Know more about India's first light combat aircraft Tejas

New Delhi: Tejas is India's first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). It is all set to replace the MiG-21 series. Tejas is a the outcome of several years of design and development work from the DRDO.Tejas is a single seater-single engine aircraft that boasts of many stealth-like features.The all weather combat aircraft has been extensively tested in ‘tough' flying conditions since its maiden test flight in 2001.The principal partner of LCA is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and its divisions located in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Nasik, and Korwa.The LCA programme began in the 1980s to replace India's aging MiG-21 fighters. In its current form, Tejas is almost similar to a stealth as it has quite a few features in common with the coveted jet. “The wings are made entirely of composite structures. The contemporary aircraft has a totally digital fly-by-wire control system. It is capable of flying non-stop to destinations over 1700 km away and its Radius of Action is up to 500 km depending upon the nature and duration of actual combat.If all goes well, the four plus generation aircraft is likely to get the Final Operational Clearance by December 2014 and be formally inducted into the IAF. The Tejas project has cost India Rs 7,000 crore. While granting the IOC to Tejas, Defence Minister AK Antony pointed out that the capabilities of the aircraft had been improved significantly in the past three years. “In recognition of the enhanced capabilities, IAF has decided to grant the aircraft a higher status, namely, the Initial Operational Clearance for induction into the Service,” he said. The DRDO is developing four versions of the LCA; viz., LCA for Air Force, LCA trainer for Air Force, LCA for Navy and LCA Navy Trainer. DRDO has also developed a special facility in Goa that mimics the conditions for a Tejas for Navy landing, take-off and manoeuvre from an aircraft carrier. While the Indian Air Force will induct Mark-I type Tejas LCA, a demand for Mark-II type Tejas has already been raised, which the DRDO is working on. The Mark-II type Tejas aircraft will have a better thrust and improved radar system.