In a significant stride toward enhancing the Tejas Mk1A programme, the Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) has been seamlessly integrated into prototype LSP7 and completed a successful flight on February 19, 2024.
Developed indigenously by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru specifically for the Tejas – Mk1A, the DFCC marks a critical milestone in advancing the capabilities of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft.
The DFCC boasts a Quadraplex Power PC based Processor, a high-speed autonomous state machine-based I/O controller, enhanced computational throughput, and sophisticated on-board software compliant with DO178C level-A safety requirements.
During the maiden flight, all critical parameters and performance of the flight controls were found to be satisfactory, affirming the efficacy of the integrated system. The historic flight was piloted by Wg Cdr Siddarth Singh KMJ (Retd) of the National Flight Test Centre.
This achievement underscores the collaborative efforts of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Department of Defence R&D and Ministry of Defence, in advancing the capabilities of the Tejas-Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
With the successful type certification of Tejas-LCA, the Indian Air Force has already operationalized the Tejas LCA Mk1. The Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded version of the aircraft, incorporates advanced features including an advanced mission computer, high-performance Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A), Smart Multi-Function Displays (SMFD), Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Advanced Self-protection Jammer, Electronic Warfare Suit, among others.
Congratulating the joint teams from DRDO, IAF, ADA, and industries involved in this achievement, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the successful integration and flight test of the DFCC Mk1A as a major stride toward achieving self-reliance with a reduced reliance on special imports.
Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO expressed his appreciation for the teams involved in the successful flight test, emphasizing that this accomplishment has bolstered confidence in the timely delivery of Tejas MK1A to the Indian Air Force, furthering India’s quest for self-sufficiency in defence technology.
