Indigenous Development: The LCA Tejas is India's first indigenously developed and manufactured modern fighter aircraft. It represents a significant achievement in the country's efforts to build a self-reliant aerospace industry.
Variants: The LCA Tejas comes in multiple variants, including the LCA Tejas Mk1, LCA Tejas Mk1A, and the LCA Tejas Mk2. Each variant has specific enhancements and capabilities tailored to meet diverse operational requirements.
Role and Mission: The Tejas is a multi-role fighter designed for air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike missions. It is capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, making it versatile in different combat scenarios.
Delta Wing Configuration: The aircraft features a delta wing configuration, which enhances its agility and maneuverability. The design contributes to a high angle of attack, allowing for superior performance in dogfighting scenarios.
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: The Tejas Mk1A variant is equipped with an advanced AESA radar, which provides enhanced situational awareness, target tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Glass Cockpit: The Tejas cockpit is equipped with a modern glass cockpit featuring state-of-the-art avionics and a hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) control system. This design enhances the pilot's ability to manage the aircraft and its systems effectively.
Fly-by-Wire System: The aircraft incorporates a fly-by-wire flight control system, enhancing its stability and control in various flight regimes. The fly-by-wire system contributes to the overall agility and responsiveness of the Tejas.
Engine: The Tejas is powered by the GE F404 engine, providing a high thrust-to-weight ratio. The aircraft's engine contributes to its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Supersonic Capability: The Tejas is capable of reaching supersonic speeds, allowing it to quickly respond to emerging threats and cover large distances in a relatively short time.
Operational Deployment: The Tejas has been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Mk1A variant has received orders for mass production to bolster the country's air defense capabilities. The aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in the IAF's fleet modernization plans.