Tejas Mk1A Clears First Low-Speed Taxi Trials, Maiden Flight Next

India's aerospace program achieved a significant milestone on Monday as the first indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A successfully completed its Low-Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT). This marks a crucial step toward the aircraft's maiden flight and subsequent induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Defence journalist Anantha Krishnan M. confirmed the successful LSTT, paving the way for more rigorous High-Speed Taxi Trials (HSTT) and the much-anticipated first flight, which is tentatively scheduled for March 18th or soon thereafter. There is speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might virtually witness this historic event.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) aims to deliver the first two LCA Tejas MK1A fighter jets to the IAF by April, initiating the formation of the first squadron later this year. This squadron is expected to be stationed at the strategic Nal Air Base Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.

The Tejas Mk1A represents a significant upgrade over the existing Tejas Mk1, featuring advanced systems such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an advanced electronic warfare suite, and improved maintainability. The IAF has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters, with the potential for additional orders in the future.

The LCA Tejas program has faced hurdles along the way, but recent milestones indicate significant progress. Its successful induction into the IAF will enhance India's air defence capabilities and bolster its strategic position in the region.

 

[sanket]

wow Good .

 

[Pink Panther]

Great news 👏 , make 200 fast.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Great news. This is India's first full fledged multi role fighter jet. Earlier tejas had very limited capability and large amount of foreign equipment.

May you go on to destroy many pakistani and chinese jets and blow up their airfields.

 

[Guru]

Hope this one has a zero ejection seat like chota chetan that crashed recently.

 

[Rational Guy]

Start deploying it soon.

 

[NSR]

Great news for all.
Hope that DRDO and ADA finds a design fix to replace the ugly duckling and sight blocking refueling probe with a retractable one soon.

 

[amerjit johal]

Great news for all.
Hope that DRDO and ADA finds a design fix to replace the ugly duckling and sight blocking refueling probe with a retractable one soon.

If I remeber correctly - there was no refueling probe in the orinal design.
They had to bolt one on later.
Retractable fueling probe has to be in the original design. So we are stuck with it.
Even MK2 models show the same probe

 

[SURESH RAO]

The refuelling probe props up only when there is a need to refuel. Otherwise, it lies below

 

[Sudha]

Let us hope they stick to the timeline.

 

[Akshat]

Let us hope they stick to the timeline.

They have already missed the timeline by a huge margin.

 

[Akshat]

The refuelling probe props up only when there is a need to refuel. Otherwise, it lies below

Nope. That’s a retractable probe. Tejas has a fixed one.

 

[Akshat]

Inching closer…after already missing the deadline. Classic HAL.

 

[amerjit johal]

The refuelling probe props up only when there is a need to refuel. Otherwise, it lies below

It's a fixed probe - like Rafale.

 

[amerjit johal]

Hope this one has a zero ejection seat like chota chetan that crashed recently.

Martin Baker IN16G. Same family [Mk16] as used in Rafale and Typhoon.
Good news - pilot will get a special tie from Martin Baker.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Inching closer…after already missing the deadline. Classic HAL.

It missednthe deadlime because the whole snail of an organization moves at speed of an inch per year/decade/century.

 

[Anurag]

Inching closer…after already missing the deadline. Classic HAL.

Missing the deadline?? I am not aware of it!! Can you please explain it!

 

[Rajsn]

Everyone is Gloating
How used to we all have become of Substandard HAL product coming Always Late !!!!!!.
Modiji hope this changes in your 3rd Term. . I hope ....

 

[Sandeep]

India should ramp up production so we can get more jets inducted and increase our squadron strengths.

We should also give a license to the private sector to manufacture all of its parts, equipment and technology so we can cut down on delays and costs as they are more efficient and quick while securing our technology and capabilities at the same time.

 

[Prashu Sam]

Missing the deadline?? I am not aware of it!! Can you please explain it!

First Feb-24 delivery then March-24 and now April-24

This is called missing deadline which was only for 2 fighters.

They are suppose to deliver 6 in 2024 and with track record of HAL they are going to miss it

 

[Sandeep]

Everyone is Gloating
How used to we all have become of Substandard HAL product coming Always Late !!!!!!.
Modiji hope this changes in your 3rd Term. . I hope ....

The government can’t manufacture the jet or develop our technology as only the scientists and engineers can do that. The government has to rely on what DRDO tells them that they can achieve it.