Ironbird Facility to Accelerate Tejas Mk2 Development

The development of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 is progressing with the introduction of an Ironbird facility. This crucial hardware-in-loop (HIL) testing environment is designed to evaluate the aircraft's Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS) in a simulated flight environment before actual flight testing begins.

Tenders reveal that the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) intends to commence testing key Tejas Mk2 systems within the Ironbird facility. These include the onboard computers responsible for flight control, auxiliary functions, and mission management. The facility will replicate the data acquisition process of the actual aircraft, collecting data in various formats from simulated sensors and systems.

The Ironbird facility essentially functions as a flight simulator, mimicking the Tejas Mk2's hardware components such as cockpits and projection systems. A network of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) is configured similarly to the real aircraft, and a hydraulic source simulates the power systems for flight controls.

By injecting a range of flight scenarios and operational stresses into the IFCS, engineers can analyze the resulting data to assess the system's performance and stability under various conditions. This rigorous testing process helps identify and resolve potential issues before the aircraft takes to the skies, ensuring a smoother transition to real-world flight testing.

The development of the Tejas Mk2 represents a significant advancement in India's indigenous aerospace capabilities. The Ironbird facility is a testament to the commitment to thorough testing and evaluation, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the aircraft. As the project progresses, the Tejas Mk2 promises to bolster India's air defence capabilities and contribute to its growing reputation as a global player in aerospace technology.

 

[sanket]

Good to hear that work have been started for Tejas MK2, but how it can b called LCA Tejas MK2 , it should b called Medium combat single Engine Aircraft.

 

[NSR]

The Iron Bird facility containing Hardware In The Loop Flight Control Testing along with its experience on Tejas IA should hasten the development of Tejas Mk 2 immensely.
Perhaps India and its citizens will be blessed with a faster prototype development and taking off into the skies.

India is surely far along in fighter development than many people understand and only good things will follow.

Biggest drawbacks are not concentrating on a fighter engine development or even acquiring a high altitude plane to test the fighter engine prototypes.
Need to hasten efforts in this area to become self-sufficient in fighter engines.

 

[Sudha]

Let us just pray that the data will not fall into adversaries hands. MOD should draw up a list of employees who can potentially be honey &/or money trapped.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Technologies have advanced now AF MK-II ,must have MUT as well as Laser weapon capable ! Our fighters are not super cruise capable though its is old technology now but AF-MK-II must be super cruise capable !

 

[Anant]

Technologies have advanced now AF MK-II ,must have MUT as well as Laser weapon capable ! Our fighters are not super cruise capable though its is old technology now but AF-MK-II must be super cruise capable !

You do realise that DEWs are nowhere near the level of miniaturisation required to be mounted on fighters, right?

 

[Akshat]

Good to hear that work have been started for Tejas MK2, but how it can b called LCA Tejas MK2 , it should b called Medium combat single Engine Aircraft.

Because it’s a light category plane, not a medium category.

 

[Akshat]

You do realise that DEWs are nowhere near the level of miniaturisation required to be mounted on fighters, right?

Do you think he realizes that?

 

[Air Cmde KI Ravi AVSM VSM]

The Mk 2 is no more LCA. It is now a Medium Combat Aircraft. AYW has gone up, fuselage extended, canards added. This will also be the base platform for AMCA development.
A few critical points from maintenance point of view which was not adhered in Mk 1.

1. Design MTBF, MTTR and MMH/FH must be closely tracked, provided ADA has defined these in their CDR.
2. All TTGSE should be ergonomically designed for multiple shifts in sqn operations during detachments.
3. Aircraft systems reliability is critical. Unlike Mk 1 which has just 50% serv today, Mk 2 should maintain minimum 75%>
4. A complete Maintainability audit must be done by IAF-PMt before metal cutting.
5. Lightning test of the first aircraft and every 10th production is a must. This was not done for Mk 1 and is a flight safety hazard

 

[sandy 007]

We Indian are very slow in decision making , Biggest problem is this. Secondly model of the aircraft also needs to be made modern same old theme. I think ORCA looks really very nice in comparison to Tejas MK2 , All these basically makes aircraft more contemporary then the present one. We are using such a good avionics but outer look is old in design that is also a reason why people don't buy it. may be good for the IAF but still even after induction it is not war ready but certainly i am not against it. What I feel is that decision making should be more fast in upcoming aircrafts manufacturing.
India must push hard for the Kaveri Jet engine program and it needed more funds and ownership from the government. I think more fund for the manufacturing advance weapons means more customer and more funds for the experiments this should be the moto of our government also.
We need to understand that we need drone which can bomb our enemies not toys what we normally watching all the time on web site. Bigger drone which can bomb and must be build on war footing like what turkey is manufacturing even today our enemies also posses them.We make everything lite but when we really needed lite one we make bulky drone and use underpower engine is that what we needed Where as china and other countries reverse engineer many modern drone of various countries which are either lost in war or procured directly from others' we Indian are really very slow in this basic problem is that when DRDO makes either it makes the best or make worst. See the wings of Tapas and Rustum Drone it looks that it is more bulky even if we have not flown it . Basic concept needs to be understood we can't even copy body also which makes Drone lighter that is really pathetic.
We are flying American and Israeli drone also which are sleek and agile also , What is the use of buying such drone even if we can't make our own even after seeing them, may be concept not clear to DRDO or DRDO playing smart making ways for others to come. I wonder i saw a private firm making such a bulky drone It really looks like big toy and An Army man also posing it as a big victory with pride or we making joke or doing ruthless thing military of our country. Such a big drone will be shot down in no time Where as if see turkeys barikter Drone may be name not correct it looks really modern and agile may not be bulky but proved its mettle in Ukraine war.

 

[Sandeep]

This facility will help to improve the performance of the jet as we can periodically look at fine tuning any of the technology and systems to get the best possible performance. The only problem is that they need to now manufacture the prototype jet and get it flying as it's been delayed for a number of years.

 

[NSR]

The Mk 2 is no more LCA. It is now a Medium Combat Aircraft. AYW has gone up, fuselage extended, canards added. This will also be the base platform for AMCA development.
A few critical points from maintenance point of view which was not adhered in Mk 1.

1. Design MTBF, MTTR and MMH/FH must be closely tracked, provided ADA has defined these in their CDR.
2. All TTGSE should be ergonomically designed for multiple shifts in sqn operations during detachments.
3. Aircraft systems reliability is critical. Unlike Mk 1 which has just 50% serv today, Mk 2 should maintain minimum 75%>
4. A complete Maintainability audit must be done by IAF-PMt before metal cutting.
5. Lightning test of the first aircraft and every 10th production is a must. This was not done for Mk 1 and is a flight safety hazard

Thank you very much for your insightful comments, Air Cmde Ravi.

Please can you read about Astra Mk I story and comment too.

 

[Anant]

Do you think he realizes that?

I know he doesn't. However, the reason I reply to his comments is so that others don't get funny and impractical ideas.

 

[Boomeranger]

This facility will help to improve the performance of the jet as we can periodically look at fine tuning any of the technology and systems to get the best possible performance. The only problem is that they need to now manufacture the prototype jet and get it flying as it's been delayed for a number of years.

ADA have delayed by 5 years this Iron Bird Test Facility program for MK2 really. It is to thoroughly flight test all fbw modes of the fbw software only. IT is NOT TO improve MK2 jet's performance - this is already done by ARDC of HAL in critical design analysis phase. Iron bird ONLY tests the fbw modes thoroughly for defects and CLAW Team needs to correct any defects found. Go & watch YouTube TAMAK on ADA iron bird test facility video it is very very informative

 

[Boomeranger]

The Mk 2 is no more LCA. It is now a Medium Combat Aircraft. AYW has gone up, fuselage extended, canards added. This will also be the base platform for AMCA development.
A few critical points from maintenance point of view which was not adhered in Mk 1.

1. Design MTBF, MTTR and MMH/FH must be closely tracked, provided ADA has defined these in their CDR.
2. All TTGSE should be ergonomically designed for multiple shifts in sqn operations during detachments.
3. Aircraft systems reliability is critical. Unlike Mk 1 which has just 50% serv today, Mk 2 should maintain minimum 75%>
4. A complete Maintainability audit must be done by IAF-PMt before metal cutting.
5. Lightning test of the first aircraft and every 10th production is a must. This was not done for Mk 1 and is a flight safety hazard

WHY NOT IAF accepts ORCA i.e., 2-engines MK2 jet; with all stealth features borrowed from AMCA program to make it a -5 [MINUS 5th] gen. fighter jet jee??

 

[Akshat]

WHY NOT IAF accepts ORCA i.e., 2-engines MK2 jet; with all stealth features borrowed from AMCA program to make it a -5 [MINUS 5th] gen. fighter jet jee??

Because there is no ORCA to begin with.

 

[Akshat]

The Mk 2 is no more LCA. It is now a Medium Combat Aircraft. AYW has gone up, fuselage extended, canards added. This will also be the base platform for AMCA development.
A few critical points from maintenance point of view which was not adhered in Mk 1.

1. Design MTBF, MTTR and MMH/FH must be closely tracked, provided ADA has defined these in their CDR.
2. All TTGSE should be ergonomically designed for multiple shifts in sqn operations during detachments.
3. Aircraft systems reliability is critical. Unlike Mk 1 which has just 50% serv today, Mk 2 should maintain minimum 75%>
4. A complete Maintainability audit must be done by IAF-PMt before metal cutting.
5. Lightning test of the first aircraft and every 10th production is a must. This was not done for Mk 1 and is a flight safety hazard

It's not. It's still a LCA. That has been confirmed by HAL, IAF and ADA itself. It's not in the medium category. And if indeed it gets into that category, then it's useless because IAF is looking for light category jets.

 

[Sandeep]

ADA have delayed by 5 years this Iron Bird Test Facility program for MK2 really. It is to thoroughly flight test all fbw modes of the fbw software only. IT is NOT TO improve MK2 jet's performance - this is already done by ARDC of HAL in critical design analysis phase. Iron bird ONLY tests the fbw modes thoroughly for defects and CLAW Team needs to correct any defects found. Go & watch YouTube TAMAK on ADA iron bird test facility video it is very very informative

Iron birds are used for system integration, reliability testing, and shakedown testing of aircraft systems such as landing gear, avionics, hydraulics, and flight controls.

Iron birds can also be used after aircraft certification for troubleshooting ongoing issues and for testing of proposed modifications prior to fleet integration.

The entire test facility is to study, learn, fix and develop key systems which has an impact on the jet’s performance in general. By using this they can improve those systems they want to develop or have already done so.

 

[Ajath Shri]

I know he doesn't. However, the reason I reply to his comments is so that others don't get funny and impractical ideas.

There are few who will come up with such crazy ideas. But nobody can match him.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Technologies have advanced now AF MK-II ,must have MUT as well as Laser weapon capable ! Our fighters are not super cruise capable though its is old technology now but AF-MK-II must be super cruise capable !

Technology is a long way off from the point where directed energy weapons can be integrated into a small jet. Even larger ship or mobile land based systems developed in the West are in their developmental stages.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

WHY NOT IAF accepts ORCA i.e., 2-engines MK2 jet; with all stealth features borrowed from AMCA program to make it a -5 [MINUS 5th] gen. fighter jet jee??

Due to insufficiency of funds , at this point they can't divert their funds for ORCA as they are already involved in TEJAS mk2 , AMCA , IMRH

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Technologies have advanced now AF MK-II ,must have MUT as well as Laser weapon capable ! Our fighters are not super cruise capable though its is old technology now but AF-MK-II must be super cruise capable !

Sure also add up tractor beams, Ion cannon and pulse detonation engines to the mix and we all can safely leave the mortal world till the time it materializes, and HAL would still keep working on it.

 

[Pramkumar]

ADA/HAL/MOD/IAF must invest heavily with Engine, Ejection seats, Radone and other imported materials.

 

[Anant]

WHY NOT IAF accepts ORCA i.e., 2-engines MK2 jet; with all stealth features borrowed from AMCA program to make it a -5 [MINUS 5th] gen. fighter jet jee??

Because they already have two different 4.5th generation fighter programs going in the form of the Tejas Mk 1/1A and Tejas Mk 2. Having a third type there would definitely help boost numbers, but it would also represent a number of challenges in terms of procurement timelines (keeping in mind production bottlenecks of three different aircraft types).

 

[AK S]

Good to hear that work have been started for Tejas MK2, but how it can b called LCA Tejas MK2 , it should b called Medium combat single Engine Aircraft.

If it’s classified as MWF, then it will be difficult for IAF to push for MRFA.

BTW, Gripen and F21 are participating in MRFA as medium weight fighters.

 

[AK S]

It's not. It's still a LCA. That has been confirmed by HAL, IAF and ADA itself. It's not in the medium category. And if indeed it gets into that category, then it's useless because IAF is looking for light category jets.

It will eat into MRFA orders to say the least. It might even kill it and focus moves to AMCA.

BTW, F21 and Gripen is allowed in MRFA as medium weight fighters. Our IAF is so uniquely biased.

 

[Akshat]

It will eat into MRFA orders to say the least. It might even kill it and focus moves to AMCA.

BTW, F21 and Gripen is allowed in MRFA as medium weight fighters. Our IAF is so uniquely biased.

F21 has a much higher payload capacity. And Gripen after testing was found to be not suitable for MMRCA. So IAF did no favoritism. Even Gripen was rejected as it was not in Medium category. As for MRFA, the only thing that could have killed it was timely production which is now not possible as Mk2 won't be coming before at least 2040. Massive massive delays by ADA and HAL. So no point.

 

[Torontodude]

The Mk 2 is no more LCA. It is now a Medium Combat Aircraft. AYW has gone up, fuselage extended, canards added. This will also be the base platform for AMCA development.
A few critical points from maintenance point of view which was not adhered in Mk 1.

1. Design MTBF, MTTR and MMH/FH must be closely tracked, provided ADA has defined these in their CDR.
2. All TTGSE should be ergonomically designed for multiple shifts in sqn operations during detachments.
3. Aircraft systems reliability is critical. Unlike Mk 1 which has just 50% serv today, Mk 2 should maintain minimum 75%>
4. A complete Maintainability audit must be done by IAF-PMt before metal cutting.
5. Lightning test of the first aircraft and every 10th production is a must. This was not done for Mk 1 and is a flight safety hazard

Mk1 has just 50% service availability? That's surprising. In Gagan Shakti Tejas had the highest availability of all aircraft with operations at 6 sorties per day. Does this mean all other fighters have <50%?

 

[Deepak Hegde]

The Mk 2 is no more LCA. It is now a Medium Combat Aircraft. AYW has gone up, fuselage extended, canards added. This will also be the base platform for AMCA development.
A few critical points from maintenance point of view which was not adhered in Mk 1.

1. Design MTBF, MTTR and MMH/FH must be closely tracked, provided ADA has defined these in their CDR.
2. All TTGSE should be ergonomically designed for multiple shifts in sqn operations during detachments.
3. Aircraft systems reliability is critical. Unlike Mk 1 which has just 50% serv today, Mk 2 should maintain minimum 75%>
4. A complete Maintainability audit must be done by IAF-PMt before metal cutting.
5. Lightning test of the first aircraft and every 10th production is a must. This was not done for Mk 1 and is a flight safety hazard

With due respect, as of now Tejas MK2 is no more than a fantasy. Every feature is a "will be this, will be that, will be world class, ground breaking" and all sorts of claims. Let us wait to see what is actually delivered, if at all and most importantly, when?? !!!

 

[Pad UwU]

Just cancel Tejas mk1a and divert order for mk2 instead.... Iaf should stop wasting money and time on a not suitable aircraft version 😹😹😹