The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), in collaboration with Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd. (SDAL), a private industry partner co-developed a 150-kg class Loitering Munition UAV (LM-UAV).
The drone system has an indigenous Wankel engine which is a perfect blend of efficiency and reliability, essential for defence products. With an operational range of up to 900 kilometres and an endurance for 6-9 hours, the drone is reliable for long missions. The system also has an operability at service ceilings reaching 5 kilometres which ensures altitude flexibility. The system is fitted with cutting edge features, such as GPS-denied navigation, essential for situations where the GPS is compromised, along with a low-radar cross-section that enhances its stealth characteristics.
The drone system is also updated with latest AI technology for target identification which will boost precision and autonomy during missions.
Next, is the field testing for High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), a solar-powered unmanned aircraft, capable of a sustained flight above a 20-kilometre altitude. These HAPs act as pseudo-satellites, used for extended surveillance, communication, and reconnaissance purposes.
The field testing of the 150-kg class LM-UAV and the development of solar-powered HAPs mark important milestones in India’s evolving indigenous defence technology landscape. These advancements are testament to the country’s commitment to building resilient and self-sustaining defence assets through collaborative public-private partnerships and cutting-edge aerospace research.
They are part of India’s efforts to develop self-reliant defence technologies under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Initiative.
