Retired Tejas Technology Demonstrator to be Refurbished and Displayed at Hyderabad's ORANGE Facility

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has announced plans to refurbish and display the Tejas Technology Demonstrator 2 (TD2) aircraft at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.

The TD2, a pivotal aircraft in the development of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program, will serve as a static exhibit at the ORANGE Facility, renowned for its Outdoor Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing capabilities.

The TD2, which first took flight on June 6, 2002, played a crucial role in validating various systems and aerodynamic configurations for the Tejas fighter jet. It completed 305 developmental flights and was uniquely designed to accommodate the Kaveri engine for in-flight testing.

The refurbishment project will involve several modifications to prepare the aircraft for its static display role. These include:

• Stabilization: A mechanism will be installed to lock the main landing gear doors, ensuring the aircraft's stability on the raised platform.
• Armament Simulation: An R73 pylon will be fitted, along with dummy launchers and missiles, to enhance the aircraft's visual representation as a combat jet.
• Aesthetic Enhancements: Missing wing fuselage fairings will be replaced, and portions of missing fairings and rubber seals will be installed to improve the aircraft's overall appearance.

The ADA has issued a tender for the refurbishment project. Once complete, the TD2 will be mounted on a raised platform at the ORANGE facility, allowing visitors and future generations of aerospace engineers to appreciate the technological advancements achieved during the LCA program.

The LCA Tejas program has since matured, with the Tejas now serving as a fully operational and combat-ready fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force. The TD2 exhibit will stand as a testament to the program's journey and India's growing aerospace capabilities.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It served us well. Now its descendents will form the tip of our spear. Rest well.

 

[Sudha]

So the TD1 might have flown around 2000? Twenty four long years & only 38 planes delivered till date.

 

[Sandeep]

Instead of displaying it they could have still used it as a test aircraft to test any new equipment, upgrades and technology advancement.

Another option is that they could have upgraded and overhauled the entire jet and make it into a frontline fighter. It would be better to put it into some use rather than just leave it as a display.

 

[Anant]

Instead of displaying it they could have still used it as a test aircraft to test any new equipment, upgrades and technology advancement.

Another option is that they could have upgraded and overhauled the entire jet and make it into a frontline fighter. It would be better to put it into some use rather than just leave it as a display.

Prototypes and test demonstrators generally are not converted into frontline fighters. The reason for this is that when you conduct extensive testing, you put these airframes through a lot of stress and other forces. Generally, this will lead to the airframes wearing out as well, which then means that using it as a frontline fighter isn't wise.

 

[Prit]

So the TD1 might have flown around 2000? Twenty four long years & only 38 planes delivered till date.

FOC was formally awarded to Tejas during 2019 Aero India show. Since requirements by IAF was changed several times, FOC of serial production ready Tejas took time. So proper production timing should be calculated from 2019.
If you want to calculate from prototype stage, total 53 Tejas planes have been built.

 

[Sandeep]

Prototypes and test demonstrators generally are not converted into frontline fighters. The reason for this is that when you conduct extensive testing, you put these airframes through a lot of stress and other forces. Generally, this will lead to the airframes wearing out as well, which then means that using it as a frontline fighter isn't wise.

Usually they test the first one through the stress test and the rest after that for systems and technology.