SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is developing a new Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called the Archer-NG. The UAV is expected to be rolled out in early 2024 with the first flight expected by mid-2024.
The Archer-NG will be equipped with technologies like avionics, software, a Ground Control Station and a Ground Data Terminal developed for the Rustom-2 UAV program. The Rustom-2 program was closed down due to its failure to meet the Indian Armed Forces’ requirement of an altitude of 30,000 ft and an endurance of 24 hours. The Archer-NG is being designed to address these shortcomings.
The Archer-NG will have a Single Engine Twin Boom (SETB) configuration with an All Up Weight (AUW) of 1.8 tonnes. The UAV will be powered by a single turboprop engine and will have a range of 1,000 km. The Archer-NG will be equipped with a variety of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, radar, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems.
The development of the Archer-NG is a significant step forward for India’s UAV program. The UAV will provide the Indian Armed Forces with a much-needed capability for long-range surveillance and reconnaissance.
Specifications of the Archer-NG UAV:
- Length: 11 meters
- Wingspan: 18 meters
- Height: 3 meters
- Maximum takeoff weight: 1,800 kg
- Engine: Single turboprop
- Range: 1,000 km
- Endurance: 24 hours
- Payload: 300 kg
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