SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move towards enhancing its combat capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to fund the research and development of a deck-based Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). This UCAV will be based on the Ghatak platform, currently being developed for the Indian Air Force (IAF), and will feature the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine for propulsion.
The Navy is in discussions with the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the organization spearheading the development of the Ghatak UCAV for the IAF. The Ghatak, designed as a 13-ton stealth UCAV for deep-strike missions, is set to serve as the foundation for its naval variant.
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), which is spearheading the Ghatak UCAV for the IAF, is in discussions with the Indian Navy to adapt this platform for naval use. The Ghatak, originally designed as a 13-ton stealth UCAV for deep strike missions, will now be reimagined for carrier operations.
Adapting the Ghatak for naval use involves significant modifications To handle the stresses of carrier landings, the undercarriage would need to be robust, potentially increasing the aircraft’s weight. The incorporation of a tail hook for arrested landings, essential for operations on an aircraft carrier, would also contribute to the additional weight, pushing the platform’s total weight to approximately 14 tons or more.
With an estimated weight increase of 800-1200 kg due to these modifications, ADE faces the challenge of maintaining the UCAV’s performance while ensuring it can operate efficiently from a carrier deck. This includes considerations for fuel capacity, payload, and manoeuvrability.
The Dry Kaveri engine, a non-afterburning version of the Kaveri engine, will power this naval variant. Known for its fuel efficiency and lower infrared signature, this engine suits the UCAV’s stealth and endurance requirements but must be optimized for naval operations.
The upcoming Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-II (IAC-II) is being designed with considerations for operating UCAVs, including Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs. This reflects a strategic foresight to integrate unmanned systems into naval aviation, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing risk to human pilots.
The deck-based UCAV would operate alongside manned platforms, providing a mix of capabilities that include deep strikes, surveillance, and potentially electronic warfare from a sea-based platform. This synergy aims to bolster the Navy’s strategic reach and combat effectiveness.
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