Medium
Combat Aircraft from 2009
The
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, is an indigenous attempt to develop a
fifth generation fighter aircraft, the most ambitious indigenous project to
reshape the Indian Air Force (IAF). It was in 2008 when, for the first time, a
plan to develop a twin engine "Medium Combat Aircraft" was publicly
announced. That was a different era. Mirage 2000 and Jaguar were to be phased
out by 2015. Two squadrons of Tejas Mk 1 were to be followed by only four
squadrons of Tejas Mk 2. India was gearing up for the MMRCA (Medium Multi-role
Combat Aircraft) to equip six squadrons. And talks with Russia just started
regarding the FGFA.
The
IAF approached ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) for the development of a
20 ton platform with stealth features. Initially, an amount of Rs 90 crore was
released for the preparation of the feasibility studies. The entire project
cost at that time was estimated at $2 billion with the commencement of the
first flight by 2017! The programme was to see two technology demonstrators
followed by seven prototypes. It was expected to be powered by a new variant of
the indigenous "Kaveri" engine developed by the GTRE (Gas Turbine
Research Establishment). Even there was a plan of potential cooperation with
Snecma. The project soon would be renamed as the “Next Generation Fighter
Aircraft" and ultimately AMCA.
A
five member team was set up in 2009, led by Ashish Kumar Ghosh. They were provided
the operational requirements of the IAF by VCAS N.A.K. Browne. The first drift
of a feasible configuration was completed by 2013. The first known model was
named 3B-01, which was to be followed by eight more design configurations. The
baseline configuration was improved with each successive model, culminating in
improvements in stealth, aerodynamics, payload capacity, layout, controls and
many others. Each model went through extensive studies and wind tunnel tests.
When the 3B-09 came, there were significant changes in design, wings, air
intakes, tails, weapon bays and vertical stabilisers. The 3B-09 would be
further improved in the coming time to reach the final design much later.
ADA
received draft Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQRs) in
September 2014. However, the next few years weren't much reportedly public, and
MMRCA and FGFA stole the limelight. Ironically, none would be fruitful. While
initially many were skeptical of India's capability to afford two different
fifth generation fighter jet programmes simultaneously, after one point, AMCA
became India's only resort to having fifth generation capability. An additional
grant of Rs. 447 crore was sanctioned in 2018. A "Project Monitoring
Team" was also formed to look after combat readiness and solve potential
maintenance issues at the design level itself. During a press interaction in
2020, then CAS ACM RKS Bhadauria iterated the commitment of the IAF towards
AMCA with the potential procurement of seven squadrons in multiple phases. The
first two squadrons would be powered by the imported GE F414 (F414-GE-INS6)
with a maximum output of 98 kN, while the rest will be powered by the
indigenous engine with a higher output (at least 110 kN).
Not
just a high output, but the new engine must have super cruise capability, which
will allow it to have the supersonic flight without using the afterburner,
which is crucial to sustain for a long time in the combat environment. ADA-GTRE
is currently in discussion with multiple foreign OEMs (Rolls-Royce, General
Electric and Safran) for the joint development. India aims for not just 100%
transfer of technology but active participation in design and development and
holds on to crucial knowledge of critical technologies like metallurgy as well.
In
2020, HAL took a ground breaking novel decision to include a private company,
culminating in a three way partnership with HAL and ADA. Thus, AMCA onwards
would progress as a public-private programme. The aim was to create a SPV
(special purpose vehicle) as fast as possible with the participation of the
private venture, which would be on equal financial and work terms with the
public sector. The PDR (preliminary design review) was completed in 2022,
followed by the completion of the CDR (comprehensive design review) in 2023. A
nod was given for the formation of the SPV for the "manufacturing and
production" of the aircraft. The year 2022 also witnessed the metal
cutting of titanium bulkheads.
In
early 2024, the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security headed by the PM) approved
and allocated Rs 15,000 crore for the development and manufacture of five
prototypes. According to the original plan, ADA, DRDO and HAL, along with a
selected private company, would build these prototypes. In mid-2024, a
high-level meeting was conducted between DRDO and the IAF to discuss the
further roadmap.
According
to the latest reports, now there are some changes in approach. Now onwards, it
will be a collaborative competition. In easy words, DRDO (ADA) will select two
development-cum-production partners (DCPP) involving one public sector and one
private sector entity. Thus, there will be two production lines, facilitating a
quicker commencement of the project. Thus, it also reduces the risk of
derailment if one production line hits the hiatus. However, India has yet to
solve the engine issue. Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, the continuous sanctions
and counter sanctions have put the global supply chain at risk. Almost every
major aircraft and engine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is facing slow
production rates.
As
of July 2024, the contract between India and the US for the GE F-414 engine is
yet to be signed. Besides, India has yet to select an OEM for the joint
development of the indigenous engine necessary to power later series of AMCA.
Though India is facing several challenges, work on AMCA is going on in full
swing. In fact, with time, there are improvements to it. According to the
latest news, the AMCA now has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 27 tons with
enhanced payload capability in the internal weapon bay. The first flight is now
expected only by 2028 and anticipated to enter production by 2035.
Article by Sankalan Chattopadhyay
(Twitter/X @vinoddx9)