SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has initiated development work on external fuel drop tanks for the upcoming Tejas MkII program. As per tender specifications, ADE plans to develop two distinct models: a 1700-litre drop tank and a 1300-litre drop tank.
Initially, ADE will focus on producing two units of each drop tank for testing purposes. However, the final procurement will include six units of the 1700-litre drop tank and three units of the 1300-litre drop tank. These external fuel tanks will be integrated with the Tejas MkII prototypes, which are currently under development.
The Tejas MkII, a larger and more advanced variant of the Tejas fighter jet, is designed to carry a maximum internal fuel load of 7,400 kilograms. The development of the 1700-litre and 1300-litre drop tanks is a natural extension of the previous design, as the Tejas Mk1A is already compatible with 725-litre, 800-litre, and 1200-litre external fuel tanks.
The addition of these external fuel tanks will significantly enhance the Tejas MkII’s range and endurance, making it a more versatile and capable fighter aircraft. This development is a crucial step towards ensuring the Tejas MkII’s operational effectiveness and meeting the evolving requirements of the Indian Air Force.
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