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Tejas Mk2 AKA Medium Weight Fighter-An Indian workhorse in making to replace-Mig-29, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar fleet
Rewritten by Vipul Dave
Date: 13-09-2024
When India floated its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, the goal was to procure an aircraft similar to the Mirage 2000, known for its versatility and combat effectiveness. The indigenous Tejas, developed by HAL and DRDO, incorporated several design features inspired by the Mirage 2000. However, due to its compact size and lower-powered engine, the Tejas Mk1 could not fully meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) expectations for a MMRCA. This led to the development of the Tejas Mk2, a more powerful and capable platform designed to bridge the gap and develop a plane with true multirole capability of a modern 4.5 generation fighter.
Tejas Mk2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), was unveiled in its refined form before Aero India 2019. The aircraft’s design has impressed military experts and the IAF alike, fulfilling nearly all the requirements of a MMRCA while showcasing significant improvements in performance, payload, and versatility. This was an evolvement of Tejas MK1 design which was planned to be redesign to overcome shortcoming of MK1because of its compact design and higher degree of drag because of short length. Initially, there was a plan to increase fuselage length by 0.5 meter and reduce empty weight to 6150 kg to make a batter Tejas MK1. However, designers might have felt that some more effort may bring a significantly better fighter a class higher with significant batter capabilities. They worked more on design and came out with a significantly superior deign which is promising and capable enough to meet all mission capabilities of Mirage 2000, almost all capabilities of Mig 29 and many capabilities of Su30 MKIs.
Design and Specifications
Though Tejas Mk2 shares some similarities with the Mk1 version, its key upgrades are noteworthy. The Mk2 has a lengthened fuselage, growing from 13.2 meters in the Mk1 to 14.7 meters, which addresses a critical aerodynamic limitation of the original design. This adjustment ensures that the Mk2 batter complies with area ruling principles, reducing drag and enhancing transonic acceleration and top speed, which now exceeds Mach 1.8.
One of the major limitations of Tejas Mk1 was its limited payload capacity and hardpoints. Tejas Mk2 rectifies this by increasing the number of hardpoints from 7 to 11 and boosting the payload from 4.0 tons to 6.5 tons, allowing the aircraft to carry a huge load of advanced weaponry and mission-specific payloads capable of swing role missions. The Mk2 also incorporates canards, which improve low-speed handling and short take-off performance, making it more versatile for air force. This is designed to carry 8 BVRs which is highest in class. External Payload of 6.5 tons for this category of aircraft is very impressive and beats Gripen NG by full 1 tone with MTOW of 17.5 tons. These are great numbers for an aircraft powered by a single 58KN Dry and 98 KN wet Thrust.
Fuel capacity has also seen a significant enhancement, increasing from 2.5 tons to 3.3 tons, extending its ferry range and combat radius with internal fuel and also with drop tanks. Supersonic drop tanks have been developed to carry additional fuel with minimal drag, further increasing the aircraft’s operational range over large geographical areas. This enables aircraft to Carry out deep penetration missions.
A vital upgrade to the Tejas Mk2 is the replacement of its current engine with the GE 414 IN6, which provides dry thrust of over 58 kN and wet thrust of up to 98 kN. This allows the aircraft to carry heavier loads and operate at higher speeds. India has a plan to replace this engine with Kaveri K10 with 75 KN dry and 116 to 125 KN wet thrust engine. India is in talk with Rolls Royce, Safran and GE to form a partnership.
In terms of stealth, while the Tejas Mk2 will be a low observability aircraft. It is designed with a significantly reduced radar cross-section (RCS). Its "Y" duct air intake conceals the engine, and over 90% of the airframe is constructed from composite materials, further reducing weight and RCS. The application of Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) paint being developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), will enhance the Tejas Mk2’s stealth characteristics.
Radar and Other Avionics and Systems
The Tejas Mk2 will feature cutting-edge avionics, including the indigenously developed Uttam AESA radar, which offers greater range and superior jamming resistance compared to the current ELTA 2052 radar. The AESA radar will give the Tejas Mk2 a significant advantage in air-to-air combat by allowing it to detect enemy aircraft from further distances.
An infrared search and track (IRST) system is also under development, allowing the aircraft to detect and track enemy aircraft in passive mode without relying on its radar, preserving its stealth. This capability is critical for detecting stealthy adversaries and long-range engagements. The onboard electronic warfare (EW) suite, being developed in collaboration with Israeli partners, will provide the aircraft with superior defensive capabilities.
Tejas Mk2 will also be equipped with a Desi Uttam AESA Radar, Desi Radar Warning Receiver system developed by DARE, Desi Mission computer enabling it to detect and evade incoming threats. India has made a noteworthy progress in sensor and radar technology which together with state of art weapons enable aircraft to handle complex mission with ease. AI is also planned to be incorporated in coming aircrafts and other weapons of India.
MWF shall have onboard oxygen generator to allow it to operate at higher altitude without Oxygen cylinder.
Armament and Combat Capabilities
With an increased payload capacity of 6.5 tons, Tejas Mk2 will be able to carry a wide variety of munitions, including precision-guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and long-range glide bombs. The aircraft’s ability to carry multiple missiles on each hardpoint gives it remarkable mission flexibility.
During Exercise Gagan Shakti, the Tejas Mk1 demonstrated its precision strike capabilities, and the Mk2 will inherit and build upon these strengths. India has developed a 100 km-range glide bomb and a Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), both of which can incapacitate enemy runways from a safe distance. The Mk2 will also be equipped with India’s Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, with a range of 110 km. Astra Mk2 is alos tested from Su30 MKI and shall be ready for induction on coming couple of years. Astra MK III with ramjet powered enigine is also successfully tested which is a 350 KM BVR. Discussions are on to integrate the Meteor missile, further enhancing its air superiority capabilities. France has agreed to provide the same if Radar is Indian and not Israeli.
So far as weaponry is concerned, MWF has more options than any other plane has. It can integrate Indian, Russian, French, European and Israeli weapons. India already uses Python V, I-Derby, MICA, Meteor, R 37, R73, AMRAAM, ASRAAM etc. Astra Mk1 is operational and 2 is under testing. SFDR has undergone many development trials. So far as ground attack is concern, India has Spice-2000, hammer, Desi Sudarshan, SAAW, Gaurav etc. India has integrated Brahmos with NKI and Brahmos NG is planned to be integrated with MWF which will give it a significant standoff capability with high supersonic strike almost impossible to defend. So far as weapons is concerned, this will be plane with far more options than perhaps any other plane of the class.
Versatility and Future Prospects
Tejas Mk2 is a multirole aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including ground attack, close air support, and BVR engagements, Air raids etc. With an impressive thrust-to-weight ratio, enhanced manoeuvrability with its canard-delta wing configuration, and 9G load factor, the aircraft will excel in dogfights. Designer of MWF says that its manoeuvrability shall be very impressive.
Though it is a single-engine aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 packs capabilities rivalling twin-engine fighters. Its relatively low cost and high versatility make it a formidable option for the IAF, which is planning to procure over 200 units.
India is in talk with France, EU and US to make engine in collaboration. Proposed Kaveri shall be a 75 KN /120 to 130 KN wet thrust class engine. India has a plan to make that engine a Thrust victor control. If this enhanced power engine goes MK2, it will significantly boost MWF’s capabilities with high Mach number of super cruise. MWF II can be an aircraft with Frontal stealth and weapon bay for weapon storage and active cancelation like Rafale which can give it V- generation capabilities to handle J20 and J31.
MWF will have advance flight control system and carry the legacy of Relax Static stability from its predecessor Tejas MK1. A new flight control system is being developed for the aircraft. It will have an advance cockpit with floating display with sensor fusion and ease of handling. It will have many advance features of auto pilot and recovery from low speed and computer taking over the charge of plane pilot loses the control because of high G turn. All this will be an advancement of what is there in Tejas Mk1A.
Possible engagement against the adversaries.
The Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) is well-equipped to engage significant adversaries such as the F-16 and JF-17 from Pakistan, as well as the Su-30, Su-35, J-10 (A, B, C), J-11, J-20, and J-31 from China. In beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, the MWF is set to excel due to its low radar cross-section (RCS), powerful AESA radar, and best-in-class BVR missile systems. These features give it a decisive advantage over most of its rivals, with the exception of the J-20 stealth fighter. Its enhanced detection capabilities and long-range strike potential make it a formidable force in BVR engagements.
In within-visual-range (WVR) combat, the MWF's superior agility and integration of advanced WVR missiles like the Python V, MICA, and AMRAAM ensure excellent performance. In close-quarter dogfights, although aircraft like the J-10C, Su-30, and Su-35 may have an edge due to their thrust vector control (TVC), the MWF remains highly competitive with its advanced manoeuvrability and cutting-edge weaponry.
In summary, the MWF will have no difficulty handling any aircraft from its Pakistani counterparts, and it will hold its own against most of the Chinese air fleet. While the Su-30, Su35 and J10 C fighters may present challenges in close combat, the MWF will deliver superior performance in BVR engagements and fare comparably against the majority of its adversaries because of lower RCS, state of art BVRs and superior electronic counter measures. Su 30, Su 35 and J10 C carries TVC, which gives them an edge in close combat and MWF will carry highly agile short range air to air missile like Python V which can be guided against enemy plane by just turning helmet cite to direct missile towards enemy plane.
Conclusion
The Tejas Mk2 is a highly advanced iteration of the Tejas Mk1, addressing every shortcoming of its predecessor with significant enhancements across the board. Its extended ferry range, enhanced combat radios, and increased payload capacity elevate its operational capabilities far beyond those of the Mk1. Designed for exceptional agility, unlike heavier, less manoeuvrable aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 can withstand 9G/-3.5G forces with high angles of attack (AOA), ensuring superior performance in dogfights. The integration of cutting-edge, ultra-long-range missiles like the Meteor and indigenous SFDR gives it a formidable edge in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, enabling it to engage and eliminate adversaries before they even get within striking distance. Coupled with its AESA radar, the Tejas Mk2 gains "first-shoot" capability, positioning it on par with the world's best 4.5 generation fighters, including the Gripen, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon, and just shy of the F-22 and F-35 in terms of detection and engagement power.
The Tejas Mk2 is a multirole powerhouse capable of performing a broad range of missions with precision, from air raids and BVR engagements to close air support and ground attacks. Its lightweight design, enhanced aerodynamics, state-of-the-art weapon systems, and unparalleled ground-attack capabilities make it a force to be reckoned with in any combat scenario. Despite being a single-engine aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 rivals—and in some cases surpasses—the multirole capabilities of contenders like the F-16, MiG-35, J10 and Gripen E in overall performance. This homegrown MMRCA comes at a very competitive price the cost of its foreign counterparts, providing exceptional value to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Initially hesitant, the IAF has embraced the Tejas platform with enthusiasm, significantly expanding its order for the Mk1 after its Final Operational Clearance (FOC). Now, with plans to induct over 200 Tejas Mk2 fighters, the IAF has recognized the aircraft’s exceptional versatility and combat potential. The Tejas Mk2 has not only exceeded the IAF’s expectations for a medium-weight multirole fighter but has also captured the admiration and confidence of India’s defence forces, pr
Tejas Mk2 AKA Medium Weight Fighter-An Indian workhorse in making to replace-Mig-29, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar fleet
Rewritten by Vipul Dave
Date: 13-09-2024
When India floated its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, the goal was to procure an aircraft similar to the Mirage 2000, known for its versatility and combat effectiveness. The indigenous Tejas, developed by HAL and DRDO, incorporated several design features inspired by the Mirage 2000. However, due to its compact size and lower-powered engine, the Tejas Mk1 could not fully meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) expectations for a MMRCA. This led to the development of the Tejas Mk2, a more powerful and capable platform designed to bridge the gap and develop a plane with true multirole capability of a modern 4.5 generation fighter.
Tejas Mk2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), was unveiled in its refined form before Aero India 2019. The aircraft’s design has impressed military experts and the IAF alike, fulfilling nearly all the requirements of a MMRCA while showcasing significant improvements in performance, payload, and versatility. This was an evolvement of Tejas MK1 design which was planned to be redesign to overcome shortcoming of MK1because of its compact design and higher degree of drag because of short length. Initially, there was a plan to increase fuselage length by 0.5 meter and reduce empty weight to 6150 kg to make a batter Tejas MK1. However, designers might have felt that some more effort may bring a significantly better fighter a class higher with significant batter capabilities. They worked more on design and came out with a significantly superior deign which is promising and capable enough to meet all mission capabilities of Mirage 2000, almost all capabilities of Mig 29 and many capabilities of Su30 MKIs.
Design and Specifications
Though Tejas Mk2 shares some similarities with the Mk1 version, its key upgrades are noteworthy. The Mk2 has a lengthened fuselage, growing from 13.2 meters in the Mk1 to 14.7 meters, which addresses a critical aerodynamic limitation of the original design. This adjustment ensures that the Mk2 batter complies with area ruling principles, reducing drag and enhancing transonic acceleration and top speed, which now exceeds Mach 1.8.
One of the major limitations of Tejas Mk1 was its limited payload capacity and hardpoints. Tejas Mk2 rectifies this by increasing the number of hardpoints from 7 to 11 and boosting the payload from 4.0 tons to 6.5 tons, allowing the aircraft to carry a huge load of advanced weaponry and mission-specific payloads capable of swing role missions. The Mk2 also incorporates canards, which improve low-speed handling and short take-off performance, making it more versatile for air force. This is designed to carry 8 BVRs which is highest in class. External Payload of 6.5 tons for this category of aircraft is very impressive and beats Gripen NG by full 1 tone with MTOW of 17.5 tons. These are great numbers for an aircraft powered by a single 58KN Dry and 98 KN wet Thrust.
Fuel capacity has also seen a significant enhancement, increasing from 2.5 tons to 3.3 tons, extending its ferry range and combat radius with internal fuel and also with drop tanks. Supersonic drop tanks have been developed to carry additional fuel with minimal drag, further increasing the aircraft’s operational range over large geographical areas. This enables aircraft to Carry out deep penetration missions.
A vital upgrade to the Tejas Mk2 is the replacement of its current engine with the GE 414 IN6, which provides dry thrust of over 58 kN and wet thrust of up to 98 kN. This allows the aircraft to carry heavier loads and operate at higher speeds. India has a plan to replace this engine with Kaveri K10 with 75 KN dry and 116 to 125 KN wet thrust engine. India is in talk with Rolls Royce, Safran and GE to form a partnership.
In terms of stealth, while the Tejas Mk2 will be a low observability aircraft. It is designed with a significantly reduced radar cross-section (RCS). Its "Y" duct air intake conceals the engine, and over 90% of the airframe is constructed from composite materials, further reducing weight and RCS. The application of Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) paint being developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), will enhance the Tejas Mk2’s stealth characteristics.
Radar and Other Avionics and Systems
The Tejas Mk2 will feature cutting-edge avionics, including the indigenously developed Uttam AESA radar, which offers greater range and superior jamming resistance compared to the current ELTA 2052 radar. The AESA radar will give the Tejas Mk2 a significant advantage in air-to-air combat by allowing it to detect enemy aircraft from further distances.
An infrared search and track (IRST) system is also under development, allowing the aircraft to detect and track enemy aircraft in passive mode without relying on its radar, preserving its stealth. This capability is critical for detecting stealthy adversaries and long-range engagements. The onboard electronic warfare (EW) suite, being developed in collaboration with Israeli partners, will provide the aircraft with superior defensive capabilities.
Tejas Mk2 will also be equipped with a Desi Uttam AESA Radar, Desi Radar Warning Receiver system developed by DARE, Desi Mission computer enabling it to detect and evade incoming threats. India has made a noteworthy progress in sensor and radar technology which together with state of art weapons enable aircraft to handle complex mission with ease. AI is also planned to be incorporated in coming aircrafts and other weapons of India.
MWF shall have onboard oxygen generator to allow it to operate at higher altitude without Oxygen cylinder.
Armament and Combat Capabilities
With an increased payload capacity of 6.5 tons, Tejas Mk2 will be able to carry a wide variety of munitions, including precision-guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and long-range glide bombs. The aircraft’s ability to carry multiple missiles on each hardpoint gives it remarkable mission flexibility.
During Exercise Gagan Shakti, the Tejas Mk1 demonstrated its precision strike capabilities, and the Mk2 will inherit and build upon these strengths. India has developed a 100 km-range glide bomb and a Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), both of which can incapacitate enemy runways from a safe distance. The Mk2 will also be equipped with India’s Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, with a range of 110 km. Astra Mk2 is alos tested from Su30 MKI and shall be ready for induction on coming couple of years. Astra MK III with ramjet powered enigine is also successfully tested which is a 350 KM BVR. Discussions are on to integrate the Meteor missile, further enhancing its air superiority capabilities. France has agreed to provide the same if Radar is Indian and not Israeli.
So far as weaponry is concerned, MWF has more options than any other plane has. It can integrate Indian, Russian, French, European and Israeli weapons. India already uses Python V, I-Derby, MICA, Meteor, R 37, R73, AMRAAM, ASRAAM etc. Astra Mk1 is operational and 2 is under testing. SFDR has undergone many development trials. So far as ground attack is concern, India has Spice-2000, hammer, Desi Sudarshan, SAAW, Gaurav etc. India has integrated Brahmos with NKI and Brahmos NG is planned to be integrated with MWF which will give it a significant standoff capability with high supersonic strike almost impossible to defend. So far as weapons is concerned, this will be plane with far more options than perhaps any other plane of the class.
Versatility and Future Prospects
Tejas Mk2 is a multirole aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including ground attack, close air support, and BVR engagements, Air raids etc. With an impressive thrust-to-weight ratio, enhanced manoeuvrability with its canard-delta wing configuration, and 9G load factor, the aircraft will excel in dogfights. Designer of MWF says that its manoeuvrability shall be very impressive.
Though it is a single-engine aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 packs capabilities rivalling twin-engine fighters. Its relatively low cost and high versatility make it a formidable option for the IAF, which is planning to procure over 200 units.
India is in talk with France, EU and US to make engine in collaboration. Proposed Kaveri shall be a 75 KN /120 to 130 KN wet thrust class engine. India has a plan to make that engine a Thrust victor control. If this enhanced power engine goes MK2, it will significantly boost MWF’s capabilities with high Mach number of super cruise. MWF II can be an aircraft with Frontal stealth and weapon bay for weapon storage and active cancelation like Rafale which can give it V- generation capabilities to handle J20 and J31.
MWF will have advance flight control system and carry the legacy of Relax Static stability from its predecessor Tejas MK1. A new flight control system is being developed for the aircraft. It will have an advance cockpit with floating display with sensor fusion and ease of handling. It will have many advance features of auto pilot and recovery from low speed and computer taking over the charge of plane pilot loses the control because of high G turn. All this will be an advancement of what is there in Tejas Mk1A.
Possible engagement against the adversaries.
The Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) is well-equipped to engage significant adversaries such as the F-16 and JF-17 from Pakistan, as well as the Su-30, Su-35, J-10 (A, B, C), J-11, J-20, and J-31 from China. In beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, the MWF is set to excel due to its low radar cross-section (RCS), powerful AESA radar, and best-in-class BVR missile systems. These features give it a decisive advantage over most of its rivals, with the exception of the J-20 stealth fighter. Its enhanced detection capabilities and long-range strike potential make it a formidable force in BVR engagements.
In within-visual-range (WVR) combat, the MWF's superior agility and integration of advanced WVR missiles like the Python V, MICA, and AMRAAM ensure excellent performance. In close-quarter dogfights, although aircraft like the J-10C, Su-30, and Su-35 may have an edge due to their thrust vector control (TVC), the MWF remains highly competitive with its advanced manoeuvrability and cutting-edge weaponry.
In summary, the MWF will have no difficulty handling any aircraft from its Pakistani counterparts, and it will hold its own against most of the Chinese air fleet. While the Su-30, Su35 and J10 C fighters may present challenges in close combat, the MWF will deliver superior performance in BVR engagements and fare comparably against the majority of its adversaries because of lower RCS, state of art BVRs and superior electronic counter measures. Su 30, Su 35 and J10 C carries TVC, which gives them an edge in close combat and MWF will carry highly agile short range air to air missile like Python V which can be guided against enemy plane by just turning helmet cite to direct missile towards enemy plane.
Conclusion
The Tejas Mk2 is a highly advanced iteration of the Tejas Mk1, addressing every shortcoming of its predecessor with significant enhancements across the board. Its extended ferry range, enhanced combat radios, and increased payload capacity elevate its operational capabilities far beyond those of the Mk1. Designed for exceptional agility, unlike heavier, less manoeuvrable aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 can withstand 9G/-3.5G forces with high angles of attack (AOA), ensuring superior performance in dogfights. The integration of cutting-edge, ultra-long-range missiles like the Meteor and indigenous SFDR gives it a formidable edge in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, enabling it to engage and eliminate adversaries before they even get within striking distance. Coupled with its AESA radar, the Tejas Mk2 gains "first-shoot" capability, positioning it on par with the world's best 4.5 generation fighters, including the Gripen, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon, and just shy of the F-22 and F-35 in terms of detection and engagement power.
The Tejas Mk2 is a multirole powerhouse capable of performing a broad range of missions with precision, from air raids and BVR engagements to close air support and ground attacks. Its lightweight design, enhanced aerodynamics, state-of-the-art weapon systems, and unparalleled ground-attack capabilities make it a force to be reckoned with in any combat scenario. Despite being a single-engine aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 rivals—and in some cases surpasses—the multirole capabilities of contenders like the F-16, MiG-35, J10 and Gripen E in overall performance. This homegrown MMRCA comes at a very competitive price the cost of its foreign counterparts, providing exceptional value to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Initially hesitant, the IAF has embraced the Tejas platform with enthusiasm, significantly expanding its order for the Mk1 after its Final Operational Clearance (FOC). Now, with plans to induct over 200 Tejas Mk2 fighters, the IAF has recognized the aircraft’s exceptional versatility and combat potential. The Tejas Mk2 has not only exceeded the IAF’s expectations for a medium-weight multirole fighter but has also captured the admiration and confidence of India’s defence forces, pr
Source: https://www.PKDefense.com
