Tejas MK-1A's First Production Standard Flight Take Place This Month

Defense News ,India :- In a significant development, the upcoming month is poised to witness the inaugural flight of the first production standard TEJAS MK-1A aircraft, as reported by Anantha Krishnan M of TARMAK007.

Both TEJAS-LSP8 and TEJAS-SP25 aircraft have already been airborne, showcasing advanced avionics updates, including state-of-the-art smart multifunction displays (MFDs) and a new mission computer, contrasting the MFDs and open architecture computer in the earlier TEJAS MK-1s.

The groundbreaking Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), now incorporated into the TEJAS MK-1A, is built on the PowerPC Microprocessor, a departure from the Intel processor utilized in TEJAS MK-1. The shift was prompted by the limitations of the Intel processor, which had reached its upgrade capacity, hindering the addition of further functionalities.

This cutting-edge DFCC is set to revolutionize the aircraft's capabilities, introducing new functionalities and bolstering indigenization efforts. It also lays the groundwork for potential integration into future projects, such as the envisioned TEJAS MK-2.

The maiden flight of the new computer is scheduled on an LSP aircraft early next week, paving the way for the subsequent first flight of the TEJAS MK-1A production aircraft.

The TEJAS MK-1A, equipped with a new mission computer, smart MFDs, AESA Radar, a novel electronic warfare suite, digital map generator, and the innovative DFCC, is poised to mark a significant leap forward in the evolution of this indigenous fighter aircraft.