AMCA's Upgrade-Focused Modular Design Ensures Long-Term Dominance

The Aeronautical Development Agency's (ADA) Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fighter jet design.

By prioritizing a modular architecture and embracing spiral upgrades, the AMCA is poised to remain relevant and potent for decades to come.

The Benefits of Spiral Upgrades​

The AMCA's "Block" development strategy allows for seamless introduction of new capabilities and technologies over its lifespan.

Rather than requiring a total aircraft overhaul at fixed intervals, incremental updates maintain the AMCA's technological edge.

This approach ensures adaptability in a constantly shifting threat landscape and keeps operational costs in check.

Modular Design for Maximum Flexibility​

Central to the AMCA's upgradability is its modular design. A prime example is its engine bay, specifically designed to accommodate different engine variants without significant structural modifications.

This flexibility offers a significant advantage: as next-generation engines with increased thrust become available, they can be integrated into the AMCA, boosting its overall performance.

The Engine Evolution​

While initial AMCA prototypes and the Mk I variant will utilize F414 engines, the AMCA Mk II is set to feature a considerably more powerful engine, targeting 110kN of thrust.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is seeking international collaboration for this new engine, but the AMCA's modular design promises a smooth integration process for any selected manufacturer.

This translates to a faster development timeline and reduced costs. Importantly, the AMCA's design leaves the door open for future engine advancements, safeguarding its performance superiority over the long term.

Future-Proofed for the Long Haul​

The AMCA's emphasis on upgradeability extends far beyond initial development stages. This philosophy ensures the fighter remains a potent asset even as technology continues its relentless march forward.

This intelligent approach by India's Aeronautical Development Agency demonstrates a deep understanding of the requirements for a truly future-proof fighter in the 21st-century battlespace.

 

[Pramkumar]

Let us have the Mk1A first flight and MK 2 production dirat

 

[Shafted mohammed]

Don’t Evan post any articles as I know you cannot do it. Try to buy some foreign made fighter where the persons involved make huge money. How can Korea and turkey build one so quickly and are selling now in international market. How come Korea was behind India and now bidding to export the submarines. I feel you cannot do anything , don’t waste money. Tejas I can gaurentee if they roll out Evan 10 planes in 2024.

 

[INDIAN]

Whatever it is do it fast , if we take another 15 -20 years for induction , then world will be gone to not Sixth but in Seventh generation fighters.

 

[Sridhar]

Whatever it is do it fast , if we take another 15 -20 years for induction , then world will be gone to not Sixth but in Seventh generation fighters.

5th to 7th gen will take atleast a minimum of 5 to 6 decades time frame.

 

[shivathelord]

What's point providing your critical project's day to day update and future plan to world including your most secretive enemies ? Seems there is no policy, protocol and such plan is openly distributed to everyone.

 

[Akshat]

Don’t Evan post any articles as I know you cannot do it. Try to buy some foreign made fighter where the persons involved make huge money. How can Korea and turkey build one so quickly and are selling now in international market. How come Korea was behind India and now bidding to export the submarines. I feel you cannot do anything , don’t waste money. Tejas I can gaurentee if they roll out Evan 10 planes in 2024.

Because they didn’t leave it to DRDO and DPSUs. Free market competition is the only way to succeed.

 

[sanket]

India should First Finalise Foreign partner for 110kN-120kN Thrust Engine it will impact the Timeline of AMCA MK2 if is further delyaed.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Modular design is an important hallmark of 6th gen fighter jets. F22 did not have a modular (upgradeable) design. That is why even minor upgrades cost a lot of money.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

For the love of god! stop yapping about a project that as of now is purely on paper and is a stuff of fantasy. Focus on delivering contracted LCA-MK1A on time. I won't even bother discussing the Tejas MK2, the TEDBF and the AMCA as all of them a figment of imagination and presently do not exist. We are unlikely to see Tejas MK2 any time before 2036-37 and AMCA wont come anytime before 2040. Same is the case with TEDBF.

STOP TALKING, STOP DREAMING, and START WORKING!!!!!! on current projects at hand and focus on delivering on time

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Ok, lets list down all things AMCA is
- AMCA is future proof.
- AMCA is 5.5 gen.
- AMCA is Stealthy.
- AMCA is AI aware.
- AMCA is indigenous.
- AMCA is super fast.
- AMCA will have Indian Jet Engine.
- AMCA will have DSI intakes.
- AMCA will have thrust vectoring.
- AMCA will have support for network centeic warfare.
- AMCA has great 3D renders made by ADA/HAL.

Now lets list down things AMCA isn't:-
- AMCA is not flying

Umm, oh well!

 

[sanket]

Modular design is an important hallmark of 6th gen fighter jets. F22 did not have a modular (upgradeable) design. That is why even minor upgrades cost a lot of money.

you are Right Future upgrades in AMCA will happen quickly.

 

[sanket]

Ok, lets list down all things AMCA is
- AMCA is future proof.
- AMCA is 5.5 gen.
- AMCA is Stealthy.
- AMCA is AI aware.
- AMCA is indigenous.
- AMCA is super fast.
- AMCA will have Indian Jet Engine.
- AMCA will have DSI intakes.
- AMCA will have thrust vectoring.
- AMCA will have support for network centeic warfare.
- AMCA has great 3D renders made by ADA/HAL.

Now lets list down things AMCA isn't:-
- AMCA is not flying

Umm, oh well!

who said AMCA is Flying it Future Project & Funds are approved so Tentative Roll out is 2028 End. second Thing that is Real difference between other on going 4.75 Stealth Fighters project & AMCA. They too b inducted post 2030 or in Next Decade. and most likely Block Building with Foreign Help..India is going well planned approach.

 

[Anant]

What's point providing your critical project's day to day update and future plan to world including your most secretive enemies ? Seems there is no policy, protocol and such plan is openly distributed to everyone.

Agreed. They probably should get someone to look over their OpSec procedures.

 

[CCPSmasher]

Another featuring adding another week..here goes to untenable status

 

[Anant]

who said AMCA is Flying it Future Project & Funds are approved so Tentative Roll out is 2028 End. second Thing that is Real difference between other on going 4.75 Stealth Fighters project & AMCA. They too b inducted post 2030 or in Next Decade. and most likely Block Building with Foreign Help..India is going well planned approach.

Depends on how you look at it. The fact remains that the '5-'th generation jets such as the KF-21 or the Kaan will be inducted before the AMCA. AMCA Mk 1 is a jet of the same category, and honestly does not look to be getting inducted before the late 2030s.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Depends on how you look at it. The fact remains that the '5-'th generation jets such as the KF-21 or the Kaan will be inducted before the AMCA. AMCA Mk 1 is a jet of the same category, and honestly does not look to be getting inducted before the late 2030s.

Kf21 and kaan, fc31 are pseudo 5th gen fighters at best. They are mainly made for export market, basically rich countries like saudi and UAE can buy them, since they cant get their hands on true 5th gen jets.

 

[Indeevar Sharma]

Depends on how you look at it. The fact remains that the '5-'th generation jets such as the KF-21 or the Kaan will be inducted before the AMCA. AMCA Mk 1 is a jet of the same category, and honestly does not look to be getting inducted before the late 2030s.

KF21 & Kaan are not full 5th gen fighters. KF21 is for sure 4.75 gen with no internal bay to carry weapons. As far as Kaan is concerned, nothing is decided as of now. It's bigger also, bigger than F22 raptor. No idea about RCS etc.
AMCA is going fine. We will hv to hv patience. No one will help us.

 

[nakul1307]

If we can solve production issues for mk1A, we can carry the momentum for other models too. So getting 12 to 16 out per year is critical.

 

[Biju UK]

DRDO has always been in "lala" land and in spite of more pressure from GOI remains hopelessly inadequate and the only thing they excel in are periodic bombastic statements. There is a lot of blatant lying going on and either the higher ups are part of the conundrum or they lack intent to set this right. The third possibility is that we do not have any other viable options.