How DRDO's Strategic Use of Composites in Tejas LCA Unexpectedly Enhanced Stealth Capabilities, Surpassing Similar Fighter Jets Globally

In a groundbreaking development, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has revealed that the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas boasts one of the smallest Radar Cross-Sections (RCS) in its class.

This remarkable achievement is attributed to the extensive use of composite materials in the aircraft's construction, highlighting India's leadership in composite technology for defence applications.

While not originally intended as a stealth fighter, the Tejas's design has inadvertently granted it impressive stealth capabilities, surpassing similar fighter jets worldwide.

The DRDO reports that a significant 45% of the LCA-Tejas's airframe weight is composed of composite materials. This is substantially higher than the composite usage in many other contemporary fighters.

Moreover, an astounding 90% of the aircraft's external surface is made up of composites. This strategic implementation of composites not only provides structural advantages but also significantly reduces the aircraft's radar signature.

Unlike many of its counterparts that rely heavily on metallic structures, the Tejas's composite airframe excels in minimizing electromagnetic reflection—a crucial factor in modern aerial warfare. This design element enhances the aircraft's survivability in challenging combat environments where evading radar detection is paramount.

Composites possess inherently lower radar reflectivity compared to metals. By incorporating such a high percentage of composites in the Tejas's design, the DRDO has ensured that the aircraft has a naturally low RCS, making it harder to detect by enemy radar systems. This stealth advantage is a game-changer in modern air combat, where the element of surprise can be decisive.

Although stealth was not a primary design objective for the Tejas, the extensive use of composites has inadvertently contributed to its stealth characteristics. As a result, the Tejas exhibits a greater degree of stealth than other aircraft in its category, providing a tactical edge in operational scenarios.

Beyond its stealth benefits, the composite construction contributes to the Tejas's lightweight design, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced maneuverability. Composites also offer excellent corrosion resistance, reducing maintenance demands and extending the aircraft's service life.

The DRDO has been a pioneer in the adoption and development of composite technology in India. The organization's emphasis on composites for defence applications has not only benefited the Tejas program but has also paved the way for future indigenous defence projects.

Through dedicated research and development, the DRDO has achieved mastery in composite manufacturing, ensuring that these materials meet the stringent requirements of military aviation, including strength, durability, and stealth performance.

This accomplishment underscores India's growing capabilities in aerospace technology and its commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Tejas LCA stands as a testament to the DRDO's innovative use of composite materials, demonstrating their potential to enhance stealth capabilities and revolutionize modern fighter aircraft design.

 

[R. Singh]

This PAPPU Tejas need upgrade, first power it with 95 Kn Rolls Royce engine ! It must attain Mac 2.25 speed since its primary role is air defence, Its combat radius must be 900+km can carry 4 ton of weapon load ! Incorporate Geometric stealth tech in its air frame to make it invisible on radar ! Ink deal with UK for 95 kn EJ engine with IP rights !

 

[KVS]

Great News. Congrats for DRDO. 🎉🎉
Shame on DRDO & HAL Bashers!

 

[mqx9d]

In Dubai , people are making homes by utilising 3d printing. There is rocket engine is produced in India . So can be the air frame

 

[mqx9d]

Agnikul is 3d printing rocket engine dubai have 3d printed homes. If taken innovation from private participants we can make cheap stealth air frames for the world

 

[Anil Tiwari]

We are soo used to patting our backs that we do not hesitate to do the same in the face of failure. As months pass by without enough aircraft in our inventory we sure derive good solace from such talk 🦜

 

[Takumi]

This PAPPU Tejas need upgrade, first power it with 95 Kn Rolls Royce engine ! It must attain Mac 2.25 speed since its primary role is air defence, Its combat radius must be 900+km can carry 4 ton of weapon load ! Incorporate Geometric stealth tech in its air frame to make it invisible on radar ! Ink deal with UK for 95 kn EJ engine with IP rights !

It cannot go beyond 1.6 mach because of the simple pitot design of the intake, the airflow at supersonic speeds need to be slowed down to sonic level using multiple sonic booms which cannot be achieved using this design.

 

[tipoo2]

I've wondered about the prospect of a still affordable variant on Tejas that incorporates all the RCS reducing features that are not so expensive to do, such as serrated joins between panels which are currently all square and flat lines.

China is doing this with their fourth-gen platforms.

 

[sanket]

Good job done by DRDO. First, Tejas is the smallest fighter jet by size. Second, the use of composite material will make it semi-stealth. Love to see it fly with an indigenous Kaveri engine in the future.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

It's a matter of debate how much low RCS is effective in actual combat. Low RCS is effective when you have sensors, radars, EW pods and missiles to that proportion. For eg. if F35 doesn't have top class sensors and radars it's not much effective despite this having low RCS. That's why I always am sceptic about how much effective Tejas' rcs will be esp. when it has almost no design features which aids in stealth.

 

[Dredd]

Need some data which compares Tejas RCS with contemporary fighters like F16, Gripen, Rafale, J10, JF17 and FA50

 

[Abs29]

It's a matter of debate how much low RCS is effective in actual combat. Low RCS is effective when you have sensors, radars, EW pods and missiles to that proportion. For eg. if F35 doesn't have top class sensors and radars it's not much effective despite this having low RCS. That's why I always am sceptic about how much effective Tejas' rcs will be esp. when it has almost no design features which aids in stealth.

That and the fact that the movement u latch external EW pods, FLIR/ Targeting pods, ordnance and external fuel tanks all the RCS is thrown out of window. The low RCS only applies in operational environment when u have something like the F-35 internal weapons bay or Rafale's SPECTRA active cancellation system. When u dont have either of them, all the talk of low RCS is just useless.

 

[The Presence]

That and the fact that the movement u latch external EW pods, FLIR/ Targeting pods, ordnance and external fuel tanks all the RCS is thrown out of window. The low RCS only applies in operational environment when u have something like the F-35 internal weapons bay or Rafale's SPECTRA active cancellation system. When u dont have either of them, all the talk of low RCS is just useless.

Active Cancellation is a load of bs. Any half-decent frequency hopping renders it useless.

Now consider each TRM can hop individual frequencies in an AESA, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of them in a single radar.

Coming to RCS reduction, even the Super Hornet does it with it's angled intakes and tilted radar. Tejas with it's Internal EW Suite and DRDO's GaN SPJ will be a beast in its weight class.

 

[Suddhasattwa Bandyopadhyay]

The RCS of Tejas is 0.5 square meter while the RCS of Rafale is between 0.1 and 1 square meter. The RCS of JF-17 is 3 square meter.

 

[Kira]

Any modern 4th Gen jet has extensive usage of composites in place of traditional heavier metals.

 

[Enforcer]

I've wondered about the prospect of a still affordable variant on Tejas that incorporates all the RCS reducing features that are not so expensive to do, such as serrated joins between panels which are currently all square and flat lines.

China is doing this with their fourth-gen platforms.

The panel gaps have to be filled in with this rubbery/clay like material. If you look up unpainted 5th jen jets then you will see that very clearly, its those weird looking dark lines. That material must be re applied regularly.

 

[tipoo2]

The panel gaps have to be filled in with this rubbery/clay like material. If you look up unpainted 5th jen jets then you will see that very clearly, its those weird looking dark lines. That material must be re applied regularly.

RAM upkeep is expensive, which is why I suggested leaning into anything they can do more affordably. China's already doing this on their fourth gen fleet adapting serrated joins etc.

 

[Sandeep]

Compared to other countries India used a lot of composite materials very early on before other countries even thought about using it to replace their all metal fuselage and parts which is cheaper to make and use for a short period.

India needs to use more indigenous content and more composites to cut down on foreign expensive imports. We should also paint it with radar absorbing paint to make them semi stealthy and reduce the RCS even more.