AMCA – Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
AMCA is an indigenous programme to develop a fifth-generation fighter. AMCA will be single seat, twin engine, stealth aircraft with the ability to supercruise. AMCA will be capable of performing a variety of missions including (but not limited to) SEAD, ground strike and air superiority. DRDO is looking at incorporating sixth-generation technologies in AMCA.
There is a possibility of equipping AMCA with directed energy weapons, superior anti-missile systems, advanced missile approach warning systems and teaming it with unmanned systems, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said at Aero India-2021.
Development history
In 2008, IAF had asked ADA to develop a medium weight aircraft (MCA) to replace the ageing Jaguar and Mirage aircraft. In 2010 it was renamed as AMCA and it was intimated that it will be a 25ton aircraft as opposed to the initially stated 20 ton.
The first flight of AMCA is expected to be in 2025 and production is planned to be started by 2030.
The IAF plans to induct six squadrons of AMCA (around 120 aircraft) of which the first two will AMCA mk1 equipped with GE4141 engines and next four will be AMCA mk2 with indigenous engines.
Some more specifications of the AMCA
· Internal weapons bay
· Glass cockpit
· Advance variant of Uttam AESA radar
· Very small Radar Cross-section (RCS)
· S shaped air intakes
Conclusion
AMCA is to be in production around 2030 and the IAF faces a threat by China's J-20 stealth fighter(claimed) but as former Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said, our Rafales are enough.
AMCA will be a very capable aircraft, eventually incorporating 6th generation technologies and will continue to back the force in the coming decades.
Term breakdown
1. SEAD – Suppression of enemy air defense
2. Supercruise- Ability to attain sustained supersonic flight without using afterburners
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