HAL Completes Successful Maiden Flight Of LCA Tejas Mark 1A. Here's What You Need To Know

According to Hindustan Aeronautics officials, the aircraft was airborne for 18 minutes during its first flight.

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday completed the first flight of the indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft in Bengaluru. According to Hindustan Aeronautics officials, the aircraft was airborne for 18 minutes during its first flight.

 

Taking to social media platform X, HAL wrote, "The first Aircraft LA5033 of the Tejas Mk1A Aircraft series took to the skies from HAL facility in Bengaluru today. It was a successful sortie with a flying time of 18 minutes."

What Is Tejas Mark 1A?

 

The Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike roles.

 

The LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft, designed and manufactured entirely in India, is an updated version of LCA Tejas. 

 

The improved version of the aircraft, Tejas MK1A features an advanced mission computer, high-performance Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A), Smart Multi-Function Displays (SMFD), Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Advanced Self-protection Jammer, Electronic Warfare Suit etc.

 

In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the IAF.

 

HAL is to deliver the first Tejas Mark 1A by March 2024. The order of 83 aircraft for IAF will be completed by 2028, at a rate of 24 units per year.

 

According to a statement dated November 23, 2023, HAL's capacity to build LCA aircraft has been increased from 8 to 16 aircraft every year by 2025 and further to 24 aircraft every year in the next 3 years. Tejas aircraft are set to be the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF).