SOURCE: AFI
The Tejas, India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft, is a symbol of technological prowess. But its final form wasn’t the only contender! Back in the mid-80s, when the program was taking shape at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), internet users have unearthed some fascinating alternate designs that never saw the light of day.
The first design that grabs attention is the cranked-arrow delta wing. This configuration, featuring a curved wingtip, bears an uncanny resemblance to the F-16XL. The F-16XL, an experimental variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, was known for its excellent maneuverability. Did the ADA design team envision similar agility for the Tejas?
The second design throws a curveball – a twin-engine configuration! This layout, showcasing a distinct wing sweep, horizontal tailplane shape, and a high wing position, deviates significantly from the single-engine Tejas we know today. While the reasoning behind this choice remains unclear, it raises questions about the performance and operational considerations the ADA team might have been exploring.
These unearthed designs offer a valuable window into the design evolution of the LCA program. They showcase the exploration of various possibilities, the influence of contemporary aircraft, and the critical decisions made to arrive at the final Tejas configuration.
Unearthing these alternate designs has sparked curiosity. Did the ADA release any official documentation or reasoning behind these concepts? Perhaps further investigation into historical records or interviews with program veterans could shed more light on this fascinating design phase.