NAL hands over AMCA’s carbon composite flaperon test box to DRDO’s ADA

Aeronautical Development Agency (A), in collaboration with CSIR-NAL, has successfully designed and developed a cutting-edge Flaperon Structural Assembly for vanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, India’s to-be 5th generation stealth fighter jet, achieving a breakthrough in composite technologies.

CSIR-NAL handed over jointly developed IM7 carbon composite based flaperons for AMCA Project to A. | Image: NAL

This milestone was marked by completion of AMCA’s Flaperon Test Box Assembly on October 5, 2023, a significant day for Indian aerospace industry. According to sources from National Aerospace Laboratories director's office, assembly has been officially handed over, symbolising a milestone in this collaborative effort.

A gets a breakthrough in composite technologies

As per NAL, project utilised 'state-of--art' intermediate modulus gre carbon composites (IM7), a futuristic material with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. A and NAL worked toger to study robust, mid-level carbon materials.

flaperon assembly, a critical component of AMCA, incorporates co-cured technology, a cutting-edge approach to composite fabrication. This achievement is set to revolutionise design and production of medium-weight combat aircraft, as high-strength carbon composites promise a reduction in overall weight, according to NAL's official statement.

Metal-cutting for AMCA 

Last year, R Mhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, marked onset of AMCA’s technology demonstrator’s development by launching 'Metal Cutting for Titanium Bulkhe of AMCA aircraft' at Aircraft Manufacturing Division, Nashik, on July 13. event was also attended by AK Ghosh, Project Director (AMCA) at A, along with senior officers from DMRL, A, and or key government agencies.

HAL along with officials from A and DRDO ahe of AMCA's metal-cutting. | Image: X

Future prospects for AMCA

Looking ahe, first proto rollout of AMCA is anticipated in near future, following HAL's plan to commence production between 2026-28. However, full-fledged production operations are slated to kick off in 2029, as per a prior statement from HAL.

In parallel, AMCA program would in future see augmentation of an indigenous 125kN thrust engine. DRDO would develop this in a joint venture with anor firm. As of now, Rolls Royce and Safran are leing choice of a JV with DRDO. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Safran facilities during his France visit on October 11, 2023.

Defence State Minister Ajay Bhatt, last year, highlighted strategic importance of AMCA program, emphasising its cost-effectiveness in comparison to similar fifth-generation aircraft.

“ process for obtaining Cabinet Committee on Security’s (CCS) approval for design and proto development of vanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been initiated. 5th Generation fighter aircraft, due to very special features, are costlier than 4th Generation fighter aircraft. Since AMCA is an indigenous 5th Generation aircraft, it is less costly than similar aircraft available outside,” stated State Defence Minister.

AMCA project is India's second foray into fifth-generation fighter aircraft, following not-so-satisfactory collaboration with Russia on SU-57 Felon program, and it highlights India’s ‘Atma Nirbhar’ initiative in pursuit of self-reliance.