SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)] of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is progressing with the development of a new radome for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), also known as Tejas, under its ongoing project DRAP (Development of Radome for Advanced Platforms). The new radome aims to enhance the performance and operational capabilities of the LCA by improving the aircraft’s radar and sensor systems.
The radome being developed by R&DE(E) for the LCA is conical in shape, designed to accommodate the advanced radar and sensor systems that are critical for the aircraft’s performance. With a total length of 1972mm and a diameter of 892mm at the fuselage end, the radome is built to meet the specific aerodynamic and functional requirements of the LCA. The shape and size are crucial for ensuring that the radome offers minimal interference with radar signals while maintaining the structural integrity and aerodynamics of the aircraft.
A prototype of the radome has already been realized, and it is expected to undergo rigorous functional and structural testing. These tests will evaluate the performance of the radome under different operational conditions, including high-speed flight, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stresses. The primary objective is to ensure that the new radome can withstand the extreme conditions experienced during flight while providing optimal radar performance.
In order to conduct the various tests, an interface frame is required to mount the radome onto a test fixture. This frame will ensure that the radome is securely held in place during functional evaluations and stress tests. The interface frame is designed to align the radome accurately with the test fixture, allowing for precise measurements and validation of the system’s performance before it is mounted on the actual LCA aircraft.
At present, the LCA-Tejas is equipped with a radome supplied by Cobham Limited, a British aerospace manufacturing company based in Bournemouth, England. The Cobham radome has been used to house the radar and other avionics systems on the LCA. While the existing radome has proven functional, the development of an indigenous radome under Project DRAP will provide several advantages, including greater control over the design and production processes, enhanced compatibility with indigenous systems, and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.
The development of an indigenous radome for the LCA is a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense technologies. As the LCA continues to evolve, particularly with the impending induction of the Tejas Mk1A and future Mk2 variants, having an indigenous radome ensures that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will have complete control over the design, testing, and maintenance of critical components.
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