In another step towards making India's 4.5-generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A more indigenous, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a homegrown radome for the fighter jet, which will eventually replace the imported component in the aircraft.
According to a report in Times of India, the indigenous radome, developed by the DRDO lab Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], Pune, has successfully met all the structural, mechanical and electromagnetic performance requirements. The technology is now undergoing flight trials before being transferred to industry for mass production.
The radome forms part of the aircraft's primary structure and houses the radar system. According to DRDO, its primary function is to protect the radar antenna from environmental conditions while having minimal impact on its electrical performance. It also provides structural integrity against aerodynamic and inertia loads, as well as impact from bird and hail strikes.
According to a DRDO official quoted by The Times of India, "We are in the process of conducting flight trials. This will be the final assessment, but the crucial thing is that our technology has met all requirements of the IAF during multiple evaluation trials."
Once inducted, the indigenous radome will replace the imported radomes currently used on the Tejas Mk1A.
According to DRDO officials, the technology has been developed to eliminate dependence on imported radomes and support the growing production of the LCA Mk1A.
The radome features a conical composite structure with variable thickness, an outer surface coated with electromagnetic transparent anti-static rain erosion-resistant paint, provision for a Nose Air Data Probe (NADP), and a lightning protection scheme compliant with MIL-I-83456 standards.
Its key features include a monolithic fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composite construction using quartz fibre reinforcement and cyanate ester resin, manufacturing through the Resin Film Infusion (RFI) process, lightning protection using diverter strips, and integration with the aircraft fuselage through a metallic interface ring.
According to a senior Indian Air Force officer, "With production of LCA Mk1A gathering pace and additional orders expected in the coming years, the indigenous radome technology is likely to play a key role in ensuring uninterrupted manufacturing while enhancing India's capability in advanced aerospace composite technologies."
