SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous fighter jet programs, Bengaluru-based Southern Electronics has developed an advanced side-mounted pilot control grip, engineered to enhance pilot performance and comfort. This cutting-edge system, tailored for the Tejas MkII (Medium Weight Fighter) and slated for integration into the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has cleared rigorous evaluations by test pilots and received approval for production.
The company recently confirmed to industry sources that it has secured orders from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with deliveries expected soon for integration into the Tejas MkII prototype currently under manufacturing. This development underscores India’s growing expertise in aerospace ergonomics and its commitment to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The side-mounted pilot control grip represents a departure from traditional center-stick configurations, offering improved ergonomics and precision for pilots operating high-performance jets. Positioned on the right-hand side of the cockpit, this grip integrates Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) functionality, allowing pilots to access critical controls—weapon systems, radar modes, and navigation—without removing their hands from the stick. This design reduces workload, enhances reaction times, and improves situational awareness, critical for the multirole missions envisioned for Tejas MkII and AMCA.
Southern Electronics, a key player in India’s aerospace supply chain, engineered the grip with a focus on pilot feedback, durability, and compatibility with modern avionics. The system’s compact, lightweight build suits the space-constrained cockpits of advanced fighters, while its modular architecture ensures adaptability across platforms. Test pilots, likely from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), evaluated the grip during simulated missions, praising its intuitive handling and responsiveness. Their approval paves the way for its adoption, marking a milestone in India’s cockpit technology ecosystem.
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