The tragic crash of the SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft near Churu, Rajasthan, highlights the risks involved in military aviation, especially with older aircraft in active service.
The SEPECAT Jaguar, affectionately known as "Shamsher" (Sword of Justice), was a joint venture between the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) and the French Breguet Company (now part of Dassault Aviation). It was designed primarily for deep penetration strike missions in contested airspace, targeting high-value ground targets.
Introduced in: 1968
Role: Primarily a ground-attack aircraft.
Mission: Deep penetration strikes, especially against high-value ground targets in contested airspace.
Payload Capacity: The aircraft can carry up to 4,500 kg of payload, enabling it to carry a wide range of weapons.
Speed: It has a maximum speed of 1,699 km/h, allowing it to execute quick strikes and evade enemy defenses.
Combat Range:
With internal fuel tanks, the range is 850 km.
With an external drop tank, the combat range increases to 1,400 km.
Service Ceiling: The Jaguar has a maximum service ceiling of 46,000 feet, enabling it to perform high-altitude operations.
Design:
It features a monoplane design with an aluminum airframe.
The aircraft is equipped with a bulletproof windscreen, and air brakes, rudder, and flaps for better maneuverability.
In-Flight Refueling: Equipped with an in-flight refuelling probe on the starboard side of the fuselage, the Jaguar can execute air refueling missions even under adverse weather conditions.
Cockpit and Avionics:
The all-digital cockpit is enclosed within a glass canopy.
It includes advanced systems such as:
Head-up display (HUD)
Multifunctional display
Night vision capabilities
GPS
Radar altimeters
Inertial navigation system (INS)
Weapon aiming computer
Information friend or foe (IFF) system
Digital data bus
India became the operator of the SEPECAT Jaguar fleet in 1979, and over the years, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly upgraded and expanded the fleet.
First Batch: The first batch of 40 Jaguars was inducted into the IAF in 1979 in fly-away condition, delivered between 1981 and 1982.
License Production:
In 2008, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) began license-building Jaguars, producing an additional 100 aircraft.
Total Fleet Size: Over the years, the IAF has inducted approximately 160 Jaguars across various variants, including:
Jaguar IS: Single-seat strike fighter version.
Jaguar IB: Two-seat trainer version.
Jaguar IM: Naval version.
Current Fleet: As of today, the IAF operates around 120 Jaguars in six squadrons.
Global Context: The IAF is the only air force still operating this low-flying fighter bomber, which speaks to the aircraft’s durability and the IAF’s continued reliance on it for specific tactical operations.
The SEPECAT Jaguar has served the Indian Air Force for over four decades and continues to play a key role in its strike capabilities. With its impressive range, payload, and combat capabilities, it remains a crucial asset for ground-attack missions.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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