Context: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned Defence PSU, has signed a $1 billion agreement with US-based GE Aerospace. The deal is for the procurement of 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines to power the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A.
About LCA Tejas Mk1A: The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced, upgraded variant of the baseline LCA Tejas Mk1, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is designed for enhanced combat capability, survivability, and maintainability.
Capabilities:
- Radar: Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar.
- Warfare Suite: Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, including radar warning and self-protection jamming.
- Weaponry: Capable of firing Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
- Avionics: Features an upgraded Flight Control Computer and integration of new systems like a Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT).
LCA Tejas:-
- Definition: An indigenous, single-engine, multi-role, supersonic light combat aircraft.
- Origin: Developed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet.
- Core-Specs: Lightest in its class, capable of Mach 1.8, with a 4,000 kg payload and 3,000 km range.
Variants of Tejas :-
- Tejas Trainer: A two-seat variant designed for operational conversion training (OCT) for pilots.
- LCA Navy: Single- and twin-seat configurations modified for carrier-based operations for the Indian Navy.
- LCA Tejas Navy Mk2: A subsequent development phase of the carrier-capable LCA Navy variant.
- LCA Tejas Mk-1A: An enhanced variant of the Tejas Mk1, specified as featuring a higher-thrust engine.
The F404-IN20 Jet Engine
- Manufacturer: GE Aerospace
- Application: Serves as the power plant for the LCA Tejas Mk1A.
- Type: A high-thrust variant of the F404 engine family, selected for the Tejas programme in 2004.
- Key Features: Incorporates specialized components tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF), including higher-flow fans and single-crystal turbine blades.
- Performance: Enabled the Tejas to achieve Mach 1.1 during its 2008 test flight.
