India's Tejas MkII: Advanced Composites and Co-Curing for a Superior Fighter

India's ambitious Tejas MkII fighter jet program is making significant strides thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

Their focus on advanced composite materials and innovative manufacturing techniques promises a next-generation fighter jet that's lighter, stronger, and more cost-effective than its predecessors.

The Co-Curing Advantage​

At the heart of this technological leap is the co-curing process. Unlike traditional composite manufacturing, co-curing bonds multiple composite layers simultaneously. This has far-reaching benefits:

• Weight Reduction: Fewer individual parts and mechanical joints contribute to a significantly lighter aircraft.
• Enhanced Strength: Co-cured structures boast superior structural integrity due to the seamless integration of components.
• Cost-Efficiency: Fewer parts and simplified assembly procedures translate into reduced manufacturing costs.

India's Composite Innovation​

ADA and NAL have diligently developed high-strength, intermediate modulus carbon composites tailored for the Tejas MkII program.

This breakthrough culminated in the successful creation of a Flaperon structural assembly, formally handed over by NAL to ADA on October 5, 2023 – a major milestone in the project's development.

Transforming the Tejas MkII​

The adoption of co-curing and these indigenously developed composites will be far-reaching within the Tejas MkII's design. Target components for this upgrade include:

• Fin and Rudder: Critical for maneuverability
• Wing Spars: Providing structural backbone to the wings
• Wing-Fuselage Fairings: Smoothing airflow for improved aerodynamics
• Various Fairing Blocks
• Centre Fuselage Components: Core of the aircraft structure
• Under-carriage doors: Protecting landing gear

The Future of India's Aerospace Industry​

The innovations within the Tejas MkII program have broad implications. A lighter, stronger, and more cost-effective fighter aircraft directly enhances India's defence capabilities.

Additionally, the expertise gained in advanced composites and co-curing could pave the way for technological advancements across India's aerospace industry.

 

[Hari Sud]

Talk less; do more.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Make this fast. This maybe the last opportunity for the HAL to redeem itself.

 

[sanket]

Very Good Developments Thats what i say This ADA ,NAL,HAL DRDO are not only developing But also cost effective option.

 

[Pink Panther]

That’s great News. When would HAL make it 🤔💭😴

 

[sanket]

Talk less; do more.

Xactly they are doing that., Unlike some Fan boys who feel 4.75 stealth Fighter have better features.

 

[Satya Dev]

Why have we not incorporated the DSI (Diverterless Supersonic Intake), RRP (Retractable Refueling Probe) in Tejas Mk2? Why paint the QFR (Quartz Fiber Radome) in dark shade?

 

[NSR]

The idea of Tejas Mk2 being lighter and stronger would be wonderful as it can carry more armaments.
Tejas Mk2 is one of the most important fighters for IAF as it will replace almost all of Jaguars, Mirage-2000s and Mig-29s.
So its development and testing should be accelerated.

Some of Tejas Mk2 sub-assemblies can be flown on Tejas Mk IA to test their interfaces and functionality to accelerate the testing and integration.

 

[Akshat]

That’s great News. When would HAL make it 🤔💭😴

Have some patience. It has been only 19 years since the program was started. Don’t pressurize HAL like this.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

ADA/HAL should also make internal weapon bay variant of Tejas- AF-II. Also make twin engine ORCA to test and certify our own Kaveri engines !

 

[beencensured]

Talk less; do more.

They are talking about products made. Agree they should apply these technology to make a new transporters/bombers.

 

[nakul1307]

Just keep perfecting it, don't produce.

 

[Sandeep]

Why have we not incorporated the DSI (Diverterless Supersonic Intake), RRP (Retractable Refueling Probe) in Tejas Mk2? Why paint the QFR (Quartz Fiber Radome) in dark shade?

This is just colouring on display models and to show what it has.

 

[Sandeep]

This is good to know that they are innovating new technology, parts and components to improve it which will cut costs but they have to start making the jet and have its first flight. If there is more delays then HAL will definitely have to order another 100 Tejas MK1A jets than they intended to but if they order more Tejas MK1A jets then will they reduce the numbers of Tejas MK2 jets they were going to order? Hopefully they don't because we need larger orders of Tejas MK2 jets rather than Tejas MK1A jets.

We should also improve the Tejas MK1A jets by installing a indigenous IRST as this will give it a crucial advantage of detecting flying jets without using our radars. So there's still a lot more technology and equipment that can be installed but they also need to increase the amount of indigenous content and technology for every squadron they produce which will help us in cutting down on foreign expensive imports.

 

[Anant]

Make this fast. This maybe the last opportunity for the HAL to redeem itself.

Sir, as long as HAL does not face consequences, there is no last opportunity.

 

[Anant]

ADA/HAL should also make internal weapon bay variant of Tejas- AF-II. Also make twin engine ORCA to test and certify our own Kaveri engines !

Why on Earth would you want to make a twin-engine ORCA specifically to test and certify the Kaveri? The IAF has said it is not interested in ORCA. Between AMCA and Tejas Mk 2, they have a good number of jets planned, with MRFA filling in numbers in the near future.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Good to know that we are making some headway in research of better materials for defense purpose. But we have a rabid dog and it's Lackey as a neighbour so it would be prudent if we speed up the testing and manufacturing process.

 

[Mridul baruah]

Just keep perfecting it, don't produce.

Aise kaise produce kar de. This is fighter technology not khichdi.

 

[Pad UwU]

Another day another news of Tejas mk2 without any proper date of production or introduction 😹😹😹😹
That's HAL fail to lure buyers when they showing news of mk2 but they insisting of mk1a to buyers 😹😹😹

 

[Akshat]

Aise kaise produce kar de. This is fighter technology not khichdi.

Yeah…just like Tejas trainer. Don’t make on time.