SOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in unmanned aerial technology with the development of a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) specifically designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles. This new UAV is poised to enhance India’s aerial surveillance capabilities with its advanced specifications.
The UAV is designed to be a 5-tonne platform, making it robust enough to carry substantial equipment for various mission profiles. It will have a payload capacity of 2 tonnes, allowing it to be equipped with a variety of sensors, cameras, and potentially offensive capabilities for ISTAR missions.
With an operational ceiling higher than 35,000 feet, this UAV will be capable of flying above most commercial and military aircraft, providing a strategic advantage in surveillance and reconnaissance. The endurance of over 25 hours will allow for prolonged missions, reducing the need for frequent refueling or redeployment, which is critical for continuous monitoring and intelligence gathering.
The HALE UAV will be powered by a turboprop engine, which is known for its efficiency and reliability, especially at high altitudes where reciprocating engines might struggle.
General Atomics will play small role as consultant in the program for the ADE to validate some of the systems that it plans to develop for the program.