SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a collaboration aimed at developing a cutting-edge 150kg loitering munition (LM-UAV). This initiative is part of NAL’s efforts to advance indigenous aerospace technologies and enhance India’s defence capabilities.
NAL’s new project involves the development of 10 prototypes of the 150kg loitering munition UAV, a versatile and high-performance system designed for precision strike and surveillance missions. The project has an estimated cost of ?102 crore, with NAL contributing ?64 crore towards the development. The UAV will be powered by a 30hp Wankel engine developed by NAL and will feature a state-of-the-art Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor gimbal and a 200km line-of-sight (LOS) communications link.
The 150kg LM-UAV will utilize the 30hp Wankel engine, known for its compact size and high power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for UAV applications. The EO/IR sensor gimbal will provide comprehensive surveillance and targeting capabilities, while the 200km LOS communications link ensures reliable control and data transmission over long distances.
The project also emphasizes the development of GPS-denied navigation capabilities, which will allow the UAV to operate effectively in environments where GPS signals are unavailable or jammed. This feature will enhance the UAV’s versatility and reliability in various operational scenarios.
Desired Specifications
The 150kg LM-UAV is expected to have the following key features and specifications:
Maximum Range: 900 kilometers
Maximum Endurance: 9 hours
Maximum Altitude: 5,000 meters
Maximum Payload Capacity:
Warhead: 15 kilograms
Sensing Payload: 10 kilograms
Wing Span: Less than 4.0 meters
Launch Mechanism: Assisted launch
Navigation: GPS-denied navigation capability
Stealth Features: Designed to achieve a comparatively low Radar Cross Section (RCS)
Autonomy: Enhanced autonomy levels
Hardware/Software: Indigenous design and development
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