'First flight of UAV Rustom-2 scheduled in Feb, 2014'

[JAISWAL]

'First flight of UAV Rustom-2 scheduled in Feb, 2014'

BANGALORE: The first flight test of indigenously developed UAV Rustom-2, set to be used solely for defence purposes, would take place in February 2014, a top Aeronautical Development Establishment official said today.

"Designing of Rustom-2 has been completed, purchase orders have been placed and we are on schedule to fly for the first time in February 2014," ADE Director P S Krishnan told reporters.

He said the entire project of making 10 Rustom-2 UAVs and spare vehicles at a cost of Rs 1,540 crore would be completed by August 2017.

Indigenous technology would enable ADE save about 40 per cent cost, he said, adding that all parts, except for cameras and sensors, have been developed in the country.

Weighing 1.8 tonnes, Rustom-2 would have a capacity payload of 350 kg, a wing span of 21-odd meters and an endurance of above 24 hours, he said.

Rustom-2 is in the league of US 'Predator' drones due to its advanced capabilities and additional payloads, he said.

"Rustom UAVs could be deployed for military missions like reconnaissance and surveillance, target acquisition, target designation, communications relay, battle damage assessment and signal intelligence," Krishnan said.

In future, India would also develop Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and solar drones, he said.

Rustom-2, designed and developed by ADE, a DRDO laboratory, is comparable to top drones in the world, he said.

The second edition of the two-day international Conference on Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles would get underway here from February 24, Krishnan said.
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'First flight of UAV Rustom-2 scheduled in Feb, 2014' - The Economic Times

 

[Zebra]

Successful Flight of RUSTOM-I

08-May, 2012 16:58 IST

Indigenously designed and developed RUSTOM-1 made 14th successful flight this morning at Kolar with attainment of about 11,500 ft AGL (above ground level) and speed of above 140 Kmph during 2 hrs 10 minutes of cruise. It may be noted that this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab at Bangalore, had its maiden flight in Nov 2009. Mr. PS Krishnan, Director ADE stated that the flight was successful. All the parameters were achieved by the UAV which weigh around 690 Kg and the total performance was satisfactory.

The highlights of the flight are:
a) Use of lean mixture control system in the engine for flights at high altitudes.
b) Takeoff weight being heaviest so far.
c) Achieved max altitude of 3.5 kms, about 11500 ft.
d) Extended range of about 50 kms tried out for the first time. The waypoint track was perfect and so were takeoff and landing etc.,

This UAV has the potential military missions like Reconnaissance & Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Target Designation, Communications Relay, Battle Damage Assessment and Signal Intelligence.

This UAV can attain a maximum altitude of 22,000 ft and endurance of 12-15 Hours with an operating range of 250 Kms when fully developed.

:: Bharat-Rakshak.com - Indian Military News Headlines ::

 

[Jagdish58]

 

[Jagdish58]

 

[Jagdish58]

Rustom-2 First flight may be in June Official now

Big day for DRDO :thumb:

Rustom-II first flight in June , Two Prototypes ready | idrw.org