The Tejas Mark -1A Fighter plane. (Raj K Raj/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is all set to unveil a model of the ‘Medium Weight Fighter’ (MWF), a name given last year to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk.2, at the 2019 Aero India show in Bengaluru, reports Livefist.
According to the report, the aircraft was given a new name after the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) (which handles the Tejas jet programme) concluded that it was a heavier jet than the baseline LCA Mk.1 and has a significantly greater capacity to carry weapons.
Furthermore, there is also increase in the range and endurance capacity of the fighter jet than its predecessor. Infrared Search and Track sensor has also been introduced in the MWF. The aircraft also features a missile approach warning system.
However, the name change has nothing to do with India’s fifth generation stealth concept, known as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is an entirely separate programme.
As per the report, the model being unveiled will likely reflect the air-frame changes that necessitated aircraft’s redesignation to a medium weight/Mirage 2000 category. It will have heavier airframe with changes to incorporate the F414 turbofan engine.
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