India’s New 5.5 Gen Fighter Jet Prototype Ready by 2028
India is planning to have the first prototype of its 5.5 generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) ready by 2028. This project was discussed in detail at a recent meeting between the Indian Air Force and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Key Features of the AMCA
The AMCA will be a stealth aircraft weighing around 27 tonnes and capable of carrying a large weapons load. The aircraft will have the ability to carry missiles in a concealed configuration for enhanced stealth. Conventional weapon carrying capacity will also be significant.
Development Timeline
If engine production and other activities proceed on schedule, the first prototype will be ready by 2028. The aircraft will require six to seven years for development and preparation for future combat scenarios. Mass production is expected to start by 2035.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The DRDO will select a development and production partner, including both public and private sector firms.
LCA Mark 2 Program
The LCA Mark 2 program, a 4.5 generation fighter, has been delayed by a year due to funding issues. The LCA aircraft will be powered by American GE engines, with the LCA Mark 1 and Mark 1A using GE-404 engines and the LCA Mark 2 using the more advanced GE-414 engines, which will be manufactured in India with indigenous content.
Doubts Revealed
5.5 Gen Fighter Jet -: A 5.5 generation fighter jet is a very advanced type of airplane used by the military. It has special features like being hard to see on radar (stealth) and can carry a lot of weapons.
Prototype -: A prototype is the first version of something new. It’s like a test model to see if the design works before making more of them.
2028 -: 2028 is a year in the future. It means that the first test model of the new fighter jet will be ready in that year.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) -: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is the name of India’s new fighter jet project. It’s a special airplane designed for fighting in the air.
Indian Air Force -: The Indian Air Force is the part of India’s military that uses airplanes to protect the country.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) -: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a group in India that works on making new technology for the military.
Stealth Aircraft -: A stealth aircraft is a type of airplane that is designed to be hard to see on radar, making it difficult for enemies to detect.
Mass Production -: Mass production means making a lot of something, like many copies of the new fighter jet, after the prototype is tested and approved.
2035 -: 2035 is another year in the future. It means that by this year, India plans to start making many of the new fighter jets.
LCA Mark 2 -: The LCA Mark 2 is another type of fighter jet that India is working on. It’s a 4.5 generation fighter, which means it’s also very advanced but not as much as the 5.5 generation jet.
4.5 Generation Fighter -: A 4.5 generation fighter is a very advanced airplane used by the military, but it doesn’t have all the latest features that a 5.5 generation fighter has.
Funding Issues -: Funding issues mean that there are problems with getting enough money to pay for the project, which can cause delays.
