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Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    4th Jul, 2022

Context

Recently,Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the maiden test flight of a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka.

About 

  • The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or a combat drone is powered by a small turbofan engine which is of flying wing type.

    • The engine is Russian TRDD-50MT originally designed for cruise missiles.
    • A small turbo fan engine is being developed indigenously to meet the requirement.
  • It is developed under unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) programme.
  • It is designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru,primarily for the Indian Air Force.a premier research laboratory of DRDO.
  • The flying wing type of aircraft refers to a tailless fixed-wing aircraft which houses its payload and fuel in its main wings and does not have a defined fuselage-like structure found in conventional aircrafts. 
  • The design has the potential to deliver high fuel efficiency and stability if executed with precision.

Significance

  • The Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator is a precursor to an autonomous stealthy UCAV,primarily for the Indian Air Force. 
  • The UCAV will be capable of launching missiles and precision-guided munitions.
  • Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown.
  • This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft.
  • This is a significant step towards self-reliance in strategic defence technologies.

Developments of UAV by DRDO

  • DRDO is in the process of developing UAVs of different classes to met the requirements of the armed forces. 
    • Rustom-2, the indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV under development, had crossed a milestone by reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet and an endurance of 10 hours in December 2021.
  • It is being designed to reach an altitude of 30,000 feet and 18 hours endurance.

Verifying, please be patient.