Context: Recently, Tejas LCA successfully test-fired the ASTRA missile at an altitude of about 20,000 feet off the coast of Goa according to the Ministry of Defence.

About ASTRA MISSILE

• The ASTRA BVR missile is designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets. It has a range of over 100 kilometers.

• BVR missiles are capable of engaging beyond the range of 20 nautical miles or 37 kilometres.

• This missile has all weather day and night capability. The system is being developed to meet specific requirements.

• It is jointly designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other laboratories of DRDO.

• ASTRA missile would significantly enhance the combat prowess of Tejas and reduce the dependency on imported weapons.

• Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake the air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles.

• The ASTRA Mk-I Weapon System integrated with SU-30 Mk-I aircraft is being inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

LCA Tejas

• Origin: The LCA Tejas is an indigenous light combat aircraft developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India.

• Purpose: LCA Tejas is designed as a multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.

Variants: There are two main variants of LCA Tejas

• LCA Tejas Mark-I: Developed for the Indian Air Force, it is a single-seat, single-engine aircraft.

• LCA Tejas Mark-I Navy: Designed for the Indian Navy, it is adapted for carrier operations with features like reinforced landing gear and arrestor hook.

Design and Features

• LCA Tejas features a delta wing design for enhanced maneuverability and stability.

• The aircraft incorporates advanced avionics, glass cockpit, and digital fly-by-wire controls.

• It is equipped with modern radar systems, electronic warfare systems, and weapons integration capabilities.

• Powerplant: LCA Tejas is powered by a single engine, the General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine.

• Armament: The aircraft can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including missiles, bombs, and rockets.

Performance

• The aircraft has a maximum speed of around Mach 1.8 (1,390 mph or 2,240 km/h).

• Its operational range is approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles).

• LCA Tejas has a service ceiling of around 50,000 feet (15,240 meters).

Induction and Service

• The LCA Tejas Mark-I was officially inducted into the Indian Air Force in July 2016.

• The aircraft has participated in various national and international airshows, showcasing its capabilities.

Development and Challenges

• The development of LCA Tejas faced several challenges, including technical and financial issues, leading to delays.

• However, the successful development and induction of the aircraft marked a significant achievement for India’s aerospace industry.