ADA activates Tejas Mk2 'Iron Bird' facility, paving the way for 2025 rollout of the 4.5 gen jet and first flight by March 2026
Source : IgMp Bulletin
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| Representative Image (Airbus Iron Bird facility) |
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of the Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) by operationalizing its cutting-edge Iron Bird test facility. This advanced setup marks a critical step in the program, ensuring all onboard systems are rigorously tested and validated ahead of the jet's first flight. The facility is expected to become fully functional in the coming months and will serve as a cornerstone for achieving key project milestones.
The Iron Bird is a full-scale, highly sophisticated mock-up of the Tejas Mk2, designed to replicate every aspect of the aircraft's operational capabilities. This test rig will focus primarily on validating the aircraft's Flight Control System (FCS) under both open and closed loop configurations, with or without pilot intervention. The facility integrates an extensive array of critical subsystems, including the cockpit, advanced avionics, external visual simulation tools, and all Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) of the Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS). At the heart of this setup lies the Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), which coordinates all onboard systems.
A standout feature of the Iron Bird is its six-degree-of-freedom simulation platform, integrated with the Flight Dynamics Simulator. This real-time model mimics the aircraft's behavior, providing vital sensor inputs to the DFCC and visual cues to cockpit displays. Through this, the platform enables engineers to simulate complex flight conditions and test the Onboard Flight Program (OFP) housed in the DFCC. The facility also allows for pilot-in-the-loop evaluations, ensuring the system performs seamlessly in various operational scenarios.
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| Tejas Mk2 CGI by Kuntal Biswas |
This testing environment meticulously replicates real-world flight conditions, making it an invaluable resource for identifying and resolving hardware or software issues in a controlled setting. By rigorously validating control laws, flight dynamics, and system integration, the Iron Bird significantly reduces the risks associated with flight testing. This ground-based evaluation ensures a safer, more efficient progression to flight readiness while preserving time and resources.
The Iron Bird’s role in the Tejas Mk2 program extends far beyond system validation. It serves as a critical tool for refining design elements and operational protocols, ultimately ensuring the aircraft meets performance benchmarks before its rollout. According to ADA’s current timeline, the first prototype of the Tejas Mk2 is scheduled to roll out by the end of 2025, with its maiden flight anticipated by March 2026.
By enabling intensive pre-flight testing and development, the Iron Bird facility is poised to play a transformative role in the successful deployment of the Tejas Mk2, marking a new chapter in India’s indigenous fighter jet program.
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