Aerospace

These 3 firms offer the Engine for AMCA India’s fifth-generation fighter plane

The AMCA 5th generation fighter has all eyes on the Indian next-generation fighter plane.

By 2028, India's AMCA fifth-generation fighter jet prototype may fly.

The AMCA 5th generation fighter has all eyes on the Indian next-generation fighter plane. India has already started working on the Tejas mark 1 and mark 2, which exhibit amazing performance in terms of capacity and armament payloads. However, India is already making plans for a fifth-generation fighter plane. The majority of nations, including the USA, Russia, and China, have built fifth-generation fighters, but exports are prohibited because they are expensive to purchase, maintain, and repair.

Rolls Royce in talks with DRDO to rev up AMCA engines(Opens in a new browser tab)

Now that India is focusing on developing its fifth-generation fighter jets, HAL has developed fighter jets and helicopters that are quick, powerful, and nimble. Now, with assistance from the ADA, NAL, and DRDO, work is underway to create the next-generation fighter plane.

Making a fifth-generation fighter plane is not simple. There are some fundamental requirements that must be met, including its stealth design, engine capacity, and modern aircraft that can launch a powerful attack against adversary aircraft. Every company involved in the construction of this aircraft needs to be strengthened and enhanced to use the most recent technology. The engine of an AMCA aircraft is a key component that distinguishes it from others. India is still working to construct its own engine, but it hasn’t yet reached a satisfactory level due to the limited time available. However, India can’t develop an engine that can compete with Western ones. As a result, some nations are increasing their support for the development engine.

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The three most popular engine manufacturers, Rolls Royce, General Electric, and Safran, submitted proposals to AMCA. Let’s study what is included in their packages.

No 1, General Electric (GE), USA.

For the India AMCA 5th generation fighter program, General Electric (GE) has filed a proposal for the co-development of a new engine that will be based on the baseline 116 kN thrust derivative of the current GE F414 engine. To offset the European and UK arrangement with India, it may be possible to ease some of the restrictions governing technology transfer in the near future.

The F404IN20 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1 are provided by the American company GE. The MK-2 LCA’s F414-INS6 engines from the same manufacturer were chosen to power it as well.

The next iteration of the fighter jet engine, which GE is expected to build, may be interested in building for AMCA aircraft.

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No 2, Rolls-Royce, United Kingdom.

After Safran began to present its options for India, the British corporation Rolls-Royce immediately expressed interest. The British business, which is producing engines for sixth-generation fighters like the British Tempest and the Japanese F-X, is ready to work with India to meet its demand for fifth-generation engines.

It has volunteered to work with the country’s program for fifth-generation fighter aircraft to jointly develop and manufacture engines. In 2021, Rolls Royce first indicated a desire to create an engine for AMCA. According to reports, Rolls Royce has a Eurojet EJ200 variant with a 110–120KN thrust.

If the two parties’ negotiations are successful, Rolls Royce and DRDO may form a joint venture. Consider building a 110-kilonewton High Thrust Low Bypass Engine with the Intellectual Property Rights going to Indian manufacturers.

No 3, Safran Engines, France.

Longtime partners Safran and Indian HAL worked together to build the multirole helicopter engine that propelled the country’s Prachand chopper. Safran is prepared to collaborate with India to manufacture the AMCA engine and has agreed to all the terms and conditions outlined by that country.

A proposal to jointly develop a brand-new, cutting-edge 110-kilo Newton thrust engine for India’s AMCA fighter project with the DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment has also been received by the Indian government from the French company Safran (GTRE).

Like its rival in Europe, Rolls Royce, Safran has an interest in the result. It played a big role in the 36 Rafales that India bought in 2016. The M88 engine base type serves as the foundation for the joint venture between SAFRAN and DRDO, which is planned with full ToT.

According to the most recent developments, the AMCA will have the newest technologies, including powerful weaponry systems, AI voice commands, and advanced technology. Therefore, the engine of the airplane is important since, without it, it cannot mark or use its fighting strength.

The company that can accept the conditions like technology transfer and future assistance for aircraft engine maintenance, as well as export rights for AMCA aircraft, should be chosen after taking into account all of the pros and cons of the three engine manufacturers. If all the requirements are met, H A L will decide which employer to offer to produce the AMCA engine.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.