SOURCE: AFI
Kuntal Biswas, one of India’s most prominent 3D military system and defense animation experts, has once again captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts with his latest creation: a twin-engine variant of the Tejas MkII. This conceptual design, powered by twin Kaveri engines each generating 75kN of thrust, showcases the potential of India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities and positions the Tejas MkII in the same league as global heavyweights like the Dassault Rafale. With a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of approximately 24 tons, this innovative design aligns closely with the Rafale’s capabilities, powered by the Snecma M-88 engine, which also delivers 75kN of thrust.
Biswas, renowned for his detailed and visionary 3D renderings of military hardware, has evolved the Tejas MkII—originally conceived as a single-engine, medium-weight fighter—into a twin-engine multirole combat aircraft. His design incorporates canard-delta wings, an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and a fully homegrown weapons suite, blending cutting-edge technology with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The twin-Kaveri engine configuration not only boosts the aircraft’s thrust but also enhances its versatility, making it a formidable contender in air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
The Kaveri engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the DRDO, has long been a symbol of India’s aspirations to master aero-engine technology. While the original Kaveri program faced setbacks, Biswas’s concept leverages an advanced iteration of the engine, each delivering 75kN of thrust—matching the M-88’s output. With two such engines, the Tejas MkII twin-engine variant achieves a combined thrust of 150kN, providing the power needed to compete with modern fighters like the Rafale, which boasts a 24.5-ton MTOW and excels in multirole operations. This design demonstrates what India could achieve if it fully commits to refining and integrating its indigenous technologies.
The Tejas MkII twin-engine concept, as envisioned by Biswas, bridges a critical gap in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) inventory. While the single-engine Tejas Mk1A addresses the lightweight fighter category, and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) targets fifth-generation stealth capabilities, the IAF lacks a robust medium-weight, twin-engine platform in the 20-25-ton MTOW range. Biswas’s design fills this void, offering a fighter that could rival the Rafale in payload, range, and combat flexibility, all while relying on indigenous systems—a testament to the potential of India’s defense ecosystem.
What sets Biswas’s work apart is his ability to translate technical ambition into a visually compelling narrative. His 3D model not only highlights the aerodynamic elegance of the canard-delta configuration but also emphasizes practical upgrades like enhanced thrust-to-weight ratio and increased weapon-carrying capacity. The twin-Kaveri engines, if realized, could leverage ongoing advancements in the Kaveri program, such as improved materials and afterburner technology, to meet the IAF’s stringent requirements. Posts on X from enthusiasts have echoed this sentiment, with one user calling it a “Super-Tejas” and urging the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to turn the concept into reality.
Comparisons to the Rafale are apt. The French fighter, powered by twin M-88 engines, has a combat-proven track record and a thrust-to-weight ratio that enables supercruise and high maneuverability. Biswas’s Tejas MkII, with a similar MTOW and thrust profile, could achieve comparable performance, especially if paired with modern avionics and stealth features. The Rafale’s success stems from its versatility—air-to-air combat, precision strikes, and maritime operations—all of which could be mirrored in this Tejas variant, tailored to India’s strategic needs along its borders and maritime zones.
However, turning Biswas’s vision into reality hinges on overcoming longstanding challenges. The Kaveri engine, despite recent progress, has yet to achieve serial production readiness. Its current iterations deliver around 73-75kN with afterburners, but reliability and weight reduction remain hurdles. Biswas’s concept assumes a matured Kaveri capable of consistent performance—a goal that requires sustained investment and possibly international collaboration, as seen in past talks with France’s Safran. Additionally, integrating twin engines into the Tejas airframe would demand significant redesign, including air intake optimization and structural reinforcement, adding complexity to an already ambitious project.
Nevertheless, Biswas’s work serves as a clarion call to India’s defense establishment. The Tejas MkII twin-engine concept embodies what India can achieve if it harnesses its talent, resources, and determination. It aligns with the IAF’s quest for a Medium Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) and offers a homegrown alternative to foreign procurements like the Rafale or F-16. As one X user noted, this could be “a perfect indigenous MRFA fighter,” reducing dependence on imports while boosting India’s aerospace industry.
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