Aviation

HAL to develop LCA-Mk2 at a total cost of Rs 9,000 crore: A game changer

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the Tejas Mk2 project for an indigenous light combat aircraft.

Argentina asked India to remove the uk parts from Tejas

On September 1, 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the Tejas Mk2 project for an indigenous light combat aircraft. For the design and construction of Tejas Mk2 fighter jet prototypes, test flights, and certification, the CCS has given the go-ahead for Rs 6,500 crore.

Why did Tejas not win the RMAF tender? Here are four potential reasons. (Opens in a new browser tab)

The Tejas Mk2, which belongs to the middleweight group, is a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft. Its indigenization rate will be 70%, more than the Mark IA’s 62 percent, and it will be equipped with more advanced Indian-made technologies. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics is the manufacturer of this single-engine, multipurpose, supersonic combat aircraft.

10 Most Expensive Fighter Jets In The World(Opens in a new browser tab)

Beginning in February 2021, the Tejas Mark 2’s metal cutting process. The original “roll out” date for the first prototype was set for August 2022, however it has since been postponed until the end of 2022. In late 2023, the first launch is anticipated, four prototypes are initially planned.

A number of new features will be added to the Tejas LCA’s advanced design to enhance its combat and flight capabilities. Tejas 2.0 will contain GE-414 engines that are more powerful than the present model, with 98Kn of thrust. In comparison to the present version, this will allows it to fly further , carry more weaponry and cargo.

Things to know about china’s Newly built AC352 helicopter.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Alongside the wings of the aircraft, a canard has been added. The Rafale, Eurofighter, and Sukhoi-30MKI are examples of contemporary fighters that have canards like these. Inboard and outboard elevons are present on the trailing edge of the wing. The Tejas Mk2 will include a new cockpit that is more anatomically designed and easier to maintain in addition to new armaments and an upgraded engine. Alloys of aluminum, titanium, steel, and carbon composites are used in the construction of fly-by-wire aircraft.

India acknowledges Argentina’s interest in Tejas fighter aircraft(Opens in a new browser tab)

Description of Tejas Mk-2

Tejas Mark 2 or MWF development was started to fix all Tejas Mark 1 and Mark 1A flaws as well as to fulfill the initial air personnel needs to be outlined for the LCA program by the IAF. To make the task of the pilot easier, the Mk2 will have a hand-on throttle-and-stick combination with the right hand on the stick and the left hand on the throttle.

The LCA Mk2 is anticipated to be ready by 2024, and testing should be completed by 2027, according to IAF officials. In 2030, full-scale mass production will begin after the development phase is complete 2027. From 2028 on, Tejas Mk2 will be usable. HAL anticipates ordering 210 more aircraft in addition to the six squadrons.

A total development budget of Rs 9000 crore, including the Rs 2500 crore that has already been spent, has been approved by the CCS. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has established a target date of 2027 to complete the flight testing.

Source:

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

United Airlines Brings Holiday Cheer with Free North Pole Flights

Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

Top 10 World’s Busiest Airports of 2024

The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly