Tejas, world's lightest fighter jet, set to join Indian Air Force

The world’s lightest combat aircraft (LCA), Tejas, received the much-awaited initial operational clearance to be commissioned in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday. The clearance paves the way for the full-scale production of the fighter jet from next month. Although the jet will be ready for use in combat operations by end-2014 or early 2015, the made-in-India aircraft will replace the ageing MiG 21 fleet by 2019.

“This day is a milestone. It signifies India’s entry into a select group of nations capable of designing their own state-of-the-art fighter aircraft,” said IAF Chief NAK Browne Each 9,800-kg Tejas aircraft costs about Rs 200 crore and has a top speed of 1,350 kmph. The aircraft has a lifespan of 30 years.

“The capabilities of the aircraft have been improved significantly in the last three years,” said defence minister AK Antony at an event at the HAL complex in Banagalore. “In recognition of the enhanced capabilities, IAF has decided to grant the aircraft a higher status after it is inducted into service. 

Two Tejas squadrons, each having 18-20 aircraft, are expected to be delivered in five years, that is, around 2019. The IAF is expected to station the fleet at the Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore.

HAL to hand over 2 Rudra helicopters to Indian Army during Aero India 2013

The Indian Army will be handed over the first two weapon system integrated (WSI) version of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Mk-IV) Rudra, during Aero India 2013.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairman R K Tyagi told Express that Rudra will also be available for customer demonstration flights during the show. "Rudra will definitely add more teeth to Indian Army and we will roll out more production units to the squadron," he said.
Express had earlier reported that around 70 Rudras will fly out of HAL to meet Army's initial requirements.

"In addition to the redundant flight critical systems, IR suppressor, armour panels, crashworthy features and self-sealing fuel tanks enhance the survivability of the helicopter in the battlefield environment," Tyagi said.
Rudra can carry a mix of weapons providing it with capability to search and destroy any target. Systems like electro-optic pod, helmet-mounted sight and fixed sight facilitating firing of the onboard weapons (20 mm turret gun, 70mm rockets and Air-to-Air missiles), makes it an unforgiving machine.

He said Rudra's rigid rotors have extremely high agility and manoeuvrability. With its high-powered engine, the chopper can undertake missions up to altitudes of six km. "With such capabilities, Rudra is unmatched in the world, in its class," claims Tyagi.
He confirmed that HAL has plans to integrate additional new systems on Rudra, including infra-red jammer, data link, obstacle avoidance system (for Army), wire cutter (for IAF) and NBC (Nuclear Biological and Chemical) sensors.

When asked about ALH Dhruv's (earlier version of Rudra) export status, Tyagi said three more countries have shown interest in these choppers.
Over 130 Dhruv helicopters are in operation now, with Indian Army flying 110 and 12 with Indian civil operators.
Ecuador, Nepal, Mauritius and Maldives also operate Dhruv choppers.

India - Light Combat Helicopter - HAL

More during Aero-India 2011 in February 2011

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Indian Air Force is looking to add more muscle to its inventory

HAL - Tejas - New Pics

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