India's AMCA expected to make first flight by 2032.

According to Indian Aeronautics Development Agency (ADA), the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), being developed as India's next generation fighter (fifth-generation jet fighter), is expected to make its first flight by 2032.

AMCA design model (Picture source : Wikimedia, Johnxxx9 contributor)

According to ADA, 2 Next Generation Technology Demonstrators (NGTD) of the AMCA are expected to make their first official flight. “The AMCA will feature geometric stealth and will initially fly with two GE-414 engines. Once we develop our own engines, it can be replaced with those…” said AMCA designer.

He added that “There are two major ways of making a military platform stealthier. One is geometric stealth and other is material stealth. In geometric stealth, the shape of the aircraft is designed at such angles so as to deflect away maximum radar waves thereby minimising its radar cross section. In material stealth, radar-absorbing materials are used in making the aircraft which will absorb the radio waves thus reducing the radar footprint. The AMCA will initially be based on geometric stealth, we can look at material stealth at a later stage. Apart from the technologies developed from the LCA project, the new fighter program is important as technologies now being demonstrated will be applicable to the AMCA project.”

The AMCA, designed by ADA, will then be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Indian DRDO as defined this aircraft as its "fifth-generation-plus platform" and expects that this advanced aircraft will procure the Indian Air Force the air superiority it seeks to gain.

This indigenous aircraft will be designed for ground attack, bombing, intercepting, strike and other various roles and will combine supercruise, stealth, advanced AESA radar, supermaneuverability and advanced avionics. India, through this project, again demonstrates its desire to give the priority to its own defense industry.

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