AMCA Project Director Confirms: Prototype Unveiling by 2027, First Flight Goal Set For 2028
India's pursuit of indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet technology is gaining momentum, with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program poised for a major breakthrough.
Project Director Krishna Rajendra,
in a recent interview, outlined the ambitious timeline for the AMCA, targeting a maiden flight in September 2028.
A Collaborative Effort
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are leading the charge in developing the AMCA. Their efforts will center around the creation of five initial AMCA prototypes.
These prototypes will play a crucial role in refining the aircraft's design, as they'll undergo intensive flight testing. This testing will be used to evaluate critical systems like avionics, sensors, and overall combat performance.
Weapons Integration and Production Timeline
Before the AMCA can officially enter production, a thorough weapons integration process must be completed. The ADA and HAL will carefully select the initial weapons suite for the fighter and subject it to extensive testing and integration.
This process, along with necessary testing periods, is expected to push the AMCA's production clearance to approximately 2034-35.
Development Milestones
The ADA aims to unveil the first AMCA prototype by the end of 2027. To streamline the development process, the project will also include constructing a dedicated Ground Test Vehicle (GTV).
The GTV, a ground-based platform, will play a vital role in simulating various flight scenarios and testing critical aircraft functionalities on the ground before the prototype takes to the skies.
Ambitious Goals, National Pride
The successful maiden flight of the AMCA in 2028 would symbolize a major leap forward for India's aerospace industry and its ambitions for self-reliance in defense technology.
The AMCA project holds the promise of not only boosting India's military capabilities but also serving as a source of national pride.