What Is The HAL Tejas?
The HAL Tejas. India’s indigenous light combat aircraft featuring a tailless compound delta wing and digital fly-by-wire controls.
India
Origin
Light fighter
Role
Mach 1.8
Top speed
15,240 m
Service ceiling
HAL Tejas Specifications
India’s HAL Tejas is a 4.5-generation light combat aircraft, featuring a tailless compound delta wing design. Powered by a General Electric F404 engine, pushing Mach 1.8, it incorporates composite materials, digital quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control systems, and open-architecture avionics.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 1.8 (1,350 mph)
Service ceiling
50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Combat radius
270 nmi (500 km)
Rate of climb
29,500 ft/min (150 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
43 ft 4 in (13.20 m)
Wingspan
26 ft 11 in (8.20 m)
Empty weight
14,400 lbs (6,500 kg)
Engine
1x General Electric F404-GE-IN20 afterburning turbofan
Service
First flight
4 January 2001
Unit cost
$42 million
Operators
India (Indian Air Force)
What Weapons Does The HAL Tejas Carry?
The HAL Tejas is fitted with an internal 23mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon and eight hardpoints carrying 11,700 lbs of weapons, deploying Astra BVR missiles, Python-5 infrared missiles, and laser-guided bombs.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
GSh-23
Category
23 mm Twin-Barrel Cannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon (220 rounds)
Range
2,000 metres (effective)
Astra Mk1
Category
Beyond-Visual-Range Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
110 km (68 miles)
Python-5
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
20 km (12.4 miles)
Derby
Category
Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
50 km (31 miles)
Spice 2000
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb
Loadout
Up to 2 bombs
Range
60 km (37 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The HAL Tejas?
The Tejas reaches Mach 1.8, around 1,350 mph. Its delta wing and relaxed stability, controlled by a quadruplex fly-by-wire system developed in India, give it good instantaneous turn performance. Being the smallest fighter in its class limits fuel and payload, which is the main criticism levelled at the design.
How Was The HAL Tejas Developed?
The Light Combat Aircraft programme began in 1984 to replace India's MiG-21 fleet. Development was extraordinarily protracted – sanctions following India's 1998 nuclear tests cut off access to American technology mid-programme, forcing indigenous development of the flight control system. The prototype flew on 4 January 2001, and initial operational clearance came only in 2013.
Has The HAL Tejas Seen Combat?
The Tejas has not yet seen combat. It has been deployed operationally by the Indian Air Force and has appeared at international exercises and air shows, where its display performance has been well received.
Who Operates The HAL Tejas?
The Indian Air Force and Indian Navy are the operators, with orders for the Tejas Mk1A running to 180 aircraft. Export interest has been expressed by several countries, though no foreign sale has yet been concluded.
HAL Tejas FAQs
Common questions about the HAL Tejas, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the HAL Tejas as a civilian?
No, the HAL Tejas is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the HAL Tejas?
No, you cannot take the controls of the HAL Tejas, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the HAL Tejas cost?
The HAL Tejas is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Is there a weight or height limit for a jet flight instead of the HAL Tejas?
The HAL Tejas is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the HAL Tejas?
The HAL Tejas is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the HAL Tejas?
The HAL Tejas is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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