SOURCE: AFI
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has achieved a significant milestone in stealth technology with the development of two innovative radar-absorbing materials tailored for aerospace applications. These breakthroughs, named NiRaLa-Monolithic Radar Absorbing Laminate and ADRISHYA-RAM Paint, promise to enhance the stealth capabilities of aircraft, reducing their radar cross-section (RCS) and thus, their detectability by enemy radar systems.
NiRaLa, an acronym for “Nirantar Radar Absorbing Laminate”, represents a leap forward in the domain of radar-absorbing structures (RAS). This technology involves:
- Material: An aerospace-grade, multilayer epoxy resin-based composite.
- Process: Developed through an indigenous process, showcasing India’s growing capability in advanced materials science.
- Frequency Range: Effective in the X-band (8-12 GHz), which is crucial for many radar systems used in military applications.
- Absorption: Offers an impressive absorption rate of 80-99%, providing more than 10dB of RCS reduction.
- Thermal Stability: Can withstand temperatures up to 180°C, ensuring performance under various operational conditions.
- Qualifications: Has passed rigorous structural tests under both room temperature and hot-wet conditions, demonstrating its robustness and reliability in real-world scenarios.
ADRISHYA-RAM Paint
Complementing NiRaLa, ADRISHYA-RAM Paint provides an alternative method for stealth enhancement:
- Frequency Range: Also operates in the X-band (8-12 GHz), aligning with modern radar technology.
- Absorption: Achieves a commendable absorption rate of 75-90%.
- Density: Light, with a density range of 1.0-1.2 g/cm³, which minimizes additional weight to the aircraft.
- Application: Can be easily applied via spraying or with a paintbrush, making it practical for field use.
- Material: Made from indigenously synthesized raw materials, supporting self-reliance in defense technology.
- Substrates: Suitable for application on both aluminum alloy (AA) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) substrates, offering versatile use across different aircraft types.
- Cost and Scalability: Described as cost-effective and easily scalable, which is vital for widespread adoption in the defense sector.
Impact on Aerospace and Defense
The introduction of NiRaLa and ADRISHYA-RAM by CSIR-NAL signifies a major step towards enhancing India’s stealth technology capabilities. These developments not only support India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing but also position the country as a player in the global aerospace technology arena.
By reducing the radar signatures of aircraft, these materials can significantly decrease the likelihood of detection, thereby improving the survivability and mission success rate of military operations. The technologies are expected to find applications in both new aircraft designs and retrofitting existing fleets, contributing to strategic air superiority and tactical advantages in modern warfare.