Indian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

P

Pataliputra

Junior Member
Registered Member
Gloire_bb said:
(1)I don't know
(2)RCS isn't a single number
Click to expand...
The radar cross-section of Tejas MK1A measures 0.5 square meters in a clean configuration, while the projected RCS of Tejas MK2 is anticipated to be less than 0.3 square meters in a similar clean configuration.
 
Gloire_bb

Gloire_bb

Captain
Registered Member
Pataliputra said:
The radar cross-section of Tejas MK1A measures 0.5 square meters in a clean configuration, while the projected RCS of Tejas MK2 is anticipated to be less than 0.3 square meters in a similar clean configuration.
Click to expand...
Typical average for small treated aircraft, not specifically designed to be stealth; but, for instance, mig-21 dead ahead is even slightly less (down to 0.1). Other than that ( -21 is an exception here), a very good result.
 
Last edited:
P

Pataliputra

Junior Member
Registered Member
Gloire_bb said:
Typical average for small treated aircraft, not specifically designed to be stealth; but, for instance, mig-21 dead ahead is even slightly less (down to 0.1).
Click to expand...
I haven't come across information stating that the MiG-21 has an RCS of 0.1. However, the Tejas is known for having the smallest RCS among 4th generation jets. Its small size inherently reduces radar visibility and is hard to detect visually in Within Visual Range Combat. The Tejas's design, geometry, use of carbon composite materials, and the application of indium oxide coating on the glass cockpit contribute to making it the most stealthy 4th generation fighter jet.
 
P

Pataliputra

Junior Member
Registered Member
Sardaukar20 said:
Having a high target for Kaveri and actually achieving it are two entirely different things. India have a history of setting overambitious targets and not achieving them. The Kaveri engine program actually started in 1986. Even as far back then, it was already envisioned to be an Indian alternative of the GE F404. Yet, here we are at the end of 2023, and the Indians are still having this same conversation. This is the problem with Indian military development programs. When they announce the development of something, they set a very ambitious goals and then superhype that project up. So the Kaveri was hyped up to be this super engine that was supposed to push aside the GE F404, when India still lacked the ability to design and manufacture competitive jet engines. Ambition, and reality didn't match, hence as we enter 2024, that great Kaveri engine is yet to enter service.

Yes, India have a co-development program with Snecma to integrate M88 technology into the Kaveri engine program. But seriously, what technology is Snecma gonna share with India? Would they actually share crucial M88 engine technology to India? I highly doubt that. I'm betting that Snecma is gonna help India to design the Kaveri around the M88 core. A pseudo M88 if you like. Therefore making the Kaveri engine reliant on the imports of M88 cores. Why? Because, Snecma are not idiots, they are a business. If Snecma is gonna help India to develop the Kaveri, its gonna want a profitable deal. That kinda deal is nothing new for India, it has been done for the Su-30MKI, T-90, and various naval vessels.

I have a feeling that ever since Modi took power, India's weapons development program have been becoming increasingly lazy. No matter how "indigenous" a weapon system is designed for India, it is designed with extensive input from foreign vendors who are gonna want to create a captive market for their own products. Even for something as basic as an assault rifle, India still needed ToT from Kalashnikov. So instead of moving towards self-reliance, India is actually making itself even more reliant on foreign vendors. No amount of hype can hide that.
Click to expand...
India's new goal is even more ambitious: developing a 120kN engine of similar size to the GE F414 but lighter. This time, India aims to co-develop this engine, likely partnering with France.
 
P

Pataliputra

Junior Member
Registered Member
I believe India should explore employing French or Russian engines in alternative fighter jets while simultaneously enhancing the thrust of the indigenous Kaveri engine. Continual funding for the Kaveri engine program is crucial; the three decades invested in its development should not be wasted. Salvaging this engine for use in drones, trainer jets, or light fighter aircraft would be a strategic move.
 
Gloire_bb

Gloire_bb

Captain
Registered Member
Pataliputra said:
I haven't come across information stating that the MiG-21 has an RCS of 0.1. However, the Tejas is known for having the smallest RCS among 4th generation jets.
Click to expand...
May very well be; usually, they consider Gripen, but I see why Tejas can potentially have it smaller.

Just worth remembering, that while it's indeed an advantage among other non-stealth jets - anywhere below the L band it won't be comparable to any purpose-designed LO aircraft, at least from the front.
And its signature by itself won't be a special problem for any remotely modern radar.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top