DRDO emphasizes composite materials’ critical role in advancing defense technologies. They enhance stealth and performance in fifth-generation aircraft and hypersonic missiles. India aims to reduce import dependence by developing indigenous fibers and lightweight structures, thereby bolstering national security and promoting self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities for progress.
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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman said that advancements in composite materials are crucial for developing India's fifth-generation aircraft and hypersonic missiles.
They are made by combining two or more materials with different properties to create a new material with specific characteristics. The individual materials are called constituents.
Composite materials are crucial in advancing defence technologies, mainly in the development of fifth-generation aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and bulletproof jackets.
They are lightweight, strong, and can be modified to meet specific requirements, such as stealth and durability. For example, the Tejas aircraft, which has 45% composites by weight in its airframe, benefits from enhanced stealth capabilities due to the extensive use of composites.
The DRDO has been an early adopter of composite technology in India. For example, the Tejas aircraft uses composites extensively, with 90% of its visible surface area made of these materials.
The DRDO has adapted composite technology for rocket motor casings in its missile programs, replacing traditional maraging steel. This shift has enabled longer ranges in strategic missile programs.
The Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) in Pune has also developed composite-based technologies like stealth radomes for fighter aircraft, sonar domes for naval ships, and lightweight military bridges.
Composites, particularly ceramic matrix composites and carbon fibre silicon carbide, are essential for the hypersonic missile and aero engine programs. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures and stresses, which are critical for hypersonic applications.
The DRDO is also exploring metal matrix composites, such as titanium matrix composites, to reduce weight in turbine disks. This will enhance the performance and efficiency of aero engines.
One of the key challenges is the dependence on imports for certain high-performance fibres, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and Kevlar, which are used in bulletproof jackets and armour protection.
However, Initiatives like the National Textile Mission aim to address this issue by promoting indigenous fibre development. The DRDO is optimistic that within the next four to five years, India will have its own indigenous fibres for these applications.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about composite materials: 1. They are made by combining two or more materials with different properties. 2. They are always heavier than traditional materials. 3. They are used in aerospace, electronics, and medicine. 4. They cannot be modified for specific applications. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1: Correct. Composite materials are made by combining two or more materials with different properties (e.g., fibreglass combines glass fiber and plastic). Statement 2: Incorrect. Composites are often lighter than traditional materials (e.g., Tejas aircraft uses composites to reduce weight). Statement 3: Correct. Composites are used in aerospace (e.g., Tejas aircraft), electronics, and medicine (as per the context). Statement 4: Incorrect. Composites can be modified for specific applications (e.g., stealth, durability, or extreme temperature resistance). |
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