Tejas in Sqn colours to fly during next IAF Day sky party: DRDO

By Dr Anantha Krishnan M

OneIndia News 

Bengaluru, Oct 08: A top official in Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) said on Wednesday that ‘only time will prove the worth’ of the home-grown fighter – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. 

Speaking to OneIndia on a day when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 83rd anniversary, the official said that the Tejas Squadron would corner all the glory at the AF Day Parade at Hindon, next year. 

“Tejas will be participating in Iron Fist in 2016 and will demonstrate the BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missile launching and stick bombing capabilities with tandem bomb carrier in swing role. We can certainly envisage Tejas to don the IAF colours during the IAF Day celebrations in 2016 with at least five aircraft. Only inducted platforms perform at AF Day celebrations,” the official said. 

He dismissed all anti-Tejas rant saying the worth of the fighter will be known only after it is produced in large numbers. “Let the machine do all the talking,” he said. 

More weapon trials in the next six months: To a query on the weapon trials, the official said that Tejas had completed hot weather trials on the trainer version during July this year. 

“All the system of LCA-AF trainer performed satisfactory during the trials at ambient of 48 degrees Celsius. Significant preparatory work for the balance weapon work has been carried out in this quarter and actual weapon deployment is planned over the next six months,” he added. 

When asked about the challenges being faced by the team now, the official cited the integrations of air-to-air refueling probe, supersonic drop tank and BVR missile integration with radar as examples. 

“The relevant flight tests for completion of the Final Operational Clearance (FOC), tops our agenda now. Towards this the design and development work has already been completed. The aircraft integration and flight testing is on schedule. The BVR is likely to get released with MMR (Multi-Mode Radar) integrated with quartz radome by March 2016,” he said. 

Squadron formation preparations in full swing: Around 60 per cent work towards the formation of the Tejas Squadron is completed at Bengaluru. 

“The O-Level training to IAF technicians has been completed. The air crew training on mission simulator is likely to be completed by November this year. About 70 per cent of GSE/GHE (Ground Support Equipment/Ground Handling Equipment) procurement is also completed,” he added. 

The technical publications and flight manuals have already been delivered to the IAF. Initially, the IAF has planned to operate the aircraft from Bangalore and then shift to the permanent Tejas Squadron base in Sulur (Tamil Nadu). 

The IAF too has taken up a series of modernization work at Sulur to welcome the new entrant into its fold. 

As reported by OneIndia during Aero India 2015, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will have to deliver a total of 20 Tejas series production aircraft in the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) format and another 20 in the FOC mode. 

The Tejas Mk-2s would be powered by the GE 414 engine. In addition to a higher thrust engine, the Mk-2 would have the benefits of better performance, improved flight and mission systems and greater maintainability. 

Upgraded Tejas Mk1A will be more user-friendly: The official confirmed that the LCA MK1A would be an improved product with better maintainability to make it more user-friendly. 

“We are planning MK1As with enhanced survivability embedded with an integrated EW suite, which would give an improved sensor performance over Mk1s. This is planned for the larger number of aircraft intended by IAF,” the official, who chose not to be named, said. 

The official claimed that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has given ‘a new direction’ to the project through an accelerated approach during his frequent interactions. He said 

HAL is geared up to roll out at least four series production aircraft by March 2016. 

The first of Series Production (SP-1) aircraft has already been handed over to IAF and another 19 more are expected from HAL to complete the MK1 production schedules in the IOC format. 

OneIndia

Weapon trials: Tejas to demonstrate fire power ahead of FOC

https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, June 29: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is all set undertake critical test flights carrying an array of missiles and bombs to complete its scheduled weapon trials.

Top sources with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed to this Correspondent that the integration of Russian–made Close Combat Missile (CCM) R-73 has been completed.

The ground integration of the Israeli-made CMM Python-5 too has been completed ahead of the flight trials. The Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile Derby has also been integrated on to the aircraft.

Tejas can carry two CCMs with a range of 15 km at the extreme end pods. These missiles can home on to the enemy aircraft based on their heat signature.

The Derby (two missiles) is being integrated on the mid-board-pods of Tejas and they have a range varying between 80 and 100 km. 

The home-grown fighter carries the laser-guided bomb (LGB) Griffin, which has a range of 5-6 km. Tejas will also carry LGB Paveway, which according to sources, has already demonstrated its capabilities with an accuracy of 1 meter. 

“These missiles have demonstrated their capabilities to strike with precision during day and night,” says an official.

BVR missiles to be tested in July: The laser-designator pod also has been integrated on to the aircraft. “Tejas can carry drop tanks with 1200-litre and 800-725-litre capacity. The R-73 has completed flight trials in Goa, Jaisalmer and Jamnagar over 10 times. The LGB has been tested for six times now,” the official said.

The BVR testes scheduled to be held in May has now been fixed for July at forward bases. “The CCMs and BVRs used on Tejas are capable of SSKP (Single Shot Kill Probability). In a war scenario, the pilot can increase the kill probability by opting for firing both CCMs, or both BVRs together,” the official added.

The integration of Russian-made gun for Tejas Gsh-23 has been completed. The gun has been already ground tested at a facility in Nasik. 

FOC may spill over to March 2016? When asked whether Tejas would skip the December 2015 deadline for Final Operational Clearance (FOC), the top MoD official said: “There are still some passing clouds hanging around. But the teams from Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) are confident of beating the deadline.”

However, another official told this Correspondent that the programme might skip the December deadline by maximum three months.

“May be it will spill over to the last quarter of this FY. The FOC will be in by March 2016,” he said.

Refuelling probe, nose cone radome awaited: To complete the FOC points, the air-to-air refueling probe from Cobham hasn’t arrived yet. The nose cone quartz radome too is being awaited.

There are already some rumours floating around in the corridors of HAL and ADA over the delay in accessing these pending foreign systems.

A Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official says that they are hopeful of thrashing the issue.

“Definitely there are concerns. But, we are hoping to get clarity by July. Hopefully, we should have access to all hardware within a month. We don’t see any more technology challenges after the integration of these pending items,” says the senior DRDO official.

ADA says that almost 75 per cent of work related to FOC has been completed. The siblings of Tejas have completed 2971 flights so far logging around 1909 hours, at the time this piece went live on the web.

@OneIndia

Tejas completes advanced weapon trials in Jamnagar

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Three aircraft from Tejas flight-line have successfully completed advanced weapon trials in Jamnagar as part of the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) campaign, which began in December last year. Sources associated with the project confirmed to Express on Wednesday that the integration process of all new weapons on the aircraft has been completed.

"We have fired all the new weapons in all possible release modes and the results have been satisfactory. We have also completed the integration of a new drop tank as part of the FOC activity. With this, we have successfully completed the carriage, fuel transfer and jettison trials," an official, who was part of the Jamnagar trials said. It took three Tejas aircraft (LSP-3, LSP-5 and LSP-7) over 30 sorties to complete the weapon trials.

As part of the FOC, the aircraft is now being readied for all-weather trials in Bangalore. "One aircraft is also being readied for night flying with upgraded systems and software. Plans are afoot to take Tejas for hot weather trials in Gwalior next month," the official added. So far, since its maiden flight on January 4, 2001, Tejas has completed 2587 sorties logging in over 1750 hours of incident-free flying.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Chairman R K Tyagi said that the company is on track in rolling out the first Series Production (SP-1) aircraft. He said ahead of the Initial Operational Clearance in December last year, HAL was working parallel with the Aeronautical Developmental Agency for the finalisation of the production configuration of the aircraft. 

"The first SP-1 is in advanced stages of equipping and we will have the ground run by end of June. The SP-1 should start flying by August. The second, third and fourth production aircraft are in various stages of structural build and we hope to deliver four aircraft in the current year to the Indian Air Force (IAF)," Tyagi said.

Tyagi said that HAL will be pushing for more Tejas orders to be placed on the company. "We as a nation should mandate the use of this aircraft as a replacement of MiG-21. We should go ahead and manufacture around 200 aircraft. That will be a huge boost to India's indigenous manufacturing effort. I am confident when the production rate picks up in future, HAL should be able to manufacture 20 aircraft every year," he said. The IAF has so far placed confirmed orders of 40 Tejas aircraft, with the first 20 to be built as per the IOC standards.

Ahead of the FOC, crucial milestones that the project needs to complete include, integration of the missiles with the radar, integration of Russian-made 23 mm GSH gun, air-to-air refuelling probe, better braking system and change of nose cone radome from composite materials to quartz for an improved range.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Tejas fires air-to-air missle, 'killing' target: DRDO

(Unedited release)

Tejas, India’s first indigenously designed developed and productionised 4^th generation plus Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) today at aroung 1100hrs achieved yet another milestone by launching an infrared seeking air to air missile that hit the target in a direct hit with precision and destroyed the target. The test, demonstrating required parameters was conducted off the coast of Goa in Arabian Sea, and has taken the aircraft closer to its induction in the Indian Air Force. Tejas, one of its kind combat aircraft, has been developed by DRDO with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru, as the lead laboratory and HAL as the production partner. Shri Avinash Chander, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Secretary, Deptt of Defence R&D congratulating the team said “with this launch of missile from Tejas and successfully hitting the target in the first shot, we have demonstrated the total weapon system capability of LCA Tejas”.

Tejas has been undergoing weapon release flight tests, for its operational clearance.  As a prelude today, Gp Capt Suneet Krishna, flying the Tejas aircraft commanded Infrared seeker missile through the fire control radar of the aircraft to lock on to the target. The target was towed by a  pilotless target aircraft ‘Lakshya’ also designed and developed by DRDO’s another premier lab, ‘Aeronautics Development Establishment’ (ADE), Bengaluru  developed pilotless target aircraft (PTA).  The target mounted on Lakshya was launched by a ship of the Indian Navy off the west coast of India. A team from the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC), Aeronautical Development Agency, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, ADE (DRDO), CEMILAC, DGAQA and the Indian Navy worked in perfect unison to achieve this feat.  Shri PS Subramanyam, DS, Program Director Combat vehicles & Director ADA and Air Cmde KA Muthana VSM, Project Director, Flight Test supervised the operations from the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC).

Tejas trials on war footing to beat IOC-2 deadline in December | Jamnagar trials on | Expected to fire R-73E missile

A file photo of Tejas firing R-73 during weapon trials. The aircraft is
expected to fire R-73 E missile during the ongoing Jamnagar trials.

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Defence scientists, engineers and pilots attached to India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme are on a war footing to ensure that the fighter doesn't miss the December deadline for its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC-2). Three aircraft (LSP-3, LSP-5, LSP-8) from the Tejas flight-line are currently undertaking weapon trials in Jamnagar. The Russian-made R73-E missile will be fired during the ongoing trials.
Sources confirm to Express that the Ministry of Defence has made it clear to both Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) that the IOC-2 deadline won't be extended any more. The IAF pilots will formally get to fly Tejas after the IOC-2 declaration. So far, the Tejas variants have completed 2391 sorties, clocking 1,520 hours in over 12 years.
Currently the fine tuning of the software and various onboard systems are being done during various trials. Flight trials are also progressing in Bangalore with the final version of equipment and mission systems getting a relook. “We haven't been lagging on any of the IOC-2 parameters now. We are working to clear all the test points. The results of Jamnagar trials will be crucial,” says an HAL official working with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre.
“Every weapon has to be fired at different modes, expanding the flight envelope of the aircraft. It is a huge matrix and we have to tick-mark all points ahead of the IOC-2 closure. A final review is expected next month ahead of IOC-2,” the official added.
Sources say that the Digital Flight Control Computer and Air Data Computer of Tejas have been showing hardware failures causing last-minute concerns to the engineers. “But the show must go on. Now the naval prototype of Tejas (NP1) is also ready with all its modifications and raring to go. The modified Tejas trainer (PV5) with its matured software is also ready,” an official said.
The growing differences between HAL and the Indian Air Force are a concern to New Delhi, which is bent on the programme getting the IOC-2 tag before December. The Finance Ministry's refusal to grant pension to ADA employees recently (a long-pending demand) has also created heartburn to many working on the Tejas project.
Notwithstanding the turmoils and delays the project has been facing recently, a Defence Research and Development Organisation official said December 20 has been tentatively fixed for IOC-2. “As of now that's the date floating around, and it is subject to change,” the official added.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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Tejas completes weapon trials at Pokhran Ranges

IOC-2 completion likely by year end

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore:  Three platforms of India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas successfully completed advanced armament trials at Pokhran Ranges.  Military sources confirm to Express that this time the focus of the trials was locked on to specific modes of releasing various weapons. The current campaign saw Tejas testing various altitude and speed combinations of 'critical nature.'

“During the just-concluded weapon trials at the forward areas of Pokhran Ranges,  practice, dumb and live bombs were released.  A laser-guided bomb (LGB) was also tested. The trials are important as the platform is now being tested for its conversion as a fighting machine from a successful flying platform,” sources said.

Different trials of sensors included testing of radio-altimeters, baro altitude, radars and laser. “Tejas' limited series production (LSP) variants LSP-2, LSP-3 and LSP-5 are part of the current campaign. All modes of weapon releases and all types of sensors were tested at various points in flight envelope. The campaign team is now heading for sea trials,” sources said. The Tejas variants flew at speeds between 900-1000 KMPH during the weapon trials, logging in total of 25 flights. In September 2011, Tejas had conducted weapon trials in Chandan and Pokhran Ranges, looked into accurate positions and target parameters. 

With all the platforms put together, the Tejas programme has to its credit 1903 flights, cloaking 1120 hours, so far.  Its makers in Bangalore will have to catch up with the lost time in the programme, especially after its Initial Operational Clearance  (IOC-1) held in January 2011. “Currently we are looking into the major segments of IOC-2. We are hopeful of completing the IOC-2 parameters by the last quarter of this year,” sources said.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

It's raining bombs in Pokhran! Tejas drops LGBs

It's official. It's raining bombs in Pokhran! Three test platforms from the Tejas flight-line -- LSP-2, LSP-5 and PV-3 -- is scripting a new chapter in India's light combat aircraft program. As reported by Tarmak007 earlier, the crucial weapon trails of Tejas are currently underway at the Chandan and Pokhran ranges of Rajasthan. Sources confirm that 10-12 sorties have been completed so far. Pick of these fire-works were the dropping of laser-guided bombs (LGBs), which according to sources was demonstrated by Tejas as per the plan.

"The practice bombing sorties gave good results. We are here till the month-end. Now, we have lined-up crucial drop-tank jettison tests. This included the trials of empty, partially-full and full drop-tank tests. It is a time-consuming exercise. Yesterday we had 2 sorties of empty jettison and practice bombing sessions. We dropped 1000 pounds, 400 pounds and even 25 pounds bombs. LGBs were also released," a senior official, part of the 200-strong contingent said.

Sources claim that the initial results of these weapon trials were "'really encouraging'' and the team will soon start analyzing the inputs. "Once we get the complete data, then we will be able to map all the profiles of these trials. Remember that these are extremely critical ones as we are currently undertaking the missions at various modes, different altitudes and at differing Mach numbers,"the official said.

Team Tejas will have to complete their missions at the allotted slots and hence the role of time-keepers and planners become critical. "The range has heavy traffic owing to other trials by various agencies. It is a huge challenge to perform these missions at clock-like precision," the official said.

Sources confirm that one mobile telemetry has been already positioned at Jaisalmer, while another is at the Ozar Air Base in Nasik. Back-up equipment, additional ground crew and support platforms (LSP-3, LSP-4) are also put on a stand-by.

That's all for now. More soon...

Breaking on Tarmak007: Tejas set to bomb Pokhran & Chandan Ranges

[Updated Copy]

Much ahead of India's Festival of Lights -- Diwali -- India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is all set to do carpet bombing in Rajasthan! A high-profile team of engineers, test pilots, scientists and ground crew from ADA, HAL, NFTC and IAF have already touched down at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan for the light and sound show. As this blog goes live, the Tejas pilots have already done recce flights ahead of their crucial weapon trials -- ringing in some excitement to the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) phase.

Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that LSP-2, LSP-5, and (three platforms from the flight line) have already reached Jaisalmer and flying, after a brief stopover at Ozhar Air Force base in Nasik for refueling. "The crucial weapons trials are all set to begin now. We are planning to drop 1000 pounds and 400 pounds bombs at Chandan and Pokhran Ranges," say sources. "LSP-3 and LSP-4 were also scheduled to go earlier. But they are now being kept as a stand-by in Bangalore," sources said.

This is for the first time that Tejas would be undertaking precision bombing at a range closer to Indian border. "These are very sensitive trials. We are looking to secure accurate positions and target parameters. We will move on to Leh and then to Goa from here, later this year. There has been delays post-IOC declaration (January 10, 2011) and we hope to set the record straight from here," sources said.

Over 200 people are part of this weapon trial at Jaisalmer. Tejas had earlier undertaken weapon trials in Goa and Chitradurga.

Stay tuned for more on Jaisalmer trials...

Happy New Year: Takeoff 2011 with Tejas' fireworks! Countdown for IOC begins & ADA says 'all set for Jan 10'

Here's a video of Tejas firing an R-73 missile during the recent weapon trials in Goa. 

Seedhi Baat, No Bakwas!

This is the first post of the Year 2011. A big Thank You to all for patronizing with the blog.

The countdown for Tejas’ IOC has begun. We are just 10 days away from that historic day, when the world will sit and watch Indian Defense Minister Antony handing over the IOC Certification document(s) to Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik. The same day the Indian media will hail the contribution of ADA, IAF, NFTC, NAL, DRDO and many more who have contributed to LCA’s success. Shutterbugs will get on to a shoot-at-sight mode. Antony & Co will take short and long-range Media missiles with ease, as they would know what we would ask. What’s the latest on MMRCA? What’s special at Aero India this time? What are the new measures taken for coastal surveillance? When will LCA-Navy fly? What? Why? Will? When? Also, we will get to see HAL showman Nayak and his pyrotechnics to catch the Mantriji’s attention.

The January 10 event will be called as Declaration of IOC, though the IAF top brass wanted to call it as IOC-1. Technically the English on the certificate will read something like this -- Certification for the Release to Services with assured safety and specified performance for IOC. “We haven’t closed the Request for Actions (RFAs) yet and there are some minor issues to be thrashed out. These are not safety critical or flight critical. Whatever concessions ADA-HAL have asked, are given,” says a military source.

As reported in these columns earlier, the Test pilots from ASTE will get to fly Tejas in March\April by which time LSP-7 and LSP-8 would have joined the flight-line. “Even while we roll out the first platform from the SP block (from the initial 20), the IAF pilots would have got the taste of Tejas. Their independent observations are crucial and we are ready for swift actions. As of now, activities relating to certification are over,” says another  source.

2011 will be action-packed for ADA and it is now confirmed that the desi plane-makers will officially call it as the Year of Tejas. The year will see the platform expanding its role and envelope with continuous user evaluation. Then the Tejas squadron formation & induction will follow suit. The trainers will get IOC, the LCA-Navy will fly (first quarter) and the design for Tejas MK-II (IAF & Navy) will be ready. The feasibility report for UCAV (Aura) will be finalized this year and funding would flow, subject to approvals. The MCA configuration will also be ready this year. It’s going to be a carnival time for those who make a living out of writing the plane stuff!

For the record, January 10 is the birthday of boxing legend George Foreman. He is revered as the greatest fighters of all time. Tejas couldn’t have asked for a better day to embrace history as it is turning out to be a day for true fighters. And, the Tejas IOC is sure to leave some deep punch marks on all Doubting Thomases and self-appointed defense experts!

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Last phase of Tejas sea trials ahead of IOC; text-book launch of R-73: PS

COUNTDOWN BEGINS:
JUST 26 DAYS MORE

India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) moved one step closer to its much-awaited initial operational clearance (IOC) when a limited series production (LSP-4) platform fired a Russian-made R-73 air-to-air close combat missile at INS Hansa in Goa on Nov. 30. Tejas Program Director P.S. Subramaniam tells Tarmak007 that LSP-4 flew at 12 km. (7.5 mi.) altitude and reached Mach 0.7. “The missile [separated] from the platform as per the textbook prescription and there was no plume effect on the engine,” he says. “This is the first time a Tejas platform flew with a missile and later fired in the IOC-standard avionics system. The pilots also tested Tejas on a side-slip mode.”This could be the last phase of sea trials in Goa, ahead of IOC. The team is expected to perform drop tank separations in the next few days. The Indian Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) says the one of the main objectives of the current phase of flight trials is clearing the firing envelope of the missile from the Tejas.“The very fact that the missile was integrated and tested on an Indian platform without the participation of the OEM [Russia], shows the strength of India in handling such complex technologies. It is significant for all of us,” Subramaniam says.Team Tejas is fast approaching the December deadline to finish formalities ahead of attaining the program’s Release to Service standards.

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Breaking on Tarmak007: Tejas test fires R-73 close combat missile

Latest photos from Tejas sea trials in Goa.

(Press Release)

As a run up to the impending achieving of IOC and release to service, a Tejas detachment has been operating from INS Hansa in Goa, conducting the last phase of flight trials. One of the main objectives of the current phase of flight trials was clearing the firing envelope of air to air close combat missile from the Tejas.  The R-73 missile, which is the chosen air to air close combat missile for the Tejas.  The missile is integrated with the on-board Digital Stores Management System (SMS) and Open Architecture Mission and Display Computer. The missile selection is performed from the high resolution Multi Function Display (MFD) pages integrated with the state of the art on-board avionics.  All these equipments form the IOC standard of Avionics.

The test firing was done from the Tejas LSP-4 aircraft, piloted by Gp Capt. George Thomas, Group Director (Flight Test Operations) of the National Flight Test Centre, ADA. The test aircraft was accompanied by a chase Tejas piloted by Gp Capt Suneet Krishna. This critical test was closely monitored and controlled by the Test Director Wg Cdr Toffeen, supported by the safety pilot, Gp Capt (Retd) RR Tyagi, from the mobile telemetry positioned at the test location. The data and video from the test aircraft were also available at the base station in Bangalore through a dedicated fibre optic link set up for this purpose.

This flight test demonstrated the following important requirements of the user:
a)  Safe separation of the missile from the test aircraft.
b) No Missile plume effect on the engine operation.
c) Avionics and Weapon system functionality and safety interlocks.
d)   Aircraft Handling quality assessment during missile release.
e)   Effect of missile plume on the composite structure.

More firings of the missile are planned during the current week leading to CCM firing envelope clearance for the Tejas. The composite team of ADA, HAL, NAL and ADE designers is involved in the planning of the subsequent firing tests. The aircraft are being supported outstation by a composite HAL and IAF team with DGAQA and CEMILAC personnel. The result of this critical test has added yet another feather on the cap of ‘Team Tejas’ and the entire team is looking forward to the successful completion of the balance tasks.

Diwali in Dabolim: Team Tejas ready for fireworks in Goa; drop tank separation, missile test on cards

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | November 29, 2010 |

India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is ready to undergo another round of crucial sea trials in Goa. Sources tell AVIATION WEEK that this time the testing will involve the firing of a missile and the jettisoning of a drop tank. The trials are set to take place this week at Naval Air Station Hansa, Dabolim, in Goa. Tejas successfully completed earlier sea trials in September as part of its Out of Station Flight Test Plan.

Pilots from the Bengaluru-based National Flight Test Center will perform the weapon trials this time. In addition to firing a Russian-made R-73 air-to-air missile, the pilots are scheduled to test the safe drop tank separation from the aircraft. Tejas can carry 5,000 liters of fuel, including 1,200 each in drop tanks [and] 2,400 in wings and fuselage. It can also carry two outboard R-73 missiles and two mid-board beyond visual range (BVR) Derby missiles from Israel.

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