Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) - Feasibility Study Underway; Probable Specifications

2010-11-21 Multiple newspaper reports indicate that the Indian Government has sanctioned Rs. 100 crore for the development of an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. In October 2010, Rs. 100 crore were released to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). ADA will prepare a feasibility study by April 2012.

The Director of ADA and Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) Mr. P.S. Subramanyam released proposed specifications for the AMCA:

• Weight - 20 tonnes
• Operational Range - 30 kilometers
• Stealth technology to prevent detection by enemy radars
• Super cruise flight capability
• Body carbon composites

The development of two technology demonstrators and seven prototypes have been planned. Government will release funds after the submission of the feasibility study.

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), formerly known as the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA), is a twin-engined 5th generation stealth multirole fighter being developed by India. It will complement the HAL Tejas, the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the as yet undecided MRCA in the Indian Air Force. The main purpose of this aircraft is to replace the aging SEPECAT Jaguar & Dassault Mirage 2000. Unofficial design work on the MCA has been started.