SOURCE: AFI
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, India’s indigenously developed multi-role fighter jet, represents a significant milestone in the nation’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The production of each unit of the LCA Tejas requires an impressive 1.75 lakh (175,000) manpower hours, underscoring the complexity and precision involved in its manufacturing process. This extensive effort highlights the collaborative endeavor between various stakeholders, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and numerous private sector partners.
The production of the LCA Tejas involves multiple teams working in tandem across different phases. HAL, being the primary manufacturer, coordinates with various vendors and suppliers who contribute specialized parts and subsystems. The extensive requirement of 1.75 lakh manpower hours is spread across different departments:
Support Services: The remaining 10% is attributed to logistics, supply chain management, and other support functions essential for smooth production flow.
Engineering and Design Teams: Approximately 30% of the manpower hours are dedicated to the design, engineering, and prototyping phases.
Manufacturing and Fabrication: Nearly 40% of the hours are allocated to the manufacturing and assembly lines, where skilled workers and technicians handle delicate tasks.
Testing and Quality Control: About 20% of the manpower is devoted to rigorous testing and quality assurance processes.
One of the significant challenges in the production process is maintaining a steady supply chain and ensuring the availability of skilled labor. The aerospace industry, particularly in the defense sector, demands precision and adherence to strict timelines. Any delay in component delivery or quality issues can lead to significant setbacks.