Tejas MkII Assembly to Begin This Month in Bangalore, First Flight Expected Next Year

India's aerospace industry is gearing up for a major milestone as the Tejas MkII, the advanced version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, is set to begin assembly this month in Bangalore.

The Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), a leading Indian Air Force (IAF) institution, will play a critical role in testing and preparing the Tejas MkII for its inaugural flight, which is expected to occur next year.

Small equipment and fuselage sections have already arrived at the HAL facility, setting the stage for the aircraft's assembly. ASTE test pilots will be deeply involved in every step of the testing process, rigorously evaluating the new platform and its incorporated technologies. This comprehensive approach will ensure the aircraft's airworthiness and peak performance.

Before its maiden flight, the Tejas MkII will undergo extensive ground-based tests, including engine runs and taxi trials. ASTE pilots will also participate in pilot interface testing, evaluating the control laws, cockpit architecture, and emergency procedures.

While the identity of the pilot who will perform the first flight remains a mystery, ASTE's team of highly skilled and experienced pilots guarantees that the task will be in capable hands.

The Tejas MkII program signifies a major advancement in India's indigenous fighter jet development, and ASTE's dedication and expertise will be crucial in bringing this aircraft from concept to reality.

 

[sanket]

First Fully assembled Tejas MK2 is expected to roll out next year Good if it is Roll out on Time,

 

[desigandu]

Good, we really hope that it rolls out on time, budget and design capability…

 

[Invi Pass]

How will it roll out without engine?

 

[swatkats_razor]

First Fully assembled Tejas MK2 is expected to roll out next year Good if it is Roll out on Time,

Just like Tejas Mk-1A was promised to delivered to IAF by February -2024.

 

[Saptarshi Ray]

GE F414 engines are there for testing so don’t worry for that . Sab sahi hoga ab . Dekho bhai log negative mat socho

 

[Kailash]

Hopefully it is not a long journey to certification, considering all the decades of experience with mk1/mk1/trainers/naval prototypes etc.

 

[sanket]

Just like Tejas Mk-1A was promised to delivered to IAF by February -2024.

Just Like well known Established Aero-Engine Giant with Established Eco-system skilled Man power with highly Automization Factory Failed to deliver Engine From August 2023 to Fourth deadline sept 2024

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Make Tejas with MUMT tech and capable to fire AIM series of BVRAAMs along with ASTRA missile !

 

[swatkats_razor]

Just Like well known Established Aero-Engine Giant with Established Eco-system skilled Man power with highly Automization Factory Failed to deliver Engine From August 2023 to Fourth deadline sept 2024

How do you know this wasn't by design, by the well known establishment who also likes to act like global police?

Wasn't is foolish to bet one's security on an unreliable partner? Heck, HAL is already planning to do more business with the same Established Aero-Engine Giant.

Was it smart of HAL to take orders without there being a Plan-B?

Ultimately, its the IAF which doesn't get its aircrafts from HAL.

What does it mean?
Our pilots need to keep flying the Migs for longer than intended, putting their own life at risk.

 

[Akshat]

Good, we really hope that it rolls out on time, budget and design capability…

Can you really say it’s on time if it’s already over a decade late???? And let’s not even talk about budget

 

[Akshat]

Hopefully it is not a long journey to certification, considering all the decades of experience with mk1/mk1/trainers/naval prototypes etc.

That experience was there in the designing as well, but mk2 took even longer than Tejas to have its roll out (and it’s still not rolled out). So it’s logical to assume that testing will go the same route and will take 3 more decades from here on.

 

[NSR]

It is a welcome news that IAF is finally taking fighter programs under its wings by deploying its Aircraft and Systems Training Establishment (ASTE) organization to oversee the testing of Tejas Mk II from the very beginning.

ASTE is a premier organization and amassed vast experience in the development and flight testing of Tejas Mk IA.
The Vitae shows its expertise areas and is very reassuring that ASTE getting involved from the beginning.

Finally IAF has realized that it must emulate Indian Navy Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and is taking very positive steps.

Way to go IAF, very much needed and timely step.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

First Fully assembled Tejas MK2 is expected to roll out next year Good if it is Roll out on Time,

ASTE gearing up to flight test a graphics MK2 Tejas jet without any GE engines

 

[Sandeep]

Hopefully progress is being made and that it will start flights by 2026. We can’t afford anymore delays so whatever resources, talent or partnership with Indian private companies they need to make should be prioritised. There is a great opportunity for the private sector to earn and expand their business with the large orders that will be placed.

 

[AK S]

ASTE gearing up to flight test a graphics MK2 Tejas jet without any GE engines

8 F414 were delivered long time back.

I heard they are verifying air-intakes of Mk II for EJ200. Most likely it should fit but maybe a lil under-powered.

Let’s see how it goes.

 

[AK S]

Can you really say it’s on time if it’s already over a decade late???? And let’s not even talk about budget

Jealous and anxious Frenchie. It may kill MRFA 🙂. But then you’d get Rafale M orders. Be happy and enjoy your perks.

let’s say it’s late by two decades, it only helps your cause.

From the CCS approval and flow of money, 3 years (give and take another year) would be needed for first flight. Dassault took 5 years to deliver first Rafale with all of India Specific Enhancements after first 25% payment. Looks like Hal, an inefficient DPSU is beating French private giant by a huge margin.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

8 F414 were delivered long time back.

I heard they are verifying air-intakes of Mk II for EJ200. Most likely it should fit but maybe a lil under-powered.

Let’s see how it goes.

EJ200 cannot fit dude! Whole jet needs to be redesigned around a new OEM of engine in reality!!

 

[sandy 007]

First Fully assembled Tejas MK2 is expected to roll out next year Good if it is Roll out on Time,

Need to fast forward the project, same govt need to finance TEDBF also simultaneously this is the need of the hours. Why HAL not doing this project from its own pocket and procure the GE 414 40 engine directly from the US for the Prototype. That can be a game changer. I think AMCA and HLFT also must have separate team for the R&D and Thing's must be started simultaneously here also 4 projects can be game changer and under one roof this will definitely require HAL own finance and leter on Indian government can finance in a faced manner to all these project that will change the whole scenario This way india can manufacture everything in one go what it need's is finance to setup manufacturing line.

 

[Anurag]

Can you really say it’s on time if it’s already over a decade late???? And let’s not even talk about budget

As release of funds stats this is seriously on time!! How it is late if funds are released this late!!

 

[Akshat]

As release of funds stats this is seriously on time!! How it is late if funds are released this late!!

Funds were released way back in 2012 itself. They were all wasted and then fresh ones were requested. Go and read HAL’s history a bit bro.

 

[Akshat]

Jealous and anxious Frenchie. It may kill MRFA 🙂. But then you’d get Rafale M orders. Be happy and enjoy your perks.

let’s say it’s late by two decades, it only helps your cause.

From the CCS approval and flow of money, 3 years (give and take another year) would be needed for first flight. Dassault took 5 years to deliver first Rafale with all of India Specific Enhancements after first 25% payment. Looks like Hal, an inefficient DPSU is beating French private giant by a huge margin.

Well my cause will be helped when Indians are allowed to deliver the products by removing these useless DPSUs.

As for Rafale, first Rafale was delivered within 3 years. More importantly, it was delivered as per the agreement. So no, HAL is being beaten badly. Like always.

 

[Anurag]

Funds were released way back in 2012 itself. They were all wasted and then fresh ones were requested. Go and read HAL’s history a bit bro.

How wasted?? Anything conclusive about your claim??

 

[Amit pereira]

Just Like well known Established Aero-Engine Giant with Established Eco-system skilled Man power with highly Automization Factory Failed to deliver Engine From August 2023 to Fourth deadline sept 2024

HAL doesn't have much options for a single engine aircraft. And FYI it was the IAF who wanted the current engine and it was they who did the negotiations for the engine.

 

[Akshat]

How wasted?? Anything conclusive about your claim??

Funds were released in 2012. In 2014, HAL had promised in official tender documents that they will put the plane in serial production in 2016. That means all requisite funds were released and were enough to make the prototypes and test them. But then they asked for a thousands of crores and decade+ of years. So the funds given earlier were completely wasted. To put the plane into production in 2 years one would have already made most of the components. But now they are asking for new DRs, new components and new funds. So everything made earlier was entirely wasted.

 

[Dredd]

EJ200 cannot fit dude! Whole jet needs to be redesigned around a new OEM of engine in reality!!

EJ2000 is smaller compared to F414, so i dont think the space would be an issue here, But yeah system need to be redesigned, Also EJ2000 in current avatar is not certified for single engine operation and power output need to be upgraded for tejas Mk2 class .

 

[Swapy]

Just Like well known Established Aero-Engine Giant with Established Eco-system skilled Man power with highly Automization Factory Failed to deliver Engine From August 2023 to Fourth deadline sept 2024

Which engine have use in aircraft is not HAL's decision. This decision had taken by IAF and ADA/DRDO in design phase. HAL is not design partner. HAL is production partner rather just integrator of most of component delivered by private companies.
Your comment shows your half knowledge about process. Go and ask IAF and ADA why don't they keep alternate engine option.
One more thing, at this stage we can't stop buying GE404 engine. Other engine will again bring Tejas on design board. some modification might be required to do. after that certification and testing will take several years. Finally IAF will scrap the requirement.

 

[Rajeshb]

How will it roll out without engine?

I have read in some media report that India has already purchased F404 & F414 for MK2 and may be for AMCA prototype also

 

[Anurag]

Funds were released in 2012. In 2014, HAL had promised in official tender documents that they will put the plane in serial production in 2016. That means all requisite funds were released and were enough to make the prototypes and test them. But then they asked for a thousands of crores and decade+ of years. So the funds given earlier were completely wasted. To put the plane into production in 2 years one would have already made most of the components. But now they are asking for new DRs, new components and new funds. So everything made earlier was entirely wasted.

Well the idea of whole plane change drastically when Tejas Mk1a inducted in the service so does with the mk2 you can't compare these things and whole lot of things evolve with time and we have to understand plan changes just like with the navy after rejecting Mk1a for the naval operation they were asked to join the mk2 program and they rejected it too and goes solo with the twin engine platform TEDBF so can't compare these things and with everything R&D is the key thing nothing got wasted man!!