Aircraft comparison

Comparison between Tejas mk 1 and Tejas mk 2

comparsion between tejas mk and tejas mk 2

Tejas Mk and Tejas Mk 2 are two models of India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), an indigenously produced fighter aircraft.

In this video, we’ll have a look at the two Tejas fighter jet types, one of which India is now employing and the other of which is scheduled to launch next year while engines are still being developed. Let’s learn more about this fighter jet and what makes these two planes remarkable and one of a kind.

The Tejas Mk1, usually referred to as the HAL Tejas, is a light combat aircraft created for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft made to suit the requirements of the Indian armed forces.

while Tejas Mk2, also referred as the Tejas Mark 2, is an upgraded variant of the Tejas, a light combat aircraft (LCA) created by the Indian companies HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency.

The Tejas Mk2 is intended to be a multi-role fighter aircraft with the ability to carry out a variety of tasks, including as air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.

The Tejas Mk1 has great maneuverability and agility in combat with its delta wing design and tail-less compound delta platform. It has cutting-edge avionics and equipment, including fly-by-wire flying controls, cutting-edge radar, and capability for electronic warfare. The aircraft’s combat radius is about 300 kilometers, and its top speed is Mach 1.8.

The Tejas Mk2 features a combination of cutting-edge composite materials, such as carbon fibre composites, which help to reduce weight and increase structural strength. The aircraft has a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system, which offers superior handling characteristics and increased maneuverability.

The Tejas Mk1 is equipped with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. It is powered by a single General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engine, which provides a thrust of around 53 kN. Whereas Tejas Mk2 will be propelled by two General Electric F414-GE-INS6 engines, which will deliver more thrust and better performance than the Tejas Mk1’s single engine.

While both variants are members of the same family, there are several notable differences between them. Here’s a comparison between Tejas Mk and Tejas Mk 2:

Size and Weight:
- Tejas MK1: The MK1 has a length of 13.2 meters (43.31 feet) and a wingspan of 8.20 meters (26.90 feet). It has a maximum takeoff weight of around 13,500 kg (29,760 lbs).
- Tejas MK2: The MK2 is slightly larger, with a length of 14.65 meters (48 feet) and a wingspan of 8.50 meters (27.56 feet). Its maximum takeoff weight is expected to be around 17,500 kg (38,580 lbs).
Engine:
- Tejas MK1: The MK1 variant is powered by a single GE F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine, which provides a maximum thrust of approximately 85 kN (19,000 lbf)
- Tejas MK2: The MK2 variant is expected to feature a more powerful engine, the General Electric F414-GE-INS6 turbofan engine, with a maximum thrust of around 98 kN (22,000 lbf).
Avionics and Electronics:
- Tejas MK1: The MK1 variant is equipped with a range of avionics and electronics, including an advanced glass cockpit, Multi-Mode Radar (MMR), and advanced electronic warfare suite.
- Tejas MK2: The MK2 variant is planned to have upgraded avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and improved sensors.
Payload and Armament:
- Tejas MK1: The MK1 variant has eight hardpoints for carrying various air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, with a maximum payload capacity of around 5,300 kg (11,700 lb).
- Tejas MK2: The MK2 variant is expected to have an increased payload capacity, with the ability to carry a wider range of weapons, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles.
Performance:
- Tejas MK1: The MK1 variant has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (1,980 km/h or 1,230 mph) and a service ceiling of around 16,000 meters.
- Tejas MK2: The MK2 variant has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a service ceiling of around 17,300 m (56,758 ft).

It’s important to remember that the Tejas Mk2 is still in the development stage, and as such, the above-mentioned parameters could change as the project moves forward.

Aircraft comparison

Comparison of the Indian built Tejas MK1A vs South korean FA 50

Today, we’ll explore two remarkable light combat aircraft: the Tejas MK1A and the FA-50 Golden Eagle. Both fighters are designed for versatility, making them ideal for various missions, from air-to-air combat to ground support.

The Tejas MK1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India, and the FA-50, a product of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), are both advanced aircraft equipped with modern technology and features.

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In this Article, we will compare these two fighters in terms of their specifications, performance, capabilities, and roles in modern air forces. Let’s dive in and see how they stack up against each other!

Tejas is the second supersonic combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), following the HF-24 Marut. It took its first flight in 2001 and was inducted into service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2015. Currently, Tejas holds the distinction of being the smallest and lightest aircraft in its class of supersonic combat jets.

On the other hand, the FA-50 is South Korea’s first indigenous supersonic aircraft and is one of the few supersonic trainers in the world. Development of the T-50 began in the late 1990s, with its maiden flight taking place in 2002.

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The FA-50 boasts a higher production rate compared to the Tejas. Over the past 15 years, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has produced nearly 200 variants of the FA-50, while Tejas has seen a lower production output.

In terms of international sales, the FA-50 is actively in service with multiple countries, including Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, Thailand, and Poland. Notably, Malaysia opted for the FA-50 over the Tejas, citing the FA-50’s strong service record as a key factor in their decision.

Here’s a SPECIFICATION of the Tejas and FA-50

Length: The Tejas measures 13.2 m (43 ft 4 in), making it slightly longer than the FA-50, which is 13.14 m (43 ft 1 in).

Max Takeoff Weight: The Tejas has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg (29,762 lb), compared to the FA-50’s lighter weight of 10,722 kg (23,638 lb).

Fuel Capacity: The Tejas has an internal fuel capacity of 3,060 liters (810 US gallons), while the FA-50 has a slightly lower internal fuel capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons).

Powerplant: Both aircraft are powered by General Electric F404 turbofan engines, but the Tejas utilizes the F404-GE-IN20 variant with 48.9 kN (11,000 lbf) thrust dry and 85 kN (19,000 lbf) with afterburner. The FA-50 features the F404-GE-102 variant, producing 53.07 kN (11,930 lbf) thrust dry and 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) with afterburner.

Maximum Speed: The Tejas has a maximum speed of 2,220 km/h (Mach 1.8), which is significantly faster than the FA-50’s maximum speed of 1,837.5 km/h (Mach 1.5).

Combat Range: The Tejas has a combat range of 739 km (459 mi), whereas the FA-50 has a much longer range of 1,851 km (1,150 mi).

Hardpoints: The Tejas features 9 hardpoints with a total capacity of 5,300 kg, while the FA-50 has 7 hardpoints capable of carrying up to 5,400 kg of payload.

Cost: The Tejas is priced at approximately $40 million per unit, whereas the FA-50 ranges between $30 million to $40 million per unit, making the FA-50 potentially more cost-effective depending on the variant chosen.

Weapons
When it comes to weaponry, the Tejas MK1A offers a wider range of options compared to the FA-50 Golden Eagle. The Tejas MK1A is equipped with beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, allowing it to engage targets at greater distances, enhancing its combat effectiveness in air superiority missions. Additionally, it can carry precision-guided munitions for accurate strikes against ground targets, as well as standoff weapons, which can be launched from a distance to minimize exposure to enemy defenses. This diverse armament enables the Tejas to perform a variety of roles, from air-to-air combat to ground support.

In contrast, the FA-50 also features a respectable armament capability but has a more limited selection. It can carry air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as precision-guided bombs. However, its focus leans more toward close air support and light strike missions rather than the extensive versatility that the Tejas offers.

Naval Variant
The Tejas Mk1A has a naval variant designed for carrier operations, which is still in development. This version includes upgrades like a nose droop for better visibility during landings and takeoffs, a strengthened undercarriage, and an arrestor hook for safe landings on aircraft carriers.

In contrast, the FA-50 does not have a naval variant. While it’s versatile for different missions, it’s not designed for carrier operations, limiting its flexibility compared to the naval Tejas, which can operate from both land and carriers.