SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.
During Aero India earlier this year, it was announced that the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are collaborating on the development of a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Class UAV. This UAV will be powered by a turboprop engine with a thrust of 940hp and will feature a pusher configuration. The anticipated specifications include an all-up weight of 5 tons and an impressive endurance of over 25 hours.
According to information obtained by idrw, the design configuration for the HALE UAV is expected to be finalized later this year. Once the program receives clearance, detailed work will commence, and the engineering tendering process for the prototype is likely to begin next year. The project aims to achieve a possible rollout of the UAV in late 2025.
The HALE Class UAVs are designed to serve intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance purposes. Variants tailored for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy will be developed to meet specific requirements. This program will benefit from the experience and technology gained from the development of the Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) TAPAS and Archer-NG (UCAV) programs, ensuring a streamlined and efficient execution.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes