The Indian Tejas MK1A Explained: An Upgraded Uttam AESA Radar 4.5-Gen Fighter Jet

The Tejas Mark 1A also known as Tejas Mk1A is an advanced 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role light fighter developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. It serves as a major upgrade to the original Tejas Mk1. It features an improved avionics, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, in-flight refueling, and a dedicated electronic warfare suite.

The Tejas Mark 1A, is also known as the Light Combat Aircraft, with a single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter jet developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Aeronautical Development Agency for the Indian Air Force.

Here’s A Detailed Overview:

The Tejas Mk1A has a delta wing design with a sawtooth edge, which helps reduce radar cross-section. The aircraft has a length of 14.2 meters, a wingspan of 8.6 meters, and a height of 4.2 meters. The airframe is made of aluminum and titanium alloys, with a mix of composite and metallic materials used for the fuselage, wings, and control surfaces.

The Tejas Mk1A features an advanced avionics suite, including:

1. Radar: The aircraft is equipped with the Israeli EL/M-2052 pulse-Doppler radar, which provides air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.

2. Cockpit: The cockpit features a HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) system, with a 7-inch primary flight display and a 7-inch multi-function display.

3. Flight Control System: The aircraft has a digital fly-by-wire (FBW) system, which provides stability and control.

4. Communication Systems: The Tejas Mk1A has a range of communication systems, including a satellite communication system, VHF, and UHF radios.

The Tejas Mark 1A is powered by a single GE F404-IN20 engine, which produces 8,200 kgf which is about 80.4 kN of thrust. The engine has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.5 and features a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.

The Tejas Mk1A has a top speed of Mach 1.8 which is 2,200 km/h or 1,367 mph at an altitude of 11,000 meters or 36,089 feet. The aircraft has a range of 3,200 kilometers or 2,000 miles and a service ceiling of 55,000 feet which is about 16,764 meters.

The Tejas Mark 1A is equipped with a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including:

1. Air-to-Air Missiles: Python-5, Derby, and Astra missiles.

2. Air-to-Ground Missiles: Crystal Maze, and precision-guided munitions.

3. Guns: A 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon.

The Tejas Mark 1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mark 1, with improvements including:

1. Upgraded Radar: The EL/M-2052 radar provides improved capabilities.

2. Enhanced Avionic: Upgraded software and hardware for improved performance.

3. Increased Payload Capacity: The Tejas Mark 1A can carry more fuel and payload.

The Tejas Mark 1A development program began in the early 2000s, with the first flight taking place in 2003. The aircraft entered IAF service in 2015. HAL has produced over 40 Tejas aircraft, with plans to produce more.

The Tejas Mark 1A has some limitations. These limitations are evident in its range, endurance and engine power. Compared to other modern fighter jets, the Tejas Mark 1A has limited range and endurance. The GE F404 engine is considered relatively old and less powerful compared to newer engines.

The Indian government has plans to develop an upgraded version, the Tejas Mark 2, which will feature a more powerful engine, improved avionics, and increased payload capacity.

The Key Upgrades & Specifications

The Mk1A incorporates over 40 major improvements over its predecessor It is equipped with the EL/M-2052 AESA radar (and eventually the indigenous Uttam AESA), which allows it to track 60 to 100 targets simultaneously.

Its Avionics and Electronic Warfare Features the advanced “Angad” Electronic Warfare suite for unified self-protection and jamming.

An open-architecture design allows integration with a wide variety of missiles, including the indigenous Astra Mk1, the UK’s ASRAAM, and Israeli Python-5 and Derby missiles.

Its design incorporates over 45% carbon-fiber composites, which gives it an incredibly small radar cross-section (RCS).

The IAF has begun deploying the Mk1A at forward operational bases such as Nal Air Base in Bikaner, Rajasthan located near the India-Pakistan border, vastly cutting reaction times and replacing aging Soviet-era MiG-21s.

India originally ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters in 2021. With initial production units on the tarmac, additional orders for 97 more aircraft have been set in motion.

Estimated at around 3.15 billion rupees which is between $37 to $38 Million per fighter, it is positioned as a highly viable, cost-effective light fighter on the international market.