Tejas fighter jet crashes during demo at Dubai Air Show, pilot killed. This is the second accident of Tejas. This light, multi-role, Make in India jet, which first flew in 2001, can carry 4000 kg payload and is inducted into 45 squadrons.
New Delhi. Indian Air Force’s Tejas jet crashed during a fly demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon at around 3.40 pm. Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the pilot has died in this accident. While the plane was performing tricks in the air, its balance got disturbed and it turned into a ball of fire, falling straight on the ground. Let us tell you that this is the second air crash in the history of Tejas in the last 24 years. Earlier in March 2024, the jet met with an accident in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. However, the pilot survived. Know 5 facts related to Tejas aircraft.
1- First flight of Tejas
Tejas is a single-seat fighter aircraft, although the Air Force also operates a twin-seat trainer variant. The Indian Navy also operates a twin-seater variant. The first test flight of the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) took place in 2001, and the first flight of the second series production (SP2) Tejas aircraft in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration took place on March 22, 2016.
2- Tejas can carry payload up to 4000 kg
Tejas has a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 kg, making it a single-pilot, single-engine aircraft. It works with a maximum takeoff weight of 13,300 kg.
3- Tejas Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft designed to provide attacking air support. It also provides close combat support to ground operations.
4- Tejas is the smallest and lightest aircraft of its class.
In 2016, the first IAF squadron to induct Tejas was No. 45 Squadron, ‘Flying Daggers’. This indigenous fighter jet is the smallest and lightest aircraft of its class. Its dimensions and extensive use of composite structure make it lightweight.
5- Tejas is part of Make in India project
In a big boost to Make in India defense projects, India in August approved a project to procure 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.