Professor Prodyut Das, a former Mechanical Engineering professor at IIT Kanpur and a renowned expert in aerospace structures, has raised serious concerns about the design of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet in his recent blog post. His primary concern revolves around the placement of the canards on the aircraft, a configuration he deems "extremely disturbing" and likely to cause "developmental problems."
Prof. Das points out the uniqueness of the Tejas Mk2's canard placement, highlighting the lack of any existing production canard fighter jet with a similar arrangement. He criticizes the decision-making behind the design, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and risk assessment even in the face of budget limitations. He questions the oversight of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which despite ample funding, apparently failed to recognize this potential issue during the design stage.
To rectify the situation, Prof. Das proposes a transparent approach. He suggests acknowledging the potential problem, expressing gratitude to those who raised concerns, and utilizing the abundant expertise available in India to redesign the forward fuselage. Such a redesign, he believes, would not only resolve the canard placement issue but also present an opportunity to enhance the aircraft's stealth capabilities by reducing its radar cross-section (RCS).
Expressing his concern about the dwindling air strength of the Indian Air Force, Prof. Das warns against prioritizing personal pride over honest evaluations, as it could compromise national security. He advocates for a more open and responsible approach to ensure the safety and effectiveness of India's military aircraft.
Prof. Das concludes by urging a redesign of the Tejas Mk2's forward fuselage to address the canard placement concerns. He reiterates the availability of skilled professionals within India and calls for a transparent and accountable approach to safeguarding national security.
It is important to remember that Prof. Das's views represent his personal opinions and haven't been officially acknowledged by ADA. Further developments on the Tejas Mk2 design are eagerly awaited.
