PARIKRAMA
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An AMCA design incorporating all of the advanced features of the Rafale would produce superior results IMHO. The Rafale is an incredible design and ahead of its time for sure but it is still a 4.5+ gen fighter only and built optimising that mandate. There will be inherant issues in "5th genising" the Rafale, and I think the main issue may be the internal weapons bay- one can see this demonstrated on the comprimised internal weapons carrying performance of the F-15 "Silent Eagle".
Appyling all the lessons learnt from the Rafale with an entirely new, highly optimised, VLO airframe, improved powerplants, Indian/French AESA radar, next generation cockpit, full spectrum sensor fusion etc will produce an absolute beast.
And with France as a partner this won't be pie in the sky dreaming but very very attainable.
Small issue.. European folks like the term "unmanned" more as it sounds futuristic to them...
France may have similar view
But i tell you building AMCA as F35 inspiration is a bad choice.. Rafale as parent platform is far more sensible. The biggest benefit is Rafale already has very potent sensor fusion and in future upgrades F3R2 or otherwise previously called F4, they are making the standard even higher. Potentially the tech is available right now, if we fund the project and develop inhouse jointly the 5th Gen tech, i see a very strong chance for AMCA success at 2030 timeline surely.
15 years are required fro larger rafale with Internal Weapon Door, newer engine development and protos flying and testing. And knowing M88 family, that engine can be far more delightful in terms of overall features and advanced as against GE 414.