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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a laboratory under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully completed studies on a 3D thrust vectoring nozzle system. Designed for potential integration into both manned and unmanned fighter jets, this system allows for thrust manipulation in all three axes—pitch, yaw, and roll—providing aircraft with enhanced manoeuvrability and agility.

GTRE’s latest development offers a strategic leap forward in India’s aerospace capabilities, promising operational advantages in air combat scenarios and potentially aiding in the nation’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

The 3D thrust vectoring system gives aircraft the ability to change thrust direction in three dimensions, which is particularly advantageous for air-to-air combat. This enables rapid directional changes, making it more challenging for opponents to predict the aircraft’s path. Unlike traditional control surfaces, which are highly dependent on airflow, 3D thrust vectoring is effective even at low speeds and near-stall conditions.

With a 3D thrust vectoring system, however, pilots retain greater yaw control even in stall conditions by vectoring thrust, bypassing the limitations of traditional rudder control. This technology is particularly valuable for combat scenarios involving rapid directional changes and enables manoeuvres such as supermaneuverability—seen in videos of the Sukhoi Su-30 performing controlled spins and stalls, holding positions nearly mid-air.

GTRE aims to develop a prototype of the 3D thrust vectoring nozzle that could be integrated with the Dry Kaveri engine, which was initially designed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program. A Kaveri engine variant with an afterburner section, tailored for higher thrust requirements.

The ground-level testing of the 3D vectoring system is expected to be a significant milestone, setting the stage for further integration with existing and future fighter platforms.

While it remains unclear whether the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will incorporate 3D thrust vectoring, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and GTRE have expressed openness to integrating it if it aligns with the IAF’s requirements or offers significant benefits to the AMCA program. Given the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) demand for high manoeuvrability and air superiority capabilities, 3D thrust vectoring could serve as a critical differentiator in future air combat capabilities.

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