Introduction to AMCA and the Stealth Concept
Hello and I welcome you to warfarenews. India is working very fast on AMCA i.e. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. But what is so special about it? Why is it being discussed everywhere? Now, the fifth-generation fighter jet that India is going to make will be called Ghost of the Sky. And there is a very solid reason behind this. India’s MG-21, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi 30 MKI have bombs and missiles hanging under their wings. Whose structure is hard and metallic? Apart from this, the fins of the missile, the curve of the fuel tank, all these things reflect radar waves. Due to which the location of such planes can be found. Now, the solution to this problem is an internal weapon bay. That is, you will not see weapons hanging outside in AMCA. It will run by storing all its missiles and bombs inside a weapon bay. Its weapon will open and close within 1 second.
️ Radar Cross Section (RCS) Explained
Now, after doing all this, low RCS is also taken care of. Now what is this? See, when radio waves or radar waves collide with an object and go back, then how big that object appears on the radar depends on its RCS. That is, the smaller the RCS, the smaller the object will appear on the radar. For example, the Sukhoi 30 MKI looks like a big car. F16 looks like a small car. Your Rafale looks like a motorcycle. That means it looks the size of a bike. And brother, F22 Raptor looks like a bullet from a gun. And the AMCA that we are going to make will look the size of a tennis ball or a bird.
RCS Reduction by Design
Now that you have understood RCS, also know how it is made? See if the body of a plane is made with sharp angles and curves, then its RCS reduces. That means radio waves will collide with it but will not go back; they will scatter, they will disintegrate. And RCS means radar cross section. That is why the aircraft’s doors, hatches, and even fuel caps are carefully designed. Their edges match perfectly and that is so that the radio waves do not bounce back. This is how stealth is maintained.
⚙️ Twin Engines in AMCA vs. Tejas’ Single Engine
Well, you must know that we are using double engines in AMCA. But in Tejas, we have used a single engine. After all, what change will come with it by installing two engines? I mean, installing two engines will only increase the cost. What is the benefit? What is being received in return? Let me tell you. Look, with the help of two engines, it can gain a very high speed very quickly. It can carry heavier bombs. It can carry missiles. Even if one engine fails, it will keep flying. Two engines also play a very big role in dodging and it will achieve supersonic speed without an afterburner.
Afterburner vs Non-Afterburner Supersonic
Look, what happens normally is that a fighter plane with a single jet engine can achieve supersonic speed only when an afterburner is used in it and afterburner means mixing more fuel with the oxygen left in the burnt gases inside the jet engine and burning it again to extract more power from the jet engine. Now the problem here is that it consumes more fuel and produces more heat. That means it will produce a bigger infrared signature, and heat seeking missiles will find it easily. So if there are two engines instead of a single engine, then supersonic speed can be achieved easily without an afterburner. For example, the F22 Raptor is the world’s first fighter plane to achieve supersonic speed without an afterburner. Now, the goal of AMCA is also to achieve supersonic speed without an afterburner.
MUMT (Manned Unmanned Teaming) Technology
Apart from this, MUMT technology will also be used in it. That means MUMT technology is also being used. Now this is the manned-unmanned teaming technology, that is, AMCA can fly with a drone army while guiding them. Look, Hindustan Aeronautics has developed or is developing the CAT system. That is, the Combat Air Teaming System, that is, a team of flying machines that will blindly follow the orders of AMCA in the air. That means, in battle, the pilot of AMCA will be like a commander.
Smart AI Drones – Decision Makers & Defenders
However, these drones will be completely free to make their own decisions, that is, to make decisions with the help of AI. But they will take data from AMCA, take instructions and later spy on the enemy, attack, and even sacrifice themselves. That means they will get destroyed themselves, but will save the fighter plane. These drones can fall on the same side as the enemy. That is, they can fall on top of the surface to air missiles. And if the enemy turns on its radar on it, it will immediately send the location of its radar to AMCA, and then AMCA will fire a missile from there and destroy the SAM site and radar.
Open Architecture, HMD, and Radar Evasion Systems
Open Modular Architecture – Plug & Play Futureproofing
Apart from this, AMCA will also use an open modular architecture. Now, understand what it means. Look, open architecture is like an assembled desktop. If a part gets damaged or you need to upgrade, remove the part and replace with a new one. If the technology is not too advanced, then there will be no compatibility issue. Now, the advantage of this will be that new bombs and missiles can be integrated with the fighter jet. New radars and jammers can also be installed. Things can be changed by upgrading. This will reduce the cost. Maintenance will become easy and our jet will be equipped with state-of-the-art cutting-edge technology.
Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) for Instant Target Lock
Apart from this, the pilots of AMCA will also use HMD technology. That is, a helmet-mounted display. So what used to happen earlier was that in a dog fight, the entire plane had to be rotated to lock the aircraft. It used to take time. There was always a risk of being shot down by the enemy. Now with this technology, the enemy is on your side. No problem. Turn the helmet and lock it. Just fire the missile. The missile will go and hit on its own. In which the target box, missile status, radar alert, flight data like attitude, speed, and G4, all these things will be available to the pilot in real-time on a transparent screen in the helmet. F-35 pilots use J3 HMD technology, which creates a complete battle view and shows it to the pilot.
US vs Export Models – The Downgraded Reality
The weapons that America sells to the whole world are slightly downgraded versions of the original technology. America never wants its top class technology to go to any other country, and that technology is used against it in the future. So, do not assume that the British Navy’s F35, which is gathering dust in Kerala, will be equipped with the same cutting edge power pack technology of the F35 that America is using. The F-35 is a great fighter plane but is overpriced. It is more expensive.
️ Inlet Duct Design for Radar Invisibility
Look, a fighter jet has to draw a lot of air into the engine to fly. For which, fighter jets of different countries use inlet ducts of different shapes. Some use rectangular, some trapezium, some use semi-oval shaped inlet ducts. Now, the problem here is that the compressor blades inside the jet engine, that is, the metallic fan, work like a mirror for radar waves. Understand it like this: how do you see an object? When light hits an object and comes back to our eyes. Radar also sees in the same way. When radio waves hit an object and come back, only then is the location of that object known.
S-Duct Inlet for Hiding Compressor Blades
Now in AMCA, we have made the path leading to the compressor blade curved like an S so that the radio waves cannot go straight to the compressor blade. And now, after reflecting inside the duct, they will not be able to go back to the radar after losing their energy and the plane will disappear from the radar.
RAM Coating – Turning Radar into Heat
Apart from this, RAM i.e. radar absorbing material coating will also be done on AMCA which will convert radio waves into energy i.e. radio waves will not go back after colliding. Now you can get RAM coating done here but after this you will have to pay the bills i.e. listen to the tantrums of this aircraft that you will have to bear.
️ RAM Maintenance – Temperature, Humidity & HEPA
RAM coating is very sensitive. It can get damaged in heat, ultraviolet radiation and high humidity. That is why it will have to be kept at a temperature of 20 to 25° for 24 hours i.e. in a controlled environment. Where humidity should be less than 50%. And this is nothing. No dust particle should fall on it. That is why HEPA filters will be used. That is, high efficiency particulate air filters will be used. Our hair is around 70 microns and these air filters will filter even particles 200 times smaller than that. Understand it like this, a satellite is made inside a clean room. To store this plane, we will have to maintain a clean room and you cannot park it on the ground.
⚡ Static Charge Threat – Burn Marks & Antistatic Flooring
For this, separate antistatic flooring will have to be made. You must have often seen that we also get shocked by touching something. That means we get shocked due to static charge. Now in the case of this plane, static charge is a big headache. It can cause burn spots on its radar, electronic warfare system, missile control system and even its RAM coating. That is why the floor that is prepared to park it, antistatic flooring is prepared using conductive or semiconductive materials like carbon, copper, mesh etc., which directly grounds the static charge.
☀️ Field Use vs Storage – Real vs Ideal Conditions
Now here this question must be coming to your mind: if AMCA is so delicate, then how will it withstand sunlight, dust, ultraviolet radiation while flying? Look, here you have to understand that there is a huge difference between the ideal condition and running condition of anything. Don’t run a motorcycle for 6 months. Its battery will go down, the brakes will jam, the clutch will jam, the fuel cap will not open. But if the same motorcycle keeps running, then you will not have to face all these problems. The RAM coating of these planes is designed to withstand stress. That means there are less chances of them getting damaged in running conditions. And anyway, after the mission, its maintenance etc. will definitely happen. That is why more caution is taken before the mission.
National Commitment & Bureaucratic Roadblocks
Now look, if you have come till here in the video, then you must also be feeling very good that we are also doing something for the fifth generation fighter plane. But you should also know that the system of our country is also contributing to this project by putting in all its efforts. That means when a file goes from one department to another for approval, then it lies for years and cries that Bhaiya, this is a matter related to the security of the country, please pass it. But how dare anyone take notice.
Tejas Project: A History of Delay
Tejas project could not get clearance from 1983 to 2001. Our own aircraft got stuck in paperwork. Even after an aircraft was designed, its testing could not start for 5 years because the file was not able to fly for approval. So how will it get cleared soon?
Lack of Long-Term Strategic Thinking
Defence R&D works on long term thinking. It works on planning and here the government changes and the thinking changes. The Kaveri engine was removed from the priority list after 2008. Whereas its drive version was completely ready. And your DRDO and Indian Air Force play such amazing games. Listen to them too.
Disconnect Between DRDO & IAF
Sometimes DRDO designs such products without knowing what the person who is going to use it needs inside it. The Indian Air Force never liked the first version of Tejas. And the arguments that were going on between DRDO and Air Force. You must have heard a lot about this in newspapers and news. And when the whole mess spread, then DRDO and Indian Air Force understood that they should talk to each other. It means that we have to tell each other what we want and also ask what do you want, Bhai sahib.
Tejas MK2 – Built with Feedback
The second version of Tejas was made when the Indian Air Force told DRDO in very clear words that this radar refueling probe and beyond visual range missile must be installed in it.
Slow Pace of Government Sector Work
Look at the level of hard work of the system. To what extent all efforts are being made to fail the defense project. And let me tell you, listen, the employees of government companies work at a snail’s pace. The project is getting delayed. Let it be, we will not give work to private companies.
️ Involvement of Private Players like Tata & L&T
Now companies like L&T, Tata have started getting projects for small works of AMCA and Tejas. Earlier, no one used to give work to private companies. And at the same time, companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing also give new startups for their small work, that go children, you also clean your hands. If you become big tomorrow, then the benefit will be from your own country.
Budget is Allotted, but Funds Are Delayed
Apart from this, funds are allotted in the annual budget but it takes years to clear. In 2021, the design of AMCA was completed. But until 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Security did not give clearance for full scale development. Meaning it took 2 years to give a clearance. And the clearance also went when it was found out that China had prepared more than 150 units of the Fifth Generation Fighter Plane. And tomorrow, this fighter plane will be lost on the LAC of our country i.e. our ears.
“Naak Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye” Attitude in R&D
Apart from this, there is another very big disease. There is a saying in R&D here, but the skin goes but should not be stunned. Meaning, there should be no research and development for the security of the country, but money should not be wasted. By the way, there is no shortage of money for such schemes Manji, Bahna ji, Bhaiya ji, father. And those who are out of power are also no less. In his manifesto, he also promised to run similar schemes. These are all rocks of the same plate.
When a Project Fails, It’s Shut Down Instead of Fixed
Now due to lack of money, the new ideas are delayed or rejected. It will not work, it will not work. Work is stopped on the paper itself by speaking. The afterburner version in the Kaveri engine failed between 2006 and 2009. After this, the entire project was freed. Whereas countries like the US, China and America kept their projects on even after four-times failed.
Rotten System = No Progress Despite Resources
Due to this rotten system, our country is not able to progress. Because we do not have a shortage of resources. This system is in dire need of reboot.
Reforming Defense Projects, Education & Innovation in India
India Needs a Strategic Defense Project Act
Now how will this happen? Let’s talk about this. India needs a Strategic Defense Project Act. There is a National Defense Authorization Act in the US that sets the deadline of every major project and there is an official investigation when delayed. We should also have a legal deadline here. There should be audits from time to time, accountability should be fixed and the government should work in mission mode.
A Unified Project Management System
Apart from this, a Joint Project Management Unit should be formed. For example, during Chandrayaan 3, ISRO created an integrated mission control room. That is, every department which was connected to Chandrayaan 3, all of them were working under one floor. In the same manner, DRDO, Armed Forces, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance should be assigned to the top engineers and managers of all of them and assign a task that whatever decision you have to take to succeed the project, you can take, you will not take it.
How BrahMos Succeeded: Direct Funding Model
Have you ever wondered how to develop BrahMos time? Because India Russia Joint Venture used to get direct funding. So in this way, there should be a direct funding corridor for high priority R&D projects. Where funding should be found on the milestone basis. If you showed this work, then the funding ahead was cleared.
Contingency Fund for Emergency Imports
A contemporary fund should also be made. For Emergency Equipment Imports. Infrastructure of testing is required. We do not have goods. Ask outside but research should not stop.
Enable Public-Private Partnerships
The platform of public-private partnership should be prepared. Israel’s Iron Dome has more than 40 private vendors. Overdependence on HAL, BEL, DRDO should be reduced. This will intensify innovation, computation will improve, quality will be better and it will be a step towards self-sufficient India.
Reward the Timely, Penalize the Delay
Apart from this, the penalty reward model should also be adopted. In the event of a project delay in the contract of the US Air Force, there is a clause of liquidated damage. That is, you will fill the damage to the Air Force because of you. The same clauses are in the contract of Germany’s Euro Fighter. If we give on time delivery, whatever defense contracts are given on time, then they should have a bonus and if the project is delayed, then there should be a provision of penalty.
Failure Immunity Policy for R&D
Apart from this, there should also be Failure Immunity Policy. If a project in India fails for the first time, then work closed on it, the project closed, the file closed, the money closed. ISRO’s cryogenic engine failed three times and today is GSLV world class, the reason behind which we did not stop funding. ISRO continued to work and today the result is in front of the world.
The new policy should have three test cycles immunity. There is no problem after the first failure. Funding should continue. Support your scientists. They are not working for any neighboring country. Are for us.
Revolutionizing Education for Defense Innovation
Now come on the most important part of the education system.
The DARPA Grand Challenge, NASA Open Innovation inside the US organizes competitions such as Lockheed Martin Boeing National Student Challenge. In these, children of colleges of schools distribute. And what was its result?
In the US, 14-year-old children developed a drone navigation system. Meaning a college project got integrated into the direct military-grade system.
China’s Model – Military-Civil Fusion
Come on, America is very advanced. Learn from China. The National Defense Student Program, Military Civil Fusion, Tier to Tier Three Cities in China has been built in regional labs. Now young children associated with them are trying their hands in such fields and the innovation done by them is funded by direct PLA i.e. from the People’s Liberation Army.
What India Can Do: Real Actionable Changes
Now this has happened abroad. What can India do? Brother, change the system of children’s education. Teach them the things that will be used in future. Nothing is going to be found from outdated things. Our education system needs steroids, not tonic.
Practical Curriculum, Not Theory
First of all, change the syllabus. Basic electronics, sensors — bring such things that see that the child feels like reading. Give small equipment in their hands so that they learn to run. Understand electronics, understand the computer and take it to the computer room in our country and say that touch will not deteriorate.
And this is happening in private schools. The matter of governments is different. Meaning that if a child wants to learn to run a computer, then he should have his own computer because he will not be able to learn in school.
DRDO School Program to Inspire Youth
The DRDO school program can be started. Where DRDO’s scientists go to schools and motivate children. Tell us about things. Develop their curiosity. If a child in a school also carefully listens to them and takes these things, then you will get a top class scientist in future.
Fix Engineering Colleges First
And my request is please do not make children’s junk with this inferior education in engineering colleges. In the first year, when any child enters an engineering college, he dreams that I will learn this, see it, I will do it and all the things change within 3–4 months. There is only one target: Pass the paper in some way. Why?
Launch National Defense Innovation Challenges
If you do not have a scientist because of the education system, then find out the scientist. Give Desi DARPA Grand Challenge. Start getting the Defense Olympiads. Start getting a nationwide R&D competition every year. Make a platform to submit open project or ideas.
Talent is Everywhere – Give Them a Platform
There is no dearth of mind in our country. You will find such ideas that technology will stand. No, there was an idea in the mind of a man in a village which could take a form of revolutionary technology. But the poor do not know where to submit that idea. How to be in front of the world? So give it the way and if you see some power in his idea or project, then grant it, fund it.
⚠️ Final Thought – Reform the System, Secure the Nation
If the future of a country is to be ruined, then destroy its education system. But I hope that maybe someone must be thinking about it and maybe we will also get to see good days.
