SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
As India embarks on a journey of bolstering its defence capabilities, one of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the country’s ambitious plans to develop its own High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE)-Class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This endeavour, currently under consultation between the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Tri-service, aims to provide India with a homegrown solution for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
The proposed HALE-Class UAV is envisioned to be a state-of-the-art aerial platform that offers a wide range of capabilities, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance, and Targeting. With an All-up Weight of 4 to 5 tons, this UAV will be powered by a Turbo Prop engine generating 940 horsepower. This engine configuration is carefully chosen to ensure optimal performance at high altitudes and long endurance missions, allowing the UAV to operate effectively in challenging environments.
The HALE-Class UAV will be designed to carry a substantial payload of up to 2 tons, which will include various sensors tailored to suit the specific mission objectives. This adaptability will enable the UAV to gather crucial intelligence data, monitor vast areas, and provide real-time situational awareness to the Indian Armed Forces. The integration of advanced sensors will empower the UAV to excel in a variety of scenarios, from border surveillance to disaster management and everything in between.
Insiders familiar with the matter have indicated that the Prototype rollout could take place within the next three years. Following this, a comprehensive period of 4 to 5 years is earmarked for Developmental trials, which will rigorously test the UAV’s performance, endurance, and adaptability across different mission profiles. The timeline paints a picture of a UAV that could potentially complete User trials and receive clearance for production by the turn of the decade, around 2030-31.
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