Why is India's Tejas MK2 much better than F-35 from US? Indigenous fighter jet can...
After the way Trump has dropped the bomb of 25% tariff on India , it is also being feared that the US President is angry about not being able to sell his goods? This development comes at a time when there is a lot of discussion going on about the deal of the fifth generation US stealth fighter jet F-35. In such a situation, it is important to understand that in what sense is the Tejas Mk2 that India is making in its country any less than its expensive fighter jet?
What is the difference between F-35, Tejas Mk2?
US company Lockheed Martin makes mainly three versions of F-35 fighter aircraft. The price of the lowest version of these is more than $82.5 million. The price of F-35B, which was stuck in Kerala for 39 days, is $109 million. On the other hand, the estimated cost of Tejas MK2, which Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is working on, is going to be only around $50 to $60 million.
Speed and strength: The American fighter jet F-35 uses a 43,000lb thrust engine. Its speed is Mach 1.6. That is, 1,960 kilometers per hour. Whereas, the GE F414 engine being used in Tejas Mk2 produces a thrust of 98 kilonewtons. That means its speed will be Mach 1.8, that is, it can tear through the winds at a speed of 2,205 kilometers per hour.
F-35 is equipped with integrated AESA radar, 360 degree camera and advanced data fusion equipment, which gives the pilot information about the real time location of enemies. At the same time, our Tejas Mk2 is also being equipped with the best AESA radar, infrared search and track equipment is being installed in it and the cockpit is being designed in such a smart way that many targets can be tracked simultaneously.
Weapon and payload capacity: The F-35 can carry up to 8,160 kg of weapons on a mission. Tejas Mk2, despite being a 4.5 generation fighter, is capable of carrying 6,500 kg of weapons. The Indian fighter is also capable of flying simultaneously carrying indigenous, western and Russian weapons, bombs and missiles.
Firepower and flight capability: The combat range of the F-35 is about 1,500 km, while it can fly up to 2,200 km in a single round without refueling (ferry range). The combat range of Tejas Mk2 is about 3,000 km (with drops or additional tanks); and due to the ability to refuel in the air and larger fuel tanks, it is able to fly for longer missions. Meaning, here too the difference between the two is clear.
How much difference does stealth technology make?
The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This technology enables it to remain hidden from enemy radars, infrared sensors and other detection systems. All this is due to its special design and the special material used in it, which enables it to deceive the radar. While radar-evading elements have been installed in Tejas Mk2, its improved and new canard wings make it 75% more advanced than its previous version.
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