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SOURCE: AFI

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India’s Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program represents a significant leap in the country’s indigenous defence technology. Originally developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Ghatak UCAV is envisioned as a stealthy, autonomous aerial platform designed for offensive operations, powered by the indigenous 49kN Dry Kaveri engine.

The Ghatak program began with ADE’s SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed), a 1.1-ton technological demonstrator used to validate design principles and control mechanisms for the UCAV’s stealthy, tailless flying-wing design. After successful tests and validations, the Ghatak UCAV has now been scaled up to an estimated 13-ton weight, incorporating advanced features for autonomous combat roles and designed to carry precision-guided munitions for deep penetration strike roles.

The Ghatak UCAV’s current configuration includes a 49kN Dry Kaveri engine. However, for a larger, manned bomber variant, we would need to adjust both the MTOW and the engine thrust to achieve the required performance levels.

Scaling up the Ghatak UCAV from an unmanned 13-ton platform to a manned bomber would require structural reinforcements, a larger fuel capacity, enhanced avionics, pilot control systems, and potential armor, all of which would substantially increase its weight. Given the addition of these components, we can approximate the MTOW for a manned version based on existing bomber designs and scaling principles.

The existing Ghatak design features a front-center intake. For a bomber, side intakes, as seen in stealth aircraft like the B-2 Spirit, would be preferable for better airflow, reduced radar signature, and compatibility with the cockpit.

A bomber role necessitates advanced avionics for navigation, targeting, and self-defense systems. Additionally, increased payload capacity for various types of ordnance, from guided bombs to standoff missiles, would demand modular bomb bays and electronic warfare (EW) support. These changes, though beneficial for a bomber, would further add to the weight and complexity of the airframe.

For a manned version Adding a cockpit, life support systems, ejection seats, and protective structures for the pilot(s) would add at least 2-3 tons. A manned aircraft generally requires additional structural reinforcement, which could add 1-2 tons. To match a bomber’s role, the aircraft would need to carry a larger payload (e.g., 2-4 tons of munitions).

This results in an estimated MTOW of around 20-25 tons for a manned Ghatak variant, depending on specific design adjustments and payload configurations.

The Dry Kaveri engine, producing 49kN of thrust, is adequate for the 13-ton Ghatak UCAV in an unmanned, stealthy, high-endurance role. However, scaling up to a 20-25 ton manned bomber platform would require a significant boost in thrust to ensure adequate performance and maneuverability.

For a typical bomber configuration, the thrust-to-weight ratio (TWR) ranges from 0.3 to 0.5, allowing sufficient lift, range, and maneuverability while maintaining payload capacity.

Low-End Thrust Requirement (TWR of 0.3): For an MTOW of 25 tons: 25 , 000 kg × 9.8 m/s 2 × 0.3 = 73.5 kN

High-End Thrust Requirement (TWR of 0.5): For an MTOW of 25 tons: 25 , 000 kg × 9.8 m/s 2 × 0.5 = 122.5 kN

The Ghatak platform, designed for unmanned operation, requires significant adjustments for a manned version. Its desired thrust, ranging from 60-100 kN depending on weight and performance, exceeds the capabilities of the current 49 kN Dry Kaveri engine. While the 110 kN engine planned for the AMCA fighter program (offering 75 kN dry thrust) could be suitable for a 20-25 ton manned bomber, it’s not the only option. A twin-engine configuration using two Dry Kaveri engines could provide 98 kN combined thrust, but this would necessitate a major airframe redesign and potentially compromise the platform’s original stealth properties. Additionally, accommodating a crew, reinforcing the structure, and integrating additional payload would further necessitate significant airframe modifications, potentially impacting stealth characteristics.

The airframe would require extensive redesign for crew accommodation, reinforced structures, and additional payload, which could compromise its original stealth capabilities.

The concept of scaling the Ghatak UCAV into a manned bomber is technically feasible but would require substantial modifications, particularly in airframe design and propulsion. If the MTOW were scaled to 20-25 tons, a thrust of 60-100 kN would be needed for optimal performance, suggesting the need for an upgraded or dual-engine Kaveri solution. While this approach could eventually lead to a compact, stealthy bomber, the high development costs and need for structural adjustments make this a challenging but strategically promising endeavor for India’s aerospace ambitions.