SOURCE: AFI
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is on the cusp of a significant milestone in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MkII with the operationalization of its Iron Bird test facility. This facility, set to be up and running in the next few months, is crucial for ensuring the aircraft’s systems are thoroughly tested before its maiden flight.
The Iron Bird, as the name implies, is a full-scale mock-up of the Tejas MkII where every aspect of the aircraft’s functionality can be simulated and tested. This test rig is specifically designed to evaluate the aircraft’s Flight Control System (FCS) in both open and closed loop modes, with or without a pilot in the loop. This setup includes a comprehensive array of subsystems such as the cockpit, avionics suite, external visual simulation, and all Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) of the Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS), all interfacing with the central Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC).
One of the key components of this facility is a six-degree-of-freedom simulation platform on the Flight Dynamics Simulator. This simulator operates a real-time model of the aircraft, providing essential sensor data to the DFCC and visual information for the cockpit displays. This setup allows for rigorous testing of the Onboard Flight Program (OFP) within the DFCC through a series of engineering assessments followed by pilot evaluations. The environment created by the Iron Bird is as close to actual flight conditions as possible, enabling engineers to debug and troubleshoot any issues with the hardware and software of the IFCS in a controlled setting.
The significance of this facility cannot be overstated. It not only ensures that the DFCC and its software are functioning under various simulated conditions but also aids in refining the control laws and operational procedures before the aircraft takes to the skies. This meticulous ground-based testing is instrumental in reducing risks associated with flight testing, potentially saving time and resources while enhancing safety.
According to current schedules, the first Tejas MkII aircraft is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2025, with its inaugural flight slated for March 2026. The Iron Bird facility will play a pivotal role in this timeline by facilitating intensive pre-flight testing that could foreseeably influence the aircraft’s design and operational readiness.