SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In an era where aerial warfare is increasingly defined by stealth, range, and payload capacity, defense analyst Ranesh Rajan advocates for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to explore the possibilities of scaling up the design of the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) into a manned, 50-ton stealth bomber. Rajan’s proposal comes at a time when India seeks to assert its technological dominance in the region and beyond.
The Ghatak, initially a project for developing an autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicle, has shown promise with its stealth capabilities and flying wing design. Rajan suggests that by upscaling this design into a manned configuration, India could leapfrog into the domain of strategic bombers, akin to the U.S. B-2 Spirit or the forthcoming B-21 Raider but tailored to India’s specific strategic needs.
Rajan envisions a quadjet configuration powered by four 130kN engines, akin to those potentially developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This setup would provide the necessary thrust for a 50-ton aircraft, ensuring both speed and range essential for long-range strategic missions.
The transition from a UCAV to a manned stealth bomber would not only enhance India’s strategic reach but also its technological prowess. Such an aircraft could incorporate advanced avionics, stealth materials, and sensor technologies developed under the AMCA and other indigenous programs.
A 50-ton stealth bomber would give India a significant edge over regional rivals, showcasing its capability to project power beyond its immediate neighborhood, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where tensions are high.
The presence of such a bomber in India’s arsenal would serve as a deterrent, signaling to adversaries the country’s capability for precision strikes deep within enemy territory, even in contested airspace. The leap from a UCAV to a manned, heavy stealth bomber would require substantial investment, both in terms of financial resources and technological development.
The success of this program hinges on the development of high-thrust engines. India’s experience with the Kaveri engine for the Tejas suggests that engine technology remains a critical area needing attention. Rajan’s proposal for a 50-ton stealth bomber based on the Ghatak UCAV design presents an ambitious vision for India’s air force capabilities. While the path to realization is fraught with technical and logistical challenges, the strategic benefits of having such an asset in India’s military inventory are clear. If pursued, this project could mark a new chapter in India’s defense strategy, reinforcing its commitment to self-reliance in military technology and positioning it as a major player in global aerial warfare dynamics.
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