1 . LCA Tejas Multi-Role Fighter The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a single engined delta winged multi role fighter developed by DRDO t...
1. LCA Tejas Multi-Role Fighter
The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a single engined delta winged multi role fighter developed by DRDO to replace the ageing Indian Air Force MiG-21 fleet. The fourth generation fighter is equipped with fly by wire controls, composite airframe, Elta multi mode radar and glass cockpit.The 13 tonne gross weight aircraft which can carry a 3.5 tonne weapon payload is powered by a GE F404 after-burning turbofan engine.The fighter is being developed in Air force, Navy (aircraft carrier borne) and two seat trainer versions.
Delivery commenced in 2016 who have ordered 120 of the type including the MK1
2. NAL Saras Light Transport Aircraft
The Saras is a civilian multi purpose light transport aircraft developed by National Aerospace Ltd. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engines in pusher configuration, Saras can transport 14 passengers or a payload of 1000 kg. The program suffered a fatal crash during flight testing, involving the second prototype in 2009, which killed the three experienced crew members on board. The crash was blamed at a wrong in-flight engine re-light test by the pilots. The third prototype adhering to the actual design weight of 6100 kg is yet to take off.
3. Dhruv Advance Light Helicopter
The ALH Dhruv is a multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, primarily flown by Indian Air force and Army. Designed in assistance with German MBB (now part of Airbus Helicopter), the 5.5 tonne helicopter first flew in 1992 and extensively uses carbon composites materials. More than 200 are in service with Indian armed forces and export customers including Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius and Ecuador. The latest Mk IV variant is powered by two license built Turbomeca Ardiden 1H/ HAL Shakti engines rated at 1067 kW each. A weaponised variant named Rudra has been developed and delivered to Indian Army in 2013.
4. Light Combat Helicopter
The LCH is a light attack helicopter developed by HAL, derived from the Dhruv platform. The tandem seat 5.5 tonne class attack helicopter armed with rockets, missiles, bombs and 20 mm cannon is optimized for operation in high altitude regions like the Siachen. Currently in flight testing stage, the twin engined helicopter is expected to achieve initial operational clearance (IOC) shortly. Indian Air force has requirement for 65 LCHs and 114 for Army.
5. HJT-36 Sitara trainer
The HJT-36 Sitara is a intermediate jet trainer developed by HAL to train pilots graduating from turboprop aircraft to faster jet powered aircraft. The subsonic tandem seat aircraft is designed to replace the ageing fleet of HJT-16 Kiran trainer aircraft. The aircraft had a long development run and is expected to enter service in 2016, if it clears the crucial spin test slated for later this year. It is powered by a single Saturn AL-55I turbofan engine and has a maximum weight of 4600 kg.
6. HJT-16 Kiran trainer
The HJT-16 Kiran is an intermediate jet trainer developed by HAL in the 1960s. Around 190 of the type were manufactured for Air force and Navy. The aircraft was used by the Indian Air force aerobatic team "Surya Kiran", which was later disbanded owing to shortage of trainer aircraft. The 4 tonne aircraft is powered by a single Rolls Royce Viper turbojet engine.
7. HJT-32 Deepak trainer
The HJT-32 Deepak is piston engined trainer aircraft developed by HAL in 1970s for the primary stage of pilot training. The ageing fleet following multiple fatal crashes, has been replaced by the Swiss made Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, since 2013.
8. DRDO Rustom I UAV
The Rustom 1 is a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by DRDO, for aerial surveillance requirement of Indian armed forces. The design resemble the Rutan Long-EZ designed by renowned American aerospace engineer Burt Rutan. The multi mission medium long endurance (MALE) 720 kg UAV features a canard at the nose that improve performance. It is designed for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance missions, controlled by a external pilot. It has been modified to carry two Helina ground attack missiles.
9. DRDO Rustom II UAV
The Rustom II is a advanced and more capable unmanned aerial vehicle developed by DRDO, weighing 1,800 kg. The high altitude long endurance surveillance (HALE) UAV can carry a payload of 350 kg and have a endurance of 24 hours. It is powered by two Russian Saturn 36 MT turboprop engines. Maiden flight has been delayed several times. Capable of automatic landing and take off, the Rustom II will be armed with ground attack missiles in future.
10. DRDO Panchi UAV
Panchi is a wheeled variant of the catapult launched DRDO Nishant unmanned aerial vehicle developed for aerial surveillance missions. It has better range than the Nishant due to reduced weight following removal of parachute and airbag cushion system used for recovery. Panchi is powered by a indigenous 55hp wankel engine, capable of carrying a 45 kg payload with a 160 km range. The type completed maiden flight in December 2014.
