Tejas warms up for spitfire Iron Fist demo at Jaisalmer

A fully-loaded Tejas at a HAL facility in Bangalore. Photo: Express

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: The next stop for India’s combat fighter Tejas is Jaisalmer. After completing its duties at the just-concluded air show here, the aerospace masters at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are gearing up for the next big show – Iron Fist. Tipped as the mother of all fire power demonstration of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Iron Fist will be held from February 15 in the Pokhran and Chandan firing ranges, near Jaisalmer.

The participation of Tejas was confirmed to the media by the IAF boss Air Chief Marshal NA K Borwne during Aero India-2013. Sources now tell Express that at Iron Fist, Tejas will show the indigenous combat strength to Indian and international audiences for the first time. “This is the first time the IAF extended an invitation to HAL-ADA for Tejas’ participation,” sources said.

Three Tejas variants from its test flight-line are being readied in Bangalore for IAF’s spitfire show. Tejas is also expected to fire a Russian R-73 missile in addition to dropping a LGB (laser-guided bomb). “Only one aircraft will eventually take-off for the fire display and the remaining two will be on a hot stand-by,” sources said.

The HAL-ADA contingent, with a mission to prepare the aircraft, assess the flight analysis, collect the data collection and address any snags, are expected to leave Bangalore in the next couple of days. “We intent to achieve 100 per cent success during the fire power demonstration. In addition, it will also give Tejas an international recognition. For the first time it will be a day and night exercise, gauging the readiness and technological capabilities of IAF assets, of which many have undergone upgrades,” sources said.

President Pranab Mukherjee will be at the range to get an upclose of the prestigious exercise, which will conclude on February 23. 

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)