RTA-90 Receives Major Improvements in Structural Design, Aerodynamics and Cockpit Mock-up During 2023-24

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has announced significant progress in the development of the RTA-90, a regional transport aircraft designed to boost India's domestic aviation sector.

Key advancements during 2023-24 include major improvements in the aircraft's structural design, aerodynamic performance, and cockpit design.

Engineers at CSIR-NAL conducted extensive structural analysis and optimization of the RTA-90's fuselage. Focusing on factors like weight distribution, material thickness, and stress points, the team employed advanced simulation techniques to ensure a lightweight yet durable design.

This optimization process is crucial for maximizing fuel efficiency, a critical aspect for regional aircraft operations.

Aerodynamically, the RTA-90 has also undergone rigorous evaluation. Using high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, researchers analyzed the aircraft's stability and control characteristics.

This included simulating a full-scale model to optimize the size and shape of the tail surfaces and assess its overall aerodynamic performance. Detailed flow analysis helped refine the design of key components like the nacelles, winglets, and fairings, further enhancing the aircraft's efficiency.

A major milestone was reached with the completion of a full-scale RTA-90 cockpit mock-up. Equipped with advanced avionics and systems envisioned for the final aircraft, the mock-up provides a realistic environment for pilot training and evaluation.

The cockpit features next-generation displays, a Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system, and comprehensive controls for managing various aircraft subsystems. An electronic flight bag offers pilots essential data and calculations for enhanced situational awareness and decision-making.

CSIR-NAL's Propulsion Division also contributed to the project by developing a Cabin Air Compressor (CAC) for the RTA-90. This critical component will ensure passenger comfort and safety by maintaining cabin pressure during high-altitude flights. The development of the CAC is a significant step towards self-reliance in aircraft propulsion systems.

The RTA-90 program continues to gain momentum, with these advancements bringing the aircraft closer to realization. The project holds significant promise for India's aviation industry, offering a domestically-developed solution for regional connectivity and contributing to the growth of the country's aerospace capabilities.

 

[sandy 007]

It is better for the MOD to ask DRDO and HAL and private companies like TATA to invest to assist in the structural design and ask Ukrainian to join in massive way. Don't waste time on useless matter.

 

[SK]

I hope that Indian-Govt encourages a JV b/w Aircraft companies like Airbus, Embraer etc with Indian companies such as Tata, Mahindra etc. to manufacture their Civil Aircraft under Make-in-India program.

 

[Sandeep]

I hope that Indian-Govt encourages a JV b/w Aircraft companies like Airbus, Embraer etc with Indian companies such as Tata, Mahindra etc. to manufacture their Civil Aircraft under Make-in-India program.

Why should we develop a joint venture when we are developing and going to manufacture this indigenous plane ourselves?

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to quickly finish developing the plane as we need to develop our own aircraft so that we can transport passengers within the country.

Another reason is that our airline companies are currently spending millions in buying planes from Boeing and airbus. We need to focus on developing our own type of planes by starting with the regional transport aircraft. Once that is complete then we need to develop a longer version for long haul international flights. The only main import that we will have to make is with the engines but hopefully we can manufacture some of it under a license.

 

[M.H.]

Why should we develop a joint venture when we are developing and going to manufacture this indigenous plane ourselves?

The answer is simple and very obvious! These are companies with much more experience in aircraft development, with worldwide renown and recognition. The chances of achieving success when developing an aircraft on your own are very low and risky, just look at the difficulties that Russia and Japan faced and China still faces in their programs. Bombardier had to ditch the CSeries, CRJ and QSeries programs, and Mitsubishi canceled its SpaceJet.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

After completion of configuration design, a consultant should be asked to join and oversee the production manufacturing, trials, and modifications. Boeing or Airbus, one of them with considerable experience, should be the choice partner to set up the production line, train and oversee the workforce, and complete the project successfully. The successful completion of the project on a latest production and manufacturing line will then seed the commercial aircraft manufacturing in India and bigger aircraft like 150, 200, 300 seat aircraft can then be built in India.

 

[Rajesh]

Since this will be used as a regional aircraft, the production should be done by a consortium of Indian regional transport companies or Tata, making them a good customer. Like to see if Tata shows the same willingness as they show in screwdriving Western jets. At least we should be self-reliant in domestic air transportation. Don't know when Saras Mk2 will become a reality, which will end the assembling of German Dornier 228.

 

[Sandeep]

The answer is simple and very obvious! These are companies with much more experience in aircraft development, with worldwide renown and recognition. The chances of achieving success when developing an aircraft on your own are very low and risky, just look at the difficulties that Russia and Japan faced and China still faces in their programs. Bombardier had to ditch the CSeries, CRJ and QSeries programs, and Mitsubishi canceled its SpaceJet.

Those foreign companies will simply relegate us into manufacturing their planes under a license rather than develop a brand new plane together. Also they will ask for a large percentage in the joint venture and a large amount of the profits. Also why would they invest their money and develop a brand new plane with us when Boeing and airbus have already developed a plane in a similar category?

The whole point in developing our own indigenous plane is so that we don’t end up losing more money in paying that foreign company. Also we have the capability to develop the plane indigenously ourselves even if it takes a bit more time. Otherwise we will never learn how to develop complex aircraft, jets, systems, avionics etc which is why we need to developed it indigenously. As for foreign companies and why they failed is irrelevant as there is a huge demand for national and international planes in India which is going to grow even more so we already have a market for these plane and also the cheaper price compared to other companies will give us an advantage.

 

[SK]

Why should we develop a joint venture when we are developing and going to manufacture this indigenous plane ourselves?

Neither NAL or CSIR has any experience in developing a commercial Transport Aircraft.

These JVs will insure that Indian Aerospace has the experience to partner with NAL for the RTA or develop their own versions with time.

Right now Indian Aviation companies are operating mostly Airbus & Boeing Aircraft, so if the production lines of these Aircraft are in India, it can greatly reduce the MRO costs for the currently operating Aircraft.