SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a leading player in India’s defence and aerospace sector, is making significant strides in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology through its Morphing Wing Loitering Munition (LM) project. A recent case study by Tata Elxsi highlights the company’s innovative approach to designing a loitering munition with a stringent weight target of 2.5 kg, incorporating a morphing wing dihedral and a powerplant mounted on the plane.
Leveraging advanced tools like CATIA, ANSYS Works, and CREO, Tata has undertaken a comprehensive scope of work that includes concept designs, structural simulations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), electrical distribution, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings. This project not only showcases Tata’s engineering prowess but also positions India as a potential leader in next-generation loitering munitions, addressing both tactical and strategic needs in modern warfare.
Tata’s Morphing Wing LM project aligns with this demand by addressing a critical challenge: designing a lightweight UAV (2.5 kg) with a morphing wing dihedral—a wing configuration that can dynamically adjust its angle to optimize performance during flight—and a powerplant mounted on the plane.
The morphing wing concept allows the UAV to adapt its aerodynamic profile in real-time, enhancing stability, maneuverability, and endurance. This is particularly crucial for loitering munitions operating in diverse environments, such as India’s varied terrains along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, where high-altitude winds and rugged landscapes demand exceptional flight control. By mounting the powerplant on the plane, Tata ensures a compact design that minimizes weight while maintaining propulsion efficiency, a key factor for extending range and loiter time.
Tata’s project, executed in collaboration with Tata Elxsi, encompasses a wide range of design and engineering activities to ensure the LM meets its performance goals:
- Concept Designs and Advanced Simulations: The team conducted aerodynamic studies and CFD simulations to optimize the UAV’s shape and wing configuration for minimal drag and maximum lift. Modal analysis ensured structural integrity under varying flight conditions, critical for a lightweight platform operating in turbulent environments.
- Wire Harness Routing and Electrical Distribution: Efficient electrical systems are vital for powering sensors, communication, and control surfaces. Tata designed a streamlined wire harness to reduce weight while ensuring reliable power distribution across the UAV’s systems.
- Concept Design and Material Selection: The choice of materials was pivotal in meeting the 2.5 kg weight target. Lightweight composites and alloys were selected to balance strength and weight, with a focus on durability in harsh conditions like India’s coastal zones, where corrosion is a concern.
- Structure Configuration and Weight & CG Analysis: The team meticulously configured the UAV’s structure to maintain a low center of gravity (CG), enhancing stability during loiter and strike phases. Weight distribution was optimized to ensure the morphing wings could operate without compromising flight dynamics.
- Detailed 2D Drawings: Tata produced detailed 2D manufacturing drawings per ASME Y14.5 standards, facilitating seamless transition to production. This ensures that the design can be scaled for mass manufacturing, a critical factor for meeting potential Indian Army demands.
The project utilized industry-standard tools like CATIA for 3D modeling, ANSYS Works for structural and CFD simulations, and CREO for detailed design and prototyping, reflecting Tata’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for defence innovation.
: By integrating advanced simulations early in the design phase, Tata reduced development timelines, enabling quicker iterations and refinements. This agility is crucial in the fast-evolving defence sector, where rapid deployment can be a strategic advantage. The detailed drawings ensure that the LM can be produced at scale, aligning with India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) goals by enabling local manufacturing. This also reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, a lesson from ongoing conflicts like Ukraine, where supply chain disruptions have delayed F-16 replacements.
The morphing wing technology enhances the LM’s operational versatility, allowing it to adapt to different mission profiles—whether loitering for extended periods to identify targets or executing high-speed strikes. While the current design targets a 2.5 kg platform, likely with a range of 30-50 km, the technology could be scaled for longer-range systems, supporting the Indian Army’s vision of 300 km+ loitering munitions launched from trucks.
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