SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has released a tender for the supply of stretched acrylic canopy systems for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The tender specifically calls for six canopy bubbles that adhere to MIL-W-81752A and MIL-C-81590 specifications, which are standards for military aircraft windshields and canopies. This marks a significant step in the development of India’s indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet, which requires advanced components to meet the demanding requirements of modern air combat.
The tender outlines that the canopy bubble is to be manufactured from stretched acrylic laminated material, known for its high durability and optical clarity. This bubble will be mounted on a metal frame using fasteners, and the entire assembly, referred to as the Canopy System, is expected to meet stringent performance and safety criteria.
The supplier for this tender will be responsible not only for the production of the canopy bubbles but also for corroborating and improving the design of the Canopy System. This includes designing and manufacturing the necessary tooling, proving the manufacturing process for the canopy bubbles, and qualifying them according to ADA’s Specification Document.
The supplier is also expected to provide feedback on potential design improvements for both the canopy bubble and the frame to ensure optimal performance.
Canopy Specifications and Requirements
The tender outlines that the canopy bubble is to be manufactured from stretched acrylic laminated material, known for its high durability and optical clarity. This bubble will be mounted on a metal frame using fasteners, and the entire assembly, referred to as the Canopy System, is expected to meet stringent performance and safety criteria.
Key specifications of the canopy system include:
- Service Life: 5 years or 3000 operational hours, whichever comes first.
- Pressure Tolerance: Must withstand internal pressurization and external aerodynamic loads of 8.86 psi at temperatures of 90°C.
- Bird Strike Resistance: The windscreen and canopy bubble should withstand a 4 lb bird impact at 850 kmph with less than 50% impairment of forward vision and no injury to the pilot. This is to meet standards equivalent to ASTM F 330.
The deflection limits of the bubble under stress are also clearly defined:
Z-direction: 2 mm
X-direction: 15 mm
Y-direction: 17 mm
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