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Context:

• Recently, Alpha Tocol Engineering Services delivers rear fuselage for Tejas Mk1A to HAL
• Tejas LCA Mk1A is an advanced version of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
• It is called Tejas. And It is developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Key Upgrades in Tejas LCA Mk1A:

1. Advanced Radar: AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars, like the Israeli EL/M-2052 and the Indian Uttam AESA Radar.
2. Flight Control: An upgraded Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A).
3. Electronic Warfare: A Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and an Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod to improve survivability in combat.
4. Weaponry: It has 9 hardpoints for various weapons, including:

• Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles
• Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles
• Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles (ASRAAM)

What is Tejas LCA?

• Tejas is an indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft by India. It is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) & it is manufactured by HAL.
• It entered service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in July 2016.
• Tejas comes in 3 versions: Tejas Mark 1, Mark 1A, & a trainer version.
• Its purpose is to replace older fighter jets like the MiG variants that are in use by the Indian Air Force.

About History and Growth of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):

• Origins:
  • HAL began as Hindustan Aircraft Limited on December 23, 1940.
  • It is founded by Shri Walchand Hirachand in Bangalore with support from the Government of Mysore.
  • The Government of India became a shareholder in 1941 and it took over management in 1942.
• Early Years (1940s 1950s):
  • In 1951, HAL was placed under the Ministry of Defence and it produced foreign designed aircraft like Prentice, Vampire, & Gnat.
  • HAL also began designing its own aircraft such as the HT-2 Trainer in 1951, followed by the 'Pushpak', 'Krishak', HF-24 Jet Fighter ('Marut'), & HJT-16 Trainer ('Kiran').
• 1960s:
  • 1963: Aeronautics India Limited (AIL) was formed for MiG-21 aircraft manufacturing under license.
  • In 1964, HAL & AIL merged to form Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Its aim is focusing on design, development, and manufacturing of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and systems.
• 1970s:
  • HAL expanded by establishing divisions for producing helicopters (Chetak, Cheetah) and aircraft instruments.
  • Between 1970-1974, HAL developed the Basant agricultural aircraft, and from 1972-1980, the Ajeet (improved Gnat) and Kiran MK II.
  • 1979: HAL started the manufacture of Jaguar aircraft & Adour engines under a license agreement with British Aerospace.
• 1980s:
  • HAL entered into an agreement with the USSR for producing MiG-27M aircraft.
  • In 1983, HAL established the Korwa Division for advanced systems like Inertial Navigation and Weapon Aiming Computers for aircraft.
• Space Program Contribution:
  • 1988: HAL formed a separate Aerospace division for space programs, supplying structures for ISRO's satellite and launch vehicles, including GSLV Mk.III & Mars Mission.
• 1990s:
  • In 1998, HAL created the Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine Division to produce and repair industrial turbines.
  • 2000: HAL set up the Airport Service Centre in Bangalore for supporting airline operations.
• 2000s:
  • 2002: HAL expanded at Nasik to manufacture SUKHOI 30 MKI aircraft under a license agreement with Russia.
  • 2006: The MRO Division for ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) overhaul was established in Bangalore.
  • 2007: A new Aircraft Composite Division was set up for lightweight materials used in aircraft manufacturing.
• Recent Developments:
  • 2012: HAL established the Strategic Electronics Factory in Kasaragod, Kerala.
  • 2014: A dedicated LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas Division was created in Bangalore for production.
  • 2016: A new facility for Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) was set up in Tumakuru, which successfully flew the LUH in 2018.
• Expansion and Modernization:
  • HAL's 2018 listing on BSE and NSE marked its growth in the financial market.
  • HAL continues to focus on indigenous development like LCA Mk1A, LCH, and HTT-40 trainer aircraft.
• Ongoing and Future Projects:
  • HAL is working on indigenous projects, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
  • They are also upgrading aircraft like Jaguar, Mirage, and Hawk, with key technology developments in avionics, display systems, and flight control.

 Source: PIB