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Aircraft comparison

Comparison of India’s AMCA and American F 35

Comparison of India's AMCA and American F 35

In the evolving realm of advanced military aviation, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) from India and the F-35 Lightning II from the United States stand as key symbols of their respective nations’ ambitions.

The AMCA, still in the development phase, embodies India’s strategic vision for a homegrown, cutting-edge fighter jet designed to meet future combat challenges. On the other hand, the F-35, an already operational marvel of American aerospace engineering, has set the standard for modern stealth and multi-role versatility.

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Comparison of Russian Su30 and France built Rafale fighter jet

“In this comparison, we will delve into the two different fighters, the AMCA and the F-35, examining their technological innovations, strategic roles, and potential impacts on global air combat dynamics.”

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is an advanced Indian fighter jet, featuring a single-seat, twin-engine design with all-weather capabilities and fifth-generation stealth technology. It is being developed for both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, aiming to enhance India’s combat prowess with its multirole versatility.

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In contrast, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II represents an American family of single-seat, single-engine stealth aircraft, known for its air superiority and strike mission capabilities. The F-35 also excels in electronic warfare and offers advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions.

Length:

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  • The AMCA measures 17.6 meters (57 feet ) in length, while the F-35A is slightly shorter at 15.7 meters (51.4 feet).

Height:

  • The AMCA stands at 4.5 meters (14 feet 9 inches) in height, whereas the F-35A is marginally taller at 4.4 meters (14.4 feet).

Wing Area:

  • The AMCA’s wing area is 55 square meters (590 square feet), whereas the F-35A has a significantly larger wing area of 43 square meters (460 square feet).

Empty Weight:

  • The AMCA has an estimated empty weight of 12,000 kilograms (26,455 pounds), while the F-35A’s empty weight is 13,290 kilograms (29,300 pounds).

Maximum Takeoff Weight:

  • The AMCA’s estimated maximum takeoff weight is 25,000 kilograms (55,116 pounds), compared to the F-35A’s maximum takeoff weight of 29,900 kilograms (65,918 pounds).

Fuel Capacity:

  • The AMCA has a fuel capacity of 6,500 kilograms (14,300 pounds), while the F-35A carries 8,278 kilograms (18,250 pounds) of internal fuel.

Maximum Speed:

  • The AMCA can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.15 (2,600 km/h or 1,600 mph), whereas the F-35A reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 at high altitude and Mach 1.06 (700 knots or 806 mph) at sea level.

Range:

  • The AMCA boasts a ferry range of 5,324 kilometers (3,308 miles) and a combat range of 1,620 kilometers (1,010 miles). In comparison, the F-35A has a range of 2,800 kilometers (1,700 miles) and a combat range of 1,410 kilometers (870 miles) in air-to-air configuration.

Service Ceiling:

The AMCA can reach a service ceiling of 20,000 meters (65,000 feet), while the F-35A operates up to 15,000 meters (50,000 feet).

In a bold step towards innovation, India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is set to revolutionize its production process with 3D printing technology. By integrating 3D printing, HAL anticipates substantial benefits ranging from cost reduction and faster turnaround times to optimized material usage. The adoption of 3D printing not only promises to streamline production but also offers opportunities to mitigate material waste, a critical challenge in aerospace manufacturing.

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The F-35 A design is robust; in contrast to its 8,000-hour design life, its service life has been evaluated to reach 24,000 hours. The F-35A has an extremely low radar cross-section, at 3.8mm, which reduces its radar profile. Multiple software and processor updates have been made to the F-35A. Progress includes improved weapon capability and electronic warfare systems. The current version, known as Block 3F baseline, is moving towards Block 4, with software and weapon improvements planned twice yearly in 2024.

The AMCA is currently being developed and will have sophisticated avionics, including an electronic pilot function. A fighter platform typically needs two pilots. One is a pilot who flies, while the other is a mission pilot (who directs the flying pilot). Only one cockpit and an electronic pilot will be present on this jet. As a way to improve situational awareness and collaborate with the advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite onboard the AMCA, distributed passive sensors with AI-assisted multi-sensor data fusion are anticipated.

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The F-35 Lightning II features a single-seat cockpit with advanced automation and AI, enabling the pilot to handle both flying and mission-critical tasks. Its Distributed Aperture System (DAS) offers a 360-degree view, enhancing situational awareness. Supported by an advanced electronic warfare suite, the F-35’s AI-driven sensor fusion integrates data from various sensors, providing a complete battlefield picture. This technology reduces the pilot’s workload and significantly boosts the aircraft’s combat effectiveness.

since HAL realised the primary goals and advancements needed for AMCA for future aviation projects when constructing aircraft. In collaboration with international suppliers and via innovative research for newer weapons, the Defense is advancing its weaponry. The Brahmos air-to-ground missile, ASTRA, RUDRAM, Laser guided, and precision munition pods will all be made available by the AMCA. Radar and infrared search and tracking features are some additional elements that aid aircraft detection.

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The F-35 features two internal weapon bays and four weapon stations. There are air-to-air missiles at the two inboard weapon stations. Among the air-to-surface weapons for the outboard station are the Joint Direct Attack Munition, the Paveway line of bombs, the Joint Standoff Weapon, and cluster munitions. The AIM-9X or AIM-132 ASRAAMs can be mounted on either of the wingtip pylons, which are canted outward to lower the radar cross-section.

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Aircraft comparison

Comparison of Russian Su30 and France built Rafale fighter jet

Comparison of Russian Su30 and France built Rafale fighter jet

The Su-30 and Rafale are two prominent multirole fighter aircraft that have garnered significant attention in the global defense community. The Su-30, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi, is renowned for its versatility and advanced avionics, while the Rafale, produced by France’s Dassault Aviation, is celebrated for its agility and cutting-edge technology.

In this article, we will compare both fighters, examining their design, technological advancements, and operational capabilities to understand how they stack up against each other in the competitive landscape of modern aerial warfare.

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The Sukhoi Su-30 is a Russian fighter jet with two engines and seats for two pilots. It’s designed to fly in all weather and perform air-to-air and ground attacks. It can fly with autopilot and use radar to navigate at low altitudes. The Su-30 can attack both air and ground targets alone or in groups. As of 2024, about 600 of these jets have been built.

The Rafale, is highly versatile, boasting advanced avionics and a wide array of weapons capability. Its design prioritizes agility and adaptability, making it effective in various combat scenarios. As of 2023, approximately 259 Rafale jets have been built, showcasing its significant role in modern air warfare.

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Both the Su-30 and Rafale are advanced multirole fighters, each with unique capabilities and design philosophies.
Length:

  • The Su-30 measures 21.935 meters (72 feet ) in length, whereas the Rafale is shorter at 15.27 meters (50 feet).

Wingspan:

  • The Su-30 has a wingspan of 14.7 meters (48 feet), which is notably wider compared to the Rafale’s wingspan of 10.90 meters (35 feet ).
  • Max Takeoff Weight:
  • The Su-30’s maximum takeoff weight is 34,500 kilograms (76,059 pounds), significantly higher than the Rafale’s maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 kilograms (54,013 pounds).
  • Powerplant:
  • The Su-30 is powered by two Saturn AL-31FL/FP turbofan engines, each providing 74.5 kN (16,700 lbf) thrust dry and 122.58 kN (27,560 lbf) with afterburner. In contrast, the Rafale uses two Snecma M88-4e turbofan engines, delivering 50.04 kN (11,250 lbf) thrust dry and 75 kN (17,000 lbf) with afterburner.
  • Rate of Climb:
  • The Su-30 has a rate of climb of 230 meters per second (45,000 feet per minute), while the Rafale boasts a superior rate of climb at 304.8 meters per second (60,000 feet per minute).
  • Maximum Speed:
    The Su-30 can reach speeds of up to 2,120 km/h (1,320 mph, Mach 2) at high altitude, while the Rafale has a maximum speed of 1,912 km/h (1,188 mph, Mach 1.8).
  • The Su-30 has a service ceiling of 17,300 meters (56,800 feet), exceeding the Rafale’s service ceiling of 15,835 meters (51,952 feet).

The Su-30 is renowned for its robust airframe, exceptional maneuverability in all axes, and its iconic “cobra” maneuver. The tactical effectiveness of the cobra maneuver has been a topic of debate for decades, with no clarity its practical application. Designed originally for ground-attack roles, the series incorporates features such as canards, thrust-vectoring engines, and a long-range phased-array radar to excel in air-superiority missions.

Meanwhile, the Rafale was meticulously crafted with reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared signature in mind. Modifications from the initial technology demonstrator include tail-fin size reduction, fuselage reshaping, repositioning of engine air inlets beneath the wing, and extensive use of composite materials. Seventy percent of the Rafale’s intake surface area consists of composites, enhancing its stealth capabilities. However, many features aimed at minimizing the Rafale’s visibility to threats remain classified.

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In terms of armament versatility, the Su-30 is equipped with a robust store management system that allows for the integration of a wide range of weapons and equipment. The Su-30 features 12 hardpoints for mounting various ordnance, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and bombs. Additionally, it is armed with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, and it can be armed with a diverse array of weapons such as the R-27 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, and various types of bombs.

While the Rafale utilizes a store management system compliant with MIL-STD-1760, facilitating seamless integration of various weapons and equipment. With 14 hardpoints (13 on the Rafale M version), including five suitable for heavy armaments or auxiliary fuel tanks, the rafale vs su 35 Rafale boasts a maximum external load capacity of nine tons. Additionally, it is armed with the 30 mm GIAT 30 revolver cannon and can be configured with an array of laser-guided bombs and ground-attack munitions.

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