SOURCE: AFI
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), India’s premier aerospace research and development organization, has embarked on a critical phase of its ongoing projects by initiating the Detailed Design and Engineering (DDE) for three vital components of advanced fighter aircraft: the Centre Fuselage Structure, the Retractable Air-to-Air Refuelling Probe Support Structure, and the Inserted Fuel Tank.
ADA, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Defence, is renowned for its contributions to India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, particularly the Tejas fighter jet series. The agency’s expertise in aeronautical design, systems integration, and project management has been instrumental in positioning India as a credible player in the global aerospace industry. With the initiation of the DDE phase for these critical components, ADA aims to further refine the design and functionality of its aircraft, ensuring they meet the stringent operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and potentially compete in international markets.
The centre fuselage is a core structural component of any fighter aircraft, housing critical systems such as avionics, fuel systems, and weaponry integration points. It also serves as the backbone that connects the forward and aft sections of the aircraft, ensuring aerodynamic stability and structural integrity under high-stress conditions like supersonic flight and combat maneuvers. The detailed design phase will focus on optimizing the centre fuselage for weight reduction, durability, and ease of manufacturing while incorporating advanced materials and composites to enhance performance.
Air-to-air refuelling (AAR) capability is a game-changer for modern fighter jets, extending their operational range and endurance significantly. The retractable AAR probe support structure is a critical subsystem that ensures seamless integration of the refuelling probe into the aircraft’s airframe. ADA’s efforts in this area will focus on designing a robust and lightweight support structure that can withstand aerodynamic loads while ensuring the probe operates reliably during mid-air refuelling operations. This capability is particularly crucial for long-range missions and deployments, enhancing the IAF’s strategic reach.
Fuel capacity is a key determinant of a fighter jet’s mission range and loiter time. The inserted fuel tank, a modular component integrated into the aircraft’s design, allows for additional fuel storage without compromising the structural integrity or aerodynamic profile of the jet. The DDE phase for this component will involve optimizing the tank’s design for maximum capacity, safety, and ease of integration. This development is expected to enhance the operational flexibility of ADA’s aircraft, enabling them to undertake extended missions with reduced reliance on mid-air refuelling.
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