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.

 

[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.