Daily News Analysis ‘Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme ’ : 28 May

Why in News:

• The Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Proposal to three shortlisted private bidding consortia to indigenously develop prototypes for India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

Key Facts: Core Features and Operational Architecture of AMCA

• Definition & Generation: AMCA is India’s premier indigenous program to design and manufacture a multi-role, twin-engine, fifth-generation fighter aircraft equipped with advanced stealth technology.
• Institutional Framework: The structural design and development are led by the Aeronautical Development Agency under the administrative oversight of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• Stealth Capabilities: The aircraft incorporates a highly complex geometric design to achieve a drastically reduced radar signature, employing serpentine air intakes, internal weapons bays, and specialized radar-absorbing materials.
• Supercruise Technology: The engine configuration is specified to support supercruise capability, allowing sustained supersonic flight without the use of fuel-intensive afterburners.
• Dedicated Infrastructure Hub: Development of the core industrial ecosystem is supported by a major dedicated defence infrastructure facility located in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Sathya Sai district.