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.

 

[Anant]

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

1. Stealth coatings would not hold at sea for prolonged periods. That would mean significantly higher downtime for aircraft when embarked on a carrier, since the stealth coatings would have to be applied repeatedly

2. As it is, AMCA is a fairly heavy aircraft. Navalising it would only add another 2.5-4 tons. That means that while a navalised AMCA would be good for CATOBAR operations, using it on our STOBAR carriers would necessitate significajt compromises in fuel and/or payload, leading to reduced operational viability.

 

[Anant]

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.

87 for now, but even for a two carrier fleet, you are looking at, eventually, 120-150 jets once you include the four dedicated naval strike squadrons the Navy has plans to bring back into service.

 

[Sandeep]

We are making progress although at a slow pace. It’s not easy to design, develop, manufacture, test, make minor changes, test and then finally start production lines. This is a standard process and timeline that every new jet under development has to go through which is cumbersome but essential.

What HAL needs to do is partner with more private sector companies and develop a jet together from the beginning so that all type of talent and educated people with some knowledge and experience can be involved which will reduce development time and costs.

 

[Bks98]

If country like Turkey can produce fighter jet starting from concept level within five years, why not india? Only we need to involve more private players.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

If country like Turkey can produce fighter jet starting from concept level within five years, why not india? Only we need to involve more private players.

But TAI is a PSU of Turkey. No private company in Bharat has the tech or expertise in making fighter jets.

 

[Rajesh]

Older design looked better and unique, but it seems they have finalized this design over its pros and cons.

1. Develop IAF version along with the naval version to bring down the cost and reduce dependency on Rafale.
2. Finalize an engine soon, or the GE 404 drama will continue. (An engine common for Mk2, TEDBF/ORCA, and AMCA).
3. The government should stop delaying the projects by delaying funding to favor imports.

 

[Anant]

But TAI is a PSU of Turkey. No private company in Bharat has the tech or expertise in making fighter jets.

Neither did Turkey. Heck, they have even more limited license-production experience than we do. Not giving them any credit, but our companies are considerably behind.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

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..

That may be one of the considerations. This aircraft will serve in 2060's and 2070's it must be futuristic.

 

[Atorvastatin]

Neither did Turkey. Heck, they have even more limited license-production experience than we do. Not giving them any credit, but our companies are considerably behind.

Because Turkey and China do not have reservations compared to India where lowest scoring candidates become scientists in charge of national security. This is what you get with reservations.