SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program is taking a significant leap forward with state-owned MIDHANI and DRDO’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) at the forefront of developing next-generation alloys for its stealthy aerostructures. These cutting-edge materials will be instrumental in making the AMCA a formidable 5th-generation fighter jet, evading enemy radar detection.
MIDHANI is no stranger to contributing to India’s indigenous aircraft development. They have already successfully developed and supplied crucial materials for the AMCA program, including 12 slabs of titanium. This showcases their expertise in crafting specialized alloys that meet the demanding specifications of advanced fighter jets.
DMRL is pushing the boundaries of metallurgical research, developing next-generation alloys specifically for the AMCA. One such innovation is the High Strength Metastable Beta Titanium Alloy. This remarkable material offers significant advantages for aerospace structural forgings. Being lighter than traditional steel components translates to improved fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance.
The AMCA program isn’t solely reliant on titanium. DMRL is also actively developing other next-generation alloys:
- Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP): These advanced composites offer exceptional strength and rigidity at a fraction of the weight of traditional metals. CFRP’s ability to reduce heat radiation and radar reflections further enhances the AMCA’s stealth capabilities. 45% of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas’ body is constructed from composites, highlighting the benefits of weight reduction and improved structural efficiency.
- Aluminium Alloys: DMRL’s expertise extends to developing specialized aluminium alloys that offer a balance of strength, weight, and affordability, making them suitable for various AMCA components.
- High-Tech Steels: For areas requiring exceptional strength and durability, DMRL is developing high-tech steels that will be strategically integrated into the AMCA’s design.
DRDO labs haven’t stopped at just materials. They’ve also developed specialized paints designed to absorb and scatter radar waves, further enhancing the AMCA’s stealth profile. This multi-pronged approach – advanced alloys, composites, and radar-absorbent coatings – will make the AMCA a formidable force with a minimized radar signature.
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