The HAL Tejas (also known as LCA Tejas) is a single engine, delta-wing, light-weighted multirole fighter used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The aircraft is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft itself came from the Light Combat Aircraft or the LCA program which began in the 80s' to replace India's MiG-21 fighters but would later become part of a general fleet modernization program. In 2003, the LCA is officialy named "Tejas". It is the smallest and lightest in its class of comtemporary supersonic combat aircraft and is expected to begin production in 2023-2024.

There are 3 versions of the aircraft; the Tejas Mark 1A (current version, and the Tejas Mark 2 "MWF" which is expected to first flew in 2023 and to be introduced in 2026, and its naval variant.

The LCA program costs about 9,063.96 crore or about 1.1 billion US dollars.

The aircraft is powered by a single General-Electric F404-GE-IN20 afterburning turbofan, with a top speed of 1,980 km/h (1,230 mph, 1,070 kn), or at Mach 1.6, a Thrust-to-Weight ration of 0.94, and can have a crew of 1 or 2 pilots.

The aircraft is made out of carbon-fiber composite materials for its airframe, most of its wing are made out of the same material but the fin tips are made of glass. The extensive use of the composite material not only made the aircraft lighter but also gave it a higher strength which reduces the number of joints and rivets, increases the aircraft's structural integrity and lowers its susceptibilty to fatigue cracks. The tailfin is made out of monolithic honeycomb structure, reducing its manufacturing cost by 80%.

Originally, the prototypes were equipped with a radome made out of Kevlar which was replcaed with a quartz radome in the production.

The naval variant has LEVCON control surfaces for extending the wing-root leading edge, which could be deflected to a downward angle or an upward angle to increase lift and reduce airspeed during final approach and also provides better low-speed handling and increased controllability at high angles of attack, a strengthened undercarriage, stronger landing gears, and an arresting hook for carrier landings.

The aircraft is armed with a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 autocannon, with provisions to carry seven pylons, four Python-5 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, and three drop tanks, although can also be armed with 2 GBU-16 Paveway II LGBs, Russian air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, BrahMos, and precision-guided munitions.

The aircraft is currently operated by the Indian Air Force and Navy. Other countries such as Malaysia, Egypt, Australia, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the US are right now potential operators.

Argentina in the other hand, may likely be threatened by the UK-imposed arms sanction for potentially purchasing the HAL Tejas. Because of the side effects of the Falklands War; the UK would not allow Argentina to purchase any aircraft with British-origin equipment. The Tejas has the MK16 IN16 GS Tejas ejection-seat which was made from a British company.

Argentina had already aircrafts which were trying to be purchased, such as the Mirage F1M, the IAI Kfir, the JAS 39 Gripen, and the KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle.

GUIDES

AG-1 = Activation of Python-5 missiles.

AG-3-5 = Detach drop tanks

You can modify the main armament of the aircraft anytime you like or want.

NOTE : Again, updates are possible, currently my Tejas has no AG-2 so it's possible for me to add brakes.

BTW, Enjoy ;)