HAL To Develop Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will take on a more active role in the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) sector, according to R.K. Tyagi, chairman of HAL.

Among India’s home grown drones is the Rustom-H which is expected to take flight sometime this year. Designed and manufactured by Aeronautical Development Establishment, a subsidiary of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Rustom has three variants: Rustom-1, Rustom-H and Rustom-C.  

The Rustom-1 is a standard model built for tactical surveillance. The variant took off for its maiden flight from Taneja Aerospace and Aviation (TAAL) airfield in May 2011. It has an endurance of 12 to 14 hours.

The Rustom-H will be larger than Rustom-1 and can fly for a maximum of 24 hours. It will be powered by two conventional wing mounted turboprop engines. A military version of Rustom-H, the Rustom-C, will execute both combat and surveillance missions. It will carry a guided strike munitions on each wing.

Another DRDO smart drone program dubbed AURA or autonomous unmanned research aircraft is aimed at developing defense weapon systems. In 2010, the DRDO confirmed that all technologies required for the UCAV had been identified, most importantly, the flying wing and stealth technology.

India currently operates its arsenal of Israeli-made UAVs including the Heron, Searcher Mk.2 surveillance drones and Harop self-destructing UCAVs.