https://www.aeromag.in/Magazines/9848624845.pdf
Dr GIRISH SHANTARAM DEODHARE
PGD(CA) & Director,
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
For ADA, the thrust of Aero India 2021 is to showcase the future technologies. Final configurations of AMCA and Tejas Mk. 2 will be showcased as well as the initial concept of TEDBF. The futuristic cockpits of AMCA and Tejas Mk. 2 will also be on display
The Operational Requirements for TEDBF have already been issued and flight testing is planned to commence from 2025-26.
The vision for ADA now is to achieve complete self reliance for combat aircraft (both Airforce and Naval) by 2035. Tejas Mk. 2 is planned to be rolled out by 2022 with start of induction by 2026. AMCA Mk. 1 is planned for roll out by 2024 with induction by 2031. AMCA Mk. 2 with advanced engine is planned to be inducted by 2035. TEDBF is planned to be rolled out by 2025 to be ready for induction by 2031.
AMCA is India’s ambitious 5th/ 6th Generation aircraft program. The feasibility studies of AMCA were completed in 2015. In 2019, IAF gave a formal go ahead for development of AMCA in two phases. AMCA Mk. 1 would be developed with an existing engine while AMCA Mk. 2 would have an advanced indigenous engine. Moreover, AMCA Mk. 2 would have 6th Generation capabilities. Today, the AMCA configuration has been frozen along with the architecture of all the systems. Detailed design has commenced and roll out is planned in 2024.