ADA Finalizes TEDBF Design, Echoing Rafale's Silhouette but Featuring Advanced Diverterless Supersonic Intake Technology

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has locked down the design for India's Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). The finalized design, which was initially revealed at Aero India 2023, draws inspiration from the Dassault Rafale while incorporating innovative Diverterless Supersonic Inlets (DSI).

This decision marks a significant step in the TEDBF program. At Aero India 2023, ADA presented an updated design featuring a rounded nose cone, a departure from the earlier stealth-focused angled concept. This revised configuration, with its leading-edge extensions (LEX), canards, and DSI, is now confirmed for the production model.

Sources indicate that this design is the frontrunner, awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). With a projected budget of ₹14,000 crores, the TEDBF program aims to equip the Indian Navy with a domestically developed carrier-based fighter, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities.

While the TEDBF shares a resemblance with the Rafale in its overall shape and canopy design, the integration of DSI intakes sets it apart. This technology offers potential benefits in engine performance, weight reduction, and a smaller radar cross-section – advantages not present in the Rafale.

DSI intakes streamline airflow to the engines, boosting performance and potentially minimizing the aircraft's radar signature, a crucial element in modern aerial warfare. This technology represents a significant advancement in aircraft design and highlights the TEDBF's focus on cutting-edge capabilities.

The Indian Navy plans to initially procure at least 80 TEDBF aircraft, with the possibility of increased numbers if the Ministry of Defence (MoD) approves the construction of a third aircraft carrier. This underscores India's commitment to strengthening its maritime power projection.

An ADA official emphasized that the design selection reflects a commitment to providing a high-performing, cost-effective, and technologically advanced fighter for India's naval forces. This decision also aligns with India's drive for self-reliance in defence production, reducing dependence on foreign-sourced military equipment.

The TEDBF is slated to replace the aging MiG-29K fleet currently deployed on the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. It is designed for a multitude of roles, including air superiority, maritime strikes, and electronic warfare, all tailored for the demanding environment of carrier-based operations.

 

[DS]

The way ahead for India to build organic air capabilities at sea especially our Indian Ocean, where ranges are about 4000nautical miles from home.

TEDF fighters built at home , for our aircraft carriers 1,2,3 is necessary for 21st century. NLCA trainers too need to be inducted for combat training of our naval pilots.

 

[R. Singh]

ADA+HAL+TATA, jointly make twin engine ORCA based on Rafale air frame to make TEDBF fighter jet program economically viable ! Bur first start making GE-414 engines in India !

 

[sanket]

The only thing is the thrust-to-weight ratio. If it surpasses 1.1, then it will be a very potent naval version non-stealthy fighter jet.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Fantastic news...so when will it become a reality...2050...?

 

[abhinav srivastava]

They should have gone for more stealthier design.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great work done by DRDO. It is the only company in the world which is working on 7 different fighter jet programs simultaneously: trainer, mk1 trainer, mk1A, mk2, TEDBF, AMCA. Even LM, Boeing, MiG, SU don't have the expertise nor the capacity.

 

[M S Chatterji]

Fantastic news...so when will it become a reality...2050...?

2029 if Program gets CCS funds

 

[Enforcer]

2029 if Program gets CCS funds

I suggest ADA teams up with a private company this time instead of HAL if we want it fast.

 

[M S Chatterji]

I suggest ADA teams up with a private company this time instead of HAL if we want it fast.

Which Company? None have any experience

 

[Akshay Bisht]

Which Company? None have any experience

What about a PPP model? ADA-HAL and a private partner like TASL/Adani. Some direct involvement of the private sector is needed.

 

[Yes]

Which Company? None have any experience

A consortium of Indian private companies who have been supplying avionics and other aeronautical components previously for the country and elsewhere should be prioritized.
Guidance and Assistance (aka consulatation) can be provided by the relevant DPSUs.

 

[M S Chatterji]

What about a PPP model? ADA-HAL and a private partner like TASL/Adani. Some direct involvement of the private sector is needed.

Only AMCA Program will see such development but after 40 MkI are produced so that Private sector can learn how to manufacture them at HAL.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

I do not why indian military planners only talking about 4 or 4.5 gen fighters. TEDBF should be a 5th gen fighter with stealth capability similar to AMCA

 

[Anant]

I do not why indian military planners only talking about 4 or 4.5 gen fighters. TEDBF should be a 5th gen fighter with stealth capability similar to AMCA

A navalised AMCA was rejected by the Navy for some very valid reasons. Going for a naval 5th generation aircraft does not alleviate any of those concerns.

 

[Enforcer]

Which Company? None have any experience

Its true but private sector needs a jump start. Tata having been manufacturing components for Boeing and now C-295, its a good company to start with.

 

[Anant]

Great work done by DRDO. It is the only company in the world which is working on 7 different fighter jet programs simultaneously: trainer, mk1 trainer, mk1A, mk2, TEDBF, AMCA. Even LM, Boeing, MiG, SU don't have the expertise nor the capacity.

And they are making a mess of every single project.

The HJT-36 is nowhere near induction over two decades after it first flew. The Mk 1 trainers are over two years past their delivery deadline. The Mk 1A is almost a year past its delivery deadline. The Mk 2 is still atleast 18-24 months away from its first flight. The TEDBF is still atleast a decade away from induction. AMCA is also atleast a decade away.

LM, Boeing, Sukhoi, and others don't have half a dozen projects going, but they actually deliver.

 

[Rocky Mondal1]

The only thing is the thrust-to-weight ratio. If it surpasses 1.1, then it will be a very potent naval version non-stealthy fighter jet.

Way more than thrust-to-weight ratio.

M88 engine maximum thrust is 75 kN approx. TEDBF will use GE414 maximum thrust is 99 kN.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

A navalised AMCA was rejected by the Navy for some very valid reasons. Going for a naval 5th generation aircraft does not alleviate any of those concerns.

What valid reasons? 6th gen fighters will arrive when our TEDBF enter production. This is not a good

 

[The Presence]

They should have gone for more stealthier design.

If you're talking about the earlier design, there's no point in doing that.

Nose cone is radar transparent anyway. So giving it sharp angles won't give it's stealth a big bump.

What it might end up doing is downsizing it's radar due a chapta nosecone.

 

[Abuiase Az]

ADA should aim higher, at least above the Rafale jet, not equivalent or below. Otherwise, military technology is evolving very fast, and TEDBF will have been obsolete when it is mass-produced.

 

[Manoj Kumar]

They should have gone for more stealthier design.

AMCA-N will b Navy stealth aircraft

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Yes, a full-scale model replica of Rafale will be displayed as the TEDBF by Aero 2029.

But 2029 is impossible for rollout or even CCS committee or AON and deal signing, practically maybe 2035 for rollout and 2039 to be realistic to start production!

By 2029 we won't even have the F414 engine manufacturing beginning in India if the deal is signed in 2025.

We are good at specification with graphics and scale models, but engineering, fabrication, metallurgy, and manufacturing will be the ones that will take time.

If we have learnt from the Tejas mk1, mk1a saga, we must understand that Tejas mk2 itself will be a huge challenge.

So TEDBF needs a miracle and AMCA will need divine intervention, with Putin, Trump, or Macron playing god!

The 110kn engine will need the blessing of Vishwakarma, the Hindu god of engineering, architecture, and craftsmanship. (Safran/RollsRoyce)

We must start our prayers and perform "Maha Yajña" with the powers that be!

 

[Anant]

AMCA-N will b Navy stealth aircraft

There is no AMCA-N. The Navy rejected it after a detailed feasibility study due to very valid reasons.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

They should have gone for more stealthier design.

TEDBF will have very low quantity of orders (87 or so in total) and we have much less time until MiG-29K retires. So, I guess, ADA is going for designs which has been proven so that it takes laser development time and cost and less time to be invested in wind tunnel testing.

Moreover, stealth aircraft has been seen to be more difficult to be maintained at open sea environment (as reported for F-35) and only one type has been deployed at these roles till date..