Development Of AMCA Will Result In A Significant Increase In India’s Technological Capacity

The basic design phase of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is already complete, and the detailed design phase has begun.

R Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), stated that the development of AMCA will result in a quantum leap in India’s technological capability. “ADA is advancing the AMCA development programme, and HAL is its design partner. It is an indigenous fifth-generation fighter featuring features such as stealth, internal weaponry, super cruise, serpentine air intake, and other features that are in line with fifth-generation aircraft technology.

The prototypes will be built using SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) concepts integrating the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO), HAL, and private companies, he said.

A new Flight Control System integration facility was unveiled last week at Bengaluru’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. The facility will aid in the development of avionics for fighter aircraft and the fifth-generation aircraft’s flight control system.

The figurative metal cutting for the first prototype of AMCA was revealed by DRDO earlier this month.

In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha on March 14, Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Defence, stated the process for acquiring the Cabinet Committee on Security and prototype development AMCA has begun.

“Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are more expensive than fourth-generation fighter aircraft due to unique features. “Because the AMCA is a self-contained fifth-generation fighter aircraft, it is less expensive than comparable aircraft available outside,” he explained.

HAL is also building a Greenfield helicopter factory on a 615-acre plot of land in Tumakuru to produce Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) and other futuristic projects. Despite the fact that the production facility is still being put up, the inauguration is scheduled for July/August, along with the first production LUH from the facility.

“Manufacturing facility would be created as per Industry 4.0 norms,” Madhavan added, updating on the status of the helicopter plant. “At this time, the factory is expected to produce 30 LUHs every year, but that capacity could be increased to 60 in the future depending on order availability,” he said.

The LUH is a three-ton utility helicopter designed and built by HAL in India to satisfy the needs of the Indian Air Force and Army. The LUH helicopters will replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopter fleet.

“Considering the predicted growth in helicopter requirements in the days ahead, the Tumakuru plant will play a vital role in expanding helicopter manufacturing in the country.” We expect demand for these types of helicopters in the civil and export segments, in addition to our Defense Forces,” Madhavan said.