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India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet project, has achieved a significant milestone with the Defence Minister's approval of its execution model. This decision opens the door for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), either independently or in partnership with other firms, to bid for the manufacturing contract. The adoption of the execution model approach emphasizes a level playing field, ensuring that both private and public sector entities have equal opportunities to compete for the project. The AMCA program is being spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), functioning under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is responsible for designing the aircraft. The ADA intends to execute the program through collaborative partnerships with various industry players. The initial development cost of the AMCA project is estimated to be around Rs 15,000 crore, highlighting the substantial investment required for such advanced technological endeavors. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a strong proponent of the AMCA project, recognizing its critical importance in addressing the IAF's long-term operational requirements. The manufacturing of the AMCA would catapult India into an exclusive club of nations that possess indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft capabilities. Currently, this elite group includes the United States (with the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II), China (with the J-20 Mighty Dragon), and Russia (with the Sukhoi Su-57). The AMCA is a 25-tonne, twin-engine aircraft designed with advanced stealth features to minimize detection by enemy radar systems. This stealth capability is crucial for penetrating enemy airspace and conducting operations with reduced risk of detection. The aircraft will have a large, concealed internal fuel tank with a capacity of 6.5 tonnes, extending its operational range and endurance. Furthermore, the AMCA will feature an internal weapons bay capable of carrying a wide array of weapons, including indigenous ones, effectively concealing them within the aircraft's belly. The AMCA Mk1 variant will be powered by the US-built GE414 engine, providing a thrust of 90 kilonewtons (kN). However, the more advanced AMCA Mk2 variant will utilize a more powerful 110kN engine, which will be developed indigenously by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defense major. This indigenous engine development is a key aspect of India's self-reliance efforts in critical defense technologies. Other advanced features incorporated into the AMCA design include a diverterless supersonic inlet for controlling airflow into the engines and a serpentine air intake duct to shield the engines from radar emissions, further enhancing its stealth characteristics. The AMCA represents India's ambitious pursuit of developing an indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, marking a significant leap in its defense capabilities. In contrast, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is classified as a 4.5-generation single-engine multirole aircraft, highlighting the technological advancements incorporated in the AMCA project.
The primary differentiating factor between fifth-generation fighter aircraft like the AMCA and fourth-generation aircraft lies in their stealth capabilities. Fifth-generation aircraft possess a low electromagnetic signature, making them significantly harder for enemy radar systems to detect. Simultaneously, they are equipped with powerful sensors and advanced weapons systems, enabling them to detect and engage enemy aircraft effectively. Stealth features such as an internal weapons bay and a larger internal fuel tank are integral to the design of fifth-generation aircraft like the AMCA. The internal weapons bay can accommodate up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and multiple precision-guided munitions, with a total payload capacity of 1,500 kg. This internal carriage of weapons and fuel minimizes the aircraft's radar signature, as external fuel tanks and externally attached weapons create a larger radar cross-section, making them easier to detect. The AMCA will utilize specialized materials on its surface to divert radar signals rather than reflecting them back, further reducing its radar signature and enhancing its stealth capabilities. The article also mentions the #FundKaveriEngine online campaign, which gained traction on X (formerly Twitter). The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of DRDO is responsible for the design and development of the Kaveri Engine, a low-bypass twin-spool turbofan engine with a thrust of 80 kN. Only a handful of countries, including the US, Russia, the UK, and France, possess the advanced technology and metallurgy required to manufacture engines capable of powering combat aircraft. India is currently not among these countries, despite its ongoing efforts to achieve self-reliance in manufacturing critical technologies, including cryogenic rocket engines. The Kaveri Engine Project was initiated in the 1980s with the aim of developing an indigenous jet engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. However, due to technical challenges, the project was delinked from the Tejas program in 2008.
The concept of 'generations' in fighter jet technology signifies a substantial leap in technological capabilities that cannot be easily integrated into existing aircraft through upgrades or retrofitting. Each new generation introduces significant advancements in areas such as avionics, engine technology, stealth, and weapons systems. Currently, there are five generations of fighter jets that are or have been in active service, with sixth-generation jets currently under development. The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwable, developed by Germany during World War II, is considered the world's first jet fighter, marking the beginning of the jet age in aerial combat. First-generation fighter jets (1943 to 1955) emerged during the final years of World War II. These jets primarily operated at subsonic speeds and had relatively basic avionic systems and limited self-protection measures. Examples of first-generation jets include the Messerschmitt Me 262, North American 5-86 Sabre, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, and Hawker Hunter. Second-generation fighter jets (1955 to 1970) were capable of transonic and supersonic speeds during level flight. They also featured the first fire control radars and semi-active guided missiles. Examples include the Mikoyan MiG-21F, Sukhoi SU-9, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (interceptors), and Republic F-105 Thunderchief and Sukhoi SU-7B (fighter-bombers). Third-generation fighter jets (1960-1970) were the first to be designed with multi-role capabilities, enabling them to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. They also featured capabilities for beyond visual range air-to-air combat. Examples include the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23, and Hawker Siddeley (later British Aerospace) Harrier. Fourth-generation fighter jets (1970 to 2000s) saw the emergence of true multi-role aircraft. This generation was the first to utilize fly-by-wire (FBW) control systems, enhancing maneuverability and stability. Examples include the Grumman F-14 'Tomcat', General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, McDonnel Douglas (later Boeing) F/A-18 'Superhornet', Sukhoi Su-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, HAL Tejas LCA, and Dassault Rafale. Fifth-generation fighter jets (2000 onwards) fully embrace stealth technology, advanced integrated avionics systems that provide pilots with a comprehensive understanding of the battlespace, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Currently, only the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), and China (Chengdu J-20) have developed operational fifth-generation aircraft. India is currently developing its own fifth-generation aircraft with the AMCA project. The article concludes with a post-read question from the UPSC CSE 2024 exam, asking readers to identify which of the listed aircraft (Rafale, MiG-29, Tejas MK-1) are considered fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The correct answer is (d) None.
Source: Knowledge Nugget: Why India’s 5th-Gen Fighter Jet AMCA is important for UPSC Prep