Tejas MkII Embraces Adaptability with Potential Twin-Seater Variant

India's ambitious Tejas MkII fighter jet program, already set to revolutionize the Indian Air Force (IAF) with its cutting-edge technology and single-seater design, is now poised to become even more versatile. Recent developments have revealed that the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is open to developing a twin-seater variant of the Tejas MkII, should the IAF request it.

While the initial focus was on a single-pilot configuration, the potential for a twin-seater variant highlights the Tejas MkII's adaptability to evolving operational needs. Although experienced pilots transitioning to the Tejas MkII can primarily familiarize themselves with its advanced systems through high-fidelity simulators, certain missions might benefit from a two-person crew.


The Tejas MkII's core design philosophy prioritizes flexibility. While primarily envisioned as an air superiority fighter, the aircraft's architecture allows for future variants tailored for electronic warfare or ground attack missions. In such scenarios, a twin-seater variant with a dedicated Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) could significantly enhance mission effectiveness.

It's important to emphasize that any potential twin-seater Tejas MkII wouldn't be intended for basic pilot training. Instead, it would be reserved for specific operational requirements where a two-person crew is deemed essential.

The decision to develop a twin-seater variant will ultimately depend on the IAF's evolving requirements. However, the Tejas MkII's inherent flexibility ensures that it can be adapted to meet whatever challenges the future may hold.

 

[sanket]

Another delay if IAF demanded .

 

[siva]

First let it come with single seat as on promised date,no more reason to delay

 

[Akshat]

First let it come with single seat as on promised date,no more reason to delay

The promised date (year) was 2022. That’s far gone.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Haan, yeh kar lo pahle!!
Tejas Mk2 hasn't started assembly yet, and these glorified buffoons at HAL have already started planning for converting it into a shared autorickshaw.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

The promised date (year) was 2022. That’s far gone.

Their Covid hasn't gone anywhere yet, how can the 2022 be gone already? You are speaking from the wrong universe. It is still 2020 where HAL is.

 

[bonito]

Twin seater jets are wish to have requirements. It doesn't need prior conceptualization and provisioning while design. Even if trainer variant is required you clear out AJT rather than Tejas 2

 

[nakul1307]

HAL is the best paper planner in town. For manufacturing, they need another company.

 

[Sangram]

But where is Tejas MK2 first of all, "gaon basa nahi aur lootere agaye"

 

[Paul]

You know what? There's no new defense news these days. These topics are just being generated from old information.

 

[NSR]

Twin seater Tejas MkII would be a great idea for trainer, EW, and ground attack missions.
Absolutely needed as the pilots can be taught in all facets of training very quickly in the real environments.
Furthermore, a dedicated Weapons officer in a back seat would truly deliver all EW functions and Weapons Stores very optimally and effectively.

IAF should go with it but HAL must first deliver its Tejas Mk II first instead of tall tales.

CCS approval in 2022 means that first prototype will roll out in 3 years which amounts to end of 2025 but considering the many breaks, long lunches, deep siestas, etc, it may surely slip into 2026.

 

[Boomeranger]

It is NOT NEEDED by IAF! Instead develop a MK1B Tejas ver. from N-Tejas and with GEF414 engines, and improved matching air intakes asap soon...

 

[Boomeranger]

HAL is the best paper planner in town. For manufacturing, they need another company.

Dey r publishing such news daily just to jack up stocks! Already HAL Defense PSU is lifetime high value of stocks now...

 

[The Presence]

Twin seater Tejas MkII would be a great idea for trainer, EW, and ground attack missions.
Absolutely needed as the pilots can be taught in all facets of training very quickly in the real environments.
Furthermore, a dedicated Weapons officer in a back seat would truly deliver all EW functions and Weapons Stores very optimally and effectively.

IAF should go with it but HAL must first deliver its Tejas Mk II first instead of tall tales.

CCS approval in 2022 means that first prototype will roll out in 3 years which amounts to end of 2025 but considering the many breaks, long lunches, deep siestas, etc, it may surely slip into 2026.

Additional space for another pilot will reduce it's fuel and load carrying capacity. It's already a SEF which doesn't have a lot of space and power output at disposal.
It's better to automate the whole process of EW as much as possible like in the F-35. Likewise AI powered Unmanned Wingmans can assist in Ground Strike missions.

 

[NSR]

Additional space for another pilot will reduce it's fuel and load carrying capacity. It's already a SEF which doesn't have a lot of space and power output at disposal.
It's better to automate the whole process of EW as much as possible like in the F-35. Likewise AI powered Unmanned Wingmans can assist in Ground Strike missions.

India is not at that stage right now and not even in foreseeable future.
Even USA is having trouble with F35 softwares even to this day.
Very complex integration job.

 

[Boomeranger]

Twin seater jets are wish to have requirements. It doesn't need prior conceptualization and provisioning while design. Even if trainer variant is required you clear out AJT rather than Tejas 2

BUT, however HAL can and MUST develop a twin-seater New_Marut42 wid twin engines of GEF404 in order to replace Jaguar ground attack sneak-peak jets soon... It can be configured for nuke weapons deliveries on Pork's also!

 

[Wonderbar]

The promised date (year) was 2022. That’s far gone.

yes for French Dallah, not for the Indian’s.

 

[Sandeep]

India doesn't need a specific trainer especifically for Tejas MK2. Currently pilots should pass basic flight training and after that they can train further on the Tejas MK1 for advanced combat and weapons training. After that they can train further under a flight simulator that they should develop for pilots to familiarise themselves on the technology and equipment in the Tejas MK2 cockpit. That should be sufficient enough so we don't need to develop a twin seat Tejas MK2 jet at all as that will be very expensive and take a number of years to develop and it won't really change or improve anything.

 

[Boomeranger]

India is not at that stage right now and not even in foreseeable future.
Even USA is having trouble with F35 softwares even to this day.
Very complex integration job.

Better to concentrate on a "T-bird wings" design of a New_Marut42 twin-engines of GEF404 engines fighter jet now- for nuke deliveries; in order to replace aged sneak-peak attack Jaguar jets. MK2 concept already outdated canard wings is too unreliable really for ultra low level & long duration flights! Only Jaguars F16's and Tornados are best suited- as also the superb designs of Dr. Kurt Tank's Marut24; now redesigned in a new avatar as New_Marut-42 jets...

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

It is NOT NEEDED by IAF! Instead develop a MK1B Tejas ver. from N-Tejas and with GEF414 engines, and improved matching air intakes asap soon...

Airforce will ask for it , A Manufacturer will only make a product if there is a demand in the market...

Currently DRDO is looking to make kaveri a 90Kn to replace F404 in mid-life refit of mk1As.

Tejas mk1A F414 has currently no requirements , as u need to change the structure all together..

Millions will be used for it & there is no need for a LCA with that configuration after ordering 200+ units