SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), under the aegis of DRDO, is on the verge of achieving another milestone with the impending maiden flight of the Archer-NG, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV. According to Tarmak Media House (TMH), the high-speed taxi trials (HSTT) of the UAV have been successfully completed, paving the way for its debut flight.
Military sources confirmed to TMH that efforts are underway to conduct the first flight of Archer-NG before the much-anticipated Bengaluru Air Show, scheduled to begin on February 10, 2025. However, if the timeline proves challenging, the UAV is expected to fly by March 2025 at the latest.
Archer-NG is a Single Engine Twin Boom (SETB) configuration UAV with an all-up weight of 1,700 kg. It can carry up to 400 kg of payload, making it a versatile platform for armed missions. Designed to meet the specifications of the now-downgraded TAPAS program (previously known as Rustom-II), Archer-NG shares common avionics, software, Ground Control Station (GCS), and Ground Data Terminal (GDT) with TAPAS, ensuring compatibility and reducing developmental redundancies.
Despite its delayed timeline—originally slated for a first-quarter 2024 flight—Archer-NG has garnered interest from the Tri-Services Command (CINCAN) based in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This strategic command recognizes the UAV’s potential for surveillance, reconnaissance, and armed roles in the region, especially given its ability to carry precision-guided munitions and other weapon systems.
The Archer-NG embodies India’s push toward indigenous UAV development under the #MakeInIndia initiative. It promises to provide the Indian Armed Forces with a cost-effective and technologically advanced solution for modern warfare. As a weaponized UAV, Archer-NG is poised to enhance India’s aerial capabilities, addressing the growing demand for effective MALE UAVs in diverse operational scenarios.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.