National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is collaborating with industry partners to develop a technology demonstrator for Active Radar Cross Section (RCS) Reduction Systems. This initiative aims to enhance stealth capabilities in aerospace applications, particularly for military aircraft.

Active RCS reduction involves employing advanced techniques to minimize the radar visibility of an object, making it harder for enemy radar systems to detect and track.

The methods can be categorized into several key approaches:

Active Cancellation: This technique uses antennas to emit signals that interfere with incoming radar waves, effectively cancelling out the reflected signals. Systems may utilize digital radio-frequency memory (DRFM) and phased array technology to analyse and generate the necessary signals for effective cancellation.

Radar-Absorbing Materials (RAM): These materials are designed to absorb radar waves rather than reflect them. NAL has developed various forms of RAM, including flexible sheets and coatings that can be applied to aircraft surfaces, significantly reducing their radar signatures across multiple frequency ranges.

Met Surfaces: Recent advancements have focused on using meta-surfaces—engineered materials that manipulate electromagnetic waves—to achieve both passive and active RCS reduction. These surfaces can dynamically adjust their properties in response to radar signals, enhancing their effectiveness over a broader bandwidth.

Current Developments

The collaboration between NAL and industry partners is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its defence capabilities through indigenous technology development. This includes:

Demonstration Projects: NAL is working on technology demonstrators that will showcase the effectiveness of active RCS reduction techniques on legacy aircraft. Initial tests have indicated significant reductions in radar signatures when using specially developed coatings and structures.

Material Innovations: The development of advanced materials, such as radar-absorbing paints and structures using magnetic flakes, is crucial for achieving desired RCS reduction outcomes. These materials are engineered to optimize absorption characteristics based on specific operational requirements.

Integration with Existing Systems: The new technologies are being designed for compatibility with current aircraft systems, ensuring that they can be integrated without extensive modifications to existing platforms.

The successful implementation of active RCS reduction technologies will have significant implications for India's defense capabilities. By enhancing the stealth features of its aircraft, India aims to improve its strategic deterrence and operational effectiveness in contested environments.

This collaboration reflects a growing trend in the aerospace sector towards integrating advanced materials science and electronic engineering to create more capable and survivable military platforms. As these technologies mature, they will likely position India as a competitive player in the global aerospace market, capable of not only servicing domestic needs but also contributing to international defence collaborations.

Agencies