The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Radiation Absorbent Materials (RAM) to meet the stealth requirements of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5th generation fighter jet. The AMCA is expected to have enhanced stealth capabilities due to the use of composite materials, including RAM, and shaping techniques. The DRDO has already used composite technology in the Tejas fighter aircraft, which has improved its sturdiness and allowed for longer missile ranges. The organisation is also exploring new composite options, such as ceramic matrix composites, carbon fibre silicon carbide, and silicon carbide materials, for use in hypersonic missiles and aero engines. The DRDO has established centres of excellence at 15 locations to collaborate with academia and industry to develop solutions in this field. Additionally, the organisation is working on bulletproof jackets and armour protection using ultra-high molecular weight polyethene fibres, with the goal of developing domestic fibre production capabilities.
Pioneering research: DRDO is crafting cutting-edge composite materials for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, says DRDO chief.
