SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
As Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) prepares to begin assembling the first Tejas MkII aircraft later this year, a crucial step in the program approaches. A team from GE Aerospace is expected to arrive in India by early to mid-2025 to oversee the integration of the GE F414 engines, the powerful heart of these next-generation fighter jets.
The Tejas MkII marks the first integration of the F414 engine into an indigenous aircraft. This necessitates close collaboration between HAL and GE. GE’s team will provide essential supervision to ensure proper engine integration and grant HAL engineers the necessary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clearances. Their expertise ensures the aircraft meets all performance and safety standards.
The Tejas MkII rollout is slated for later in 2025, with the maiden flight targeted for 2026. However, the journey doesn’t end there. The aircraft will undergo rigorous engine trials on the ground before low-speed and high-speed taxiing commences, laying the groundwork for the first flight.
HAL has taken proactive measures by acquiring 8-12 sets of GE F414 engines. These engines are regularly test-fired and meticulously maintained according to GE’s guidelines. One of these engines will be chosen for integration into the first Tejas MkII, and the GE team will be present to oversee the entire process. Typically, two to three additional engines will be reserved solely for the first aircraft to facilitate comprehensive ground testing and validation.
The Tejas MkII program is a significant component of India’s efforts to bolster its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The successful integration of the GE F414 engines and subsequent testing phases will be pivotal in establishing the Tejas MkII as a reliable and advanced fighter jet in the Indian Air Force’s fleet.
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