SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a key research and development arm of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), continues to make significant strides in the design and development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). ADE has developed various UAV platforms, including tactical UAVs, surveillance UAVs, and target drones, catering to a wide range of mission profiles with versatile payload combinations and endurance capabilities.
As part of its ongoing efforts, ADE is now focusing on the development of Multi-Function Phased Array Radar (MPAR) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) radomes for its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV platform.
The radome is a critical component in UAV systems, protecting onboard radar systems from environmental factors while maintaining optimal signal transmission and reception. The proposed radomes for the MALE UAV will support MPAR and SAR operations, enabling advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The final testing parameters, including azimuth, elevation, and frequency steps, will be captured in Qualification Test Procedures (QTP) and Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) documents in consultation with Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the certifying authority for aerospace components in India.
Key Design and Testing Requirements
The development process involves rigorous design and functional testing to meet stringent operational specifications. The radome will undergo the following tests to validate its performance:
- Azimuth Angle Testing: Functional tests will be conducted at a minimum of 7 azimuth angles, ranging from 0° to 315°, to ensure 360° operational capability.
- Elevation Angle Testing: Tests will cover at least 6 elevation angles, from +5° to -45°, to validate performance in diverse operational scenarios.
- Frequency Bandwidth Operations: Measurements will be conducted at a minimum of 10 spot frequencies across the operational frequency bandwidth, ensuring compatibility with radar systems.
- Comparative Analysis: Performance will be measured both with and without the radome to quantify its impact on radar signal quality.
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