ADA Optimistic to Develop Air Force Variant of TEDBF within Two Years, Offering Interim Solution Until AMCA and Tejas Mk2 Available

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has received approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to finalize the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, designed specifically for the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier operations.

However, ADA officials have expressed optimism about the possibility of adapting the TEDBF for the Indian Air Force (IAF), should there be interest.

The TEDBF, a 26-ton aircraft optimized for naval operations, could be modified for Air Force use by removing naval-specific features like the folding wings and the robust landing gear necessary for carrier landings.

ADA officials believe this adaptation could be achieved in under two years, presenting a valuable opportunity for the IAF to leverage indigenous technology.

This proposed Air Force variant, estimated to weigh approximately 24 tons due to the removal of naval components, would offer several advantages:

• Reduced weight: Increased operational flexibility and potentially improved performance.
• More hardpoints: Enhanced ability to carry a wider range of weapons and stores.
• Increased fuel capacity: Extended operational range for long-range missions.
• Greater internal space: Potential for accommodating more fuel or avionics, further enhancing performance.

While the IAF has not officially joined the TEDBF program, the possibility of an Air Force variant has generated interest. ADA officials suggest this variant could serve as an interim solution or complement to other ongoing projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the upgraded LCA Tejas Mk2.

However, the development of this variant hinges on the IAF's strategic needs and its willingness to invest in a naval-derived design. The IAF's current Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition plans and its overall fleet modernization strategy will ultimately determine whether this opportunity is pursued.

If the IAF chooses to adopt the TEDBF, it would gain access to a versatile, indigenously developed fighter jet that could bridge the gap until the AMCA and Tejas Mk2 become operational. This move would not only strengthen the IAF's capabilities but also contribute to India's growing self-reliance in defence technology.

 

[R. Singh]

IAF must join ADA+HAL to make ORCA powered by made in India two GE-414 engines !

 

[beencensured]

If it boost a ten ton plus payload capacity then best for all concerned.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

ADA, DRDO, and HAL both know but will not accept that TEDBF and AMCA are way beyond what they can do. They need foreign OEMs; they need Indian industry in a big way, but that will take away their "Maharatna" status, and they will be seen as incompetent in the light of competition. All vested interests will use all means necessary to show them in a poor light so that MRFA and foreign OEM deals continue for various reasons.

 

[Frank]

We are building TEDBF already ... why iaf not interested in TEDBF/ORCA not make any sense!!!

TEDBF and ORCA are same...

we are wasting 10 billion dollars (85,000 crores) in 26 rafales...

but cant invest 1000 crore for TEDBF/ORCA

NO NEED FOR MRFA IF WE CHOOSE TEDBF/ORCA

 

[ysaxon]

So story of two years will be same as LCA, which took 40 years to manufacture and that too with GE engine as our Kaveri engine has been sabotaged by vested interests not once but multiple times. Let's see how many foreign spies sabotage TEDBF.

 

[Devasahayam]

Reiterating my belief that development should have been all along on TEDBF as AMCA -- including incorporation of stealth features; then orders should have been done by IN with packet-deal of 4x such for IAF (idea pilfered from an erstwhile colleague in US, who had served with US Navy -- and frequently stated that USAF should have ordered F-14 rather than F-15).

Arrestor-hooked aircraft can be used easily as-is as land-based (Iran and Canada never had CV's but flew F-14 and F-18 respectively), where modifying land-based aircraft for arrestor-hook costs payload.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Tejas was first designed for land use and then adapted for carrier use with naval tejas. So it should not be difficult to do the reverse with TEDBF. But ADA is ADA.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

ADA, DRDO, and HAL both know but will not accept that TEDBF and AMCA are way beyond what they can do. They need foreign OEMs; they need Indian industry in a big way, but that will take away their "Maharatna" status, and they will be seen as incompetent in the light of competition. All vested interests will use all means necessary to show them in a poor light so that MRFA and foreign OEM deals continue for various reasons.

MRFA won't happen. After Rafale M deal there is no money. MK1A is the best bet in the near future.

 

[Anant]

If it boost a ten ton plus payload capacity then best for all concerned.

Should be fairly doable, all things considered. Of course, that figure would include any external fuel too, but that is a number that would be very useful.

 

[Enforcer]

Hal should first finish designing Sitara. Fix the flaws and issues. Its more important of a project.

 

[Sanjay Limbani]

IAF must join ADA+HAL to make ORCA powered by made in India two GE-414 engines !

Why GE-F-414 engine when Indigenous 110kN engine will be available.

 

[Ayush raj]

If it boost a ten ton plus payload capacity then best for all concerned.

To achieve that we need to put 130kn engine on it GE-f414 with approximately 100kn can't handle that

 

[Deshbakth]

Develop both simultaneously and save costs and development tome

 

[beencensured]

To achieve that we need to put 130kn engine on it GE-f414 with approximately 100kn can't handle that

How does the rafales with 75kn wet thrust engine manage when less powerful then gef404 to do around ten tons payload? Obvious it can with gef404 though get414 which is much more powerful may do more. Remember India has also low weight composite technology unlike rafale.

 

[Ben]

Put in 2 F414 engines, it can be a heavy-class fighter and replace the Sukhoi Su-30MKIs.