an enviable position as the most advanced and astoundingly potent air dominance fighter, which awkwardly is proving to be even superior to the F-22 and a host of other wannabe western fighters. The aircraft is marked with supreme agility coupled with awesome firepower. It has the ability to change direction, hover like a helicopter almost at a standstill and execute extreme angles of attack ensuring effective performance of close maneuvering combat and also timely initial line approach for launching an attack to intercept high altitude and high speed targets.
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NO. 1
LOCKHEED MARTIN F-22 RAPTOR
(Image: Wikipedia)
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine, all weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the air frame, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22. Program partner Boeing provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems. (Text: Wikipedia)
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