New Delhi: The Tejas fighter jet is the pride of India. It is a single-engine, 4.5 generation fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.
When was Tejas inducted into the Indian Air Force?
Tejas made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service with the IAF in 2015. Tejas is the smallest and lightest in its class of supersonic fighter jets. It is not only a symbol of technical excellence, but it has also become an example in the whole world due to its lightweight structure and strong performance. This light but dangerous aircraft weighs only 6.5 tons, which gives it amazing speed and agility in the air.
What are the features of Tejas?
Tejas is a light but dangerous aircraft that weighs only 6.5 tons, which gives it amazing speed and agility in the air. These qualities of Tejas prove the indigenous defence capability of India and put it in the league of the best fighter jets in the world.
Tejas has used state-of-the-art carbon fiber composite, which makes the aircraft strong while keeping it lightweight, making it the world’s lightest supersonic fighter.
How powerful is its engine and flight capability?
Tejas can fly at a speed of Mach 1.8 (2,220 kmph) due to the F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine. It flies comfortably up to an altitude of 15,000 meters, which puts it at the forefront of the fight.
Tejas has multi-role capabilities, by which it can operate on both air and ground. It can carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles and anti-ship missiles, making it extremely dangerous.
How much is Tejas’ firepower?
The GSh-23 cannon fitted in Tejas for close combat creates huge trouble for the enemies. It is far ahead of others in terms of firepower. Apart from that, it is fitted with state-of-the-art radar and avionics, giving the pilot complete information about the battlefield. Its advanced avionics prove helpful in both defence and attack.
Tejas is a game-changer on the battlefield
Because of its light weight and fast manoeuvrability, Tejas is a very big challenge for the enemy. It gives an edge to the Air Force and increases military strength manifold.
It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (2,220 kmph), combat range of 739 km, ferry range of 3,000 km, and service ceiling of 16,000 meters.