Russian expertise in titanium
structures will be complemented by
India's experience in composites like in
the fuselage.[21] HAL is to be
contributing largely to composites,
cockpits and avionics according to
company statements made on 16
September 2008. HAL is working to
enter into a joint development
mechanism with Russia for the
evolution of the FGFA engine as an
upward derivative of the AL-37.
Speaking to Flight International, United
Aircraft chief Mikhail Pogosyan said
India is giving engineering inputs
covering latest airframe design, Hi-
Tech software development and other
systems.[39]
Differences for FGFA
The FGFA will be predominantly armed
with weapons of Indian origin such as
the Astra, a Beyond Visual Range
missile (BVR) being developed by India.
Although in keeping with the Russian
BVR doctrine of using a variety of
different missiles for versatility and
unpredictability to countermeasures,
the aircraft is expected to have
compatibility with various missile
types. The FGFA may include systems
developed by third parties.[40] It would
also include advanced Indian
composites in its structure. Majority of
the software would be of Indian origin,
along with Indian avionics. HAL will
also make about 30% design changes.
[ citation needed]
The completed joint Indian/Russian
versions of the operational fighters
will differ from the current flying
prototypes through the addition of
stealth, supercruise, sensors,
networking, and combat avionics for a
total of 43 improvements.
