India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle

[Quickgun Murugan]

All empty promises to gain research funds from the Govt. In terms of vision, DRDO is on par with the best defence research organizations of the world. But...

 

[mehrotraprince]

Yes true, but we are learning.

 

[gogbot]

This whole thread has been one heaping ball of cynicism.

It seems no one can just jet the Rustom thing go.

Its an accident it happens.

Even the original FX-22 crashed.

Experimental's things go wrong, that's why they are still experimental's .

 

[Agantrope]

With the testing of Kaveri engine we are step closer to the UCAV which will be powered by the Kaveri engine.

 

[Patriot]

Indian SMEs to Partner with DRDO on Rustom UAV Project | India Defence Online

ndia Defence Online, New Delhi — In a first of its kind move, the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has decided to include the private sector for the 'Rustom' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) project.

The Rustom UAV project is spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), part of the DRDO and the private aeronautical firm Taneja Aerospace & Aviation has been selected for the development of advanced critical system technologies pertaining to the 'Rustom' UAV.

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been significantly contributing to the 'Rustom' UAV and private firm Taneja Aersoapce & Aviation has already contributed to the prototype of the 'Rustom' UAV which is slated to fly in October. The areas wherein the private sector firm will contribute includes airframes and avionics. The ADE has just done the design and integration in the 'Rustom' UAV and other technologies and equipment have been outsourced through private firms.

The 'Rustom' UAV prototype can fly at an altitude of 25,000 feet for 12-15 hours at a speed of 180 kilometres per hour. However, the main UAV has a wingspan of 20 metres and weighs 1,800 kilogram. It has a maximum speed of 225 kilometres per hour and can operate at 30,000 feet altitude and its prototype aspires to reach capabilities of Israeli drones like Heron.

As for the capabilities of the 'Rustom' UAV, it will be able to execute surveillance of the enemy territory up to a distance of 250 kilometres and carry a variety of cameras and radar for surveillance. The first trial of the prototype was carried out in September 2008 and the DRDO also carried out tests through the technology demonstrator of the 'Rustom' in 2009. As for the 'Rustom' MALE UAV, it is being developed to replace medium altitude long-range UAV Herons manufactured by Israel, which the Indian armed forces are using currently. Unlike the other indigenous Indian drones or UAVs like 'Lakshya' and 'Nishant', the 'Rustom' UAV will be launched by conventional methods and not the launcher.

The role of the SMEs in the private sector will be substantial since a large number of public sector units (PSUs) will be outsourcing their work as a profitable solution. Private firms like Data Patterns India and Taneja Aerospace which are contributing to 'Rustom' UAV have seen an increase of demand from the defence sector due to their expertise. In fact, lots of collaborative development projects between private firms and PSUs have happened such as the one between IdeaForge and Pune-based Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE), part of DRDO. They have created an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called 'Netra' that will be a part of the Indian Armed Forces.

According to industry analysts, it has been estimated that UAVs developed for the Indian market alone will amount to a $2 billion opportunity for SMEs who can play a pivotal role as sub-contractors. The SMEs can offer components used for radars and UAVs like satellite communication antennas, sensors, intelligent cameras, transmitters and engine cooling fans besides other advanced technology.

Indian defence news and strategic intelligence

 

[black eagle]

Rustom MALE undergoing testing

was there supposed to be something else??

 

[Patriot]

Jubilant Group to Enter into UAV Market

India Defence Online, New Delhi – Jubilant Bhartia Group, a renowned diversified Indian conglomerate, has signalled its entry into the defence sector by announcing its plans to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India.

Jubilant Bhartia has set up Jubilant Aeronautics (JAPL), a joint venture wherein Israel's leading defence corporation called Aeronautics will pick up a 26% stake and produce UAVs. The new venture will be based in Bangalore and will manufacture UAVs for defence and civil purposes besides looking after the integration, maintenance, repair and overhaul of UAVs as well.

The current joint venture has been forwarded to the foreign investment promotion board (FIPB) seeking its clearance to the equity investment by Israel's Aeronautics. The creation of this joint venture will enable India to have powerful UAVs made indigenously, an area where India lacks superior technology. The UAVs made by Jubilant Aeronautics will assist India's homeland security as well as the monitoring of oil and gas pipelines, weather forecasting and traffic monitoring and disaster management among others.

Jubilant Aeronautics plans to make the most of the growing UAV market in India. By tying up with Israel's Aeronautics, which is Israel's second-largest provider of unmanned systems, Jubilant Bhartia hopes to tap the world UAV market which roughly does a business of $5.5 billion annually. The UAV market is being driven by major acquisition programmes, mainly by the US, but also by countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

As for the India, UAV technologies are expected to re-shape its national defence strategies and policies. In addition, maritime operations and surveillance and reconnaissance operations in India are creating a rise in the demand for medium altitude long endurance UAV (MALE UAVs) and tactical UAV (TUAVs). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also putting its expertise to make India self-reliant in terms of UAV technology. Various tactical UAVs including High altitude long endurance (HALE) UAV, Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV and Medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV are being envisaged by the India for its armed forces.




Jubilant Group to Enter into UAV Market | India Defence Online

 

[sandeepdg]

India envisages a lot more than it can actually digest ! I will rest easy when the damn UAV becomes fully operational with the armed forces and carries out its duties with perfection.

 

[Patriot]

ASIAN DEFENCE: Jubilant Bhartia Group and Israel's Aeronautics Ltd Plans to Manufacture UAVs in India

Diversified conglomerate Jubilant Bhartia Group plans to foray into the defence sector by setting up a joint venture with Israel's Aeronautics Ltd. The proposed venture, Jubilant Aeronautics Pvt Ltd, aims to set up a manufacturing facility in Bangalore for developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Jubilant has sent its proposal to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. Sources said the group has sought the nod for having 26% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the venture. The proposed JV seeks to tap the growing UAV market in India.According to estimates, the world UAV market does business of $5.5 billion annually. The UAV market is being driven by major acquisition programmes, mainly by the US, but also by countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

UAVs are found to be highly effective in urban environments in differentiating between discern combatants from civilians. They are also being used in oil & gas pipeline monitoring, natural calamity, weather forecasting and disaster management, experts pointed out. Currently, the FDI level in the defence sector is capped at 26%. But the ministry of commerce and industry recently suggested that the limit could be raised to 74%. However, major businesses, including the Tatas and the Mahindras, are keen that FDI in defence be restricted to 49%. The Cabinet is yet to take a view on relaxing the FDI limit in the defence sector.

The Jubilant Bhartia group is promoted by Shyam Bhartia and Hari Bhartia. It is present in the pharmaceuticals and life-sciences space through Jubilant Organosys Ltd. The group is also active in oil and gas exploration and productions sector through Jubilant Energy Ltd. It is also a player in finance and IT services through Financial Advisory Services and Jubilant Enpro Ltd, respectively.

Aeronautics Ltd is one of Israel's leading defence corporations and the second-largest provider of unmanned systems.-- DNA