Indigenous Stuff At Republic Day 2011

Just got this release from DRDO about its products on display on Republic Day, January 26 as part of a float. Posting in full:

LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT "TEJAS" TRAINER VERSION (mock-up, of course)

"The Tejas, India's first supersonic fighter aircraft is the smallest, lightweight, supersonic, multi-role combat aircraft, and best in its class in the world. This single-engine, compound-delta-wing, tailless aircraft is indigenously designed and developed to meet the diverse needs of the Indian Air Force. It can reach a speed of Mach 1.6. and can operate up to an altitude of 15 Km. TEJAS will serve the Indian Air force for a long time to come. Tejas is an amalgamation of contemporary concepts and technologies such as relaxed static-stability, fly-by-wire control, advanced digital cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems and advanced composite material for the airframe which makes the aircraft very agile with carefree menoeuvering capabilities. Glass cockpit and Digital Avionics make TEJAS world class.

The two seat tandem configuration Air Force Trainer is derived from the fighter version. It has been an endeavored to maintain maximum commonality amongst all the variants of Tejas, namely: Air Force Fighter, Air Force Trainer, Navy Trainer and Navy Fighter. Front fuselage of Trainer was modified to accommodate the second cockpit. Both front & rear cockpits of Trainer are configured to replicate the pilot vehicle interface (PVI) as in the fighter version. The trainer version has drooped nose for better cockpit vision and larger canopy to accommodate rear cockpit with 5° additional vision for rear pilot. It has mechanically interconnected control stick, rudder pedal and throttle. Trainers are powered by GE-F404-IN-20 engine. It had its maiden flight on 26th Nov 2009 and the handling qualities of the aircraft are excellent as per IAF pilots. This aircraft is expected to complete Initial Operational Clearance by end Dec 2011. Indian Air Force has already placed order for 8 trainers.

Tejas two seat aircraft has been designed not only as a "Type Trainer" but also as precision weapon launch platform for air-to-air, air-to-ground air-to-sea missions with effective stores management system (SMS) capable of handling a wide range of weapons and stores. It also can be equipped with variety of sensors like Multi Mode Radar (MMR), Litening Pod and Helmet Mounted Display and Sight (HMDS). Tejas Trainer has very good potential in the world market primarily as a supersonic fighter trainer and also be capable of handling precision weapons and state-of-the-art sensors. TEJAS program is spearheaded by ADA under the department of Defence R&D, with HAL as its principal partner. A large number of DRDO laboratories, CSIR, IAF, Academic Institutions, Defense Public Sector and Private Sector undertakings have participated in the program and made it a success story for Indian Aviation Industry. TEJAS is certainly the Crowning Glory for India."

NAVAL UNDERWATER WEAPON SYSTEMS

"Light Weight Torpedo TAL (Torpedo Advanced Light): Light Weight Torpedo TAL (Torpedo Advanced Light) which is useful in anti-submarine warfare operations. Capable of being launched from both ships and aircraft, this torpedo is presently under induction into service.

Heavy Weight Torpedo VARUNASTRA: The Heavyweight Torpedo VARUNASTRA, which is in the final phases of technology development, is a weapon that incorporates advanced technology for greater power, reach and lethality. Upon induction, VARUNASTRA would be a world-class underwater weapon with the country.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV): Also displayed is the AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE (AUV), a multi-mission unmanned underwater vehicle that is highly effective for surveillance, reconnaissance, counter-intelligence and attack modes of operation.

Maareech Decoy System: Also featured is the MAAREECH decoy system, which seduces the incoming torpedo and prevents it from homing to our platforms by its advanced countermeasure capabilities."

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