India completes flight tests of indigenous high-speed flying-wing UAV

The Defence Ministry on Friday announced the successful flight testing of an indigenous high-speed flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Karnataka's Chitradurga.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator demonstrates India's entry into an exclusive group of nations possessing the capability to produce such advanced platforms.

The Defence Ministry highlighted that the successful flight trial of the autonomous stealth UAV underscores the country's maturity in technology readiness levels. By accomplishing controlled flight in the tailless configuration, India has now joined the elite club of countries mastering flying wing technology, according to the ministry.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO, armed forces, and the industry for the achievement, and stressed that indigenous development of critical technologies will enhance the strength of the armed forces. 

The UAV, designed and developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment, underwent its maiden flight demonstration in July 2022, followed by six subsequent flight trials in various developmental configurations.

The ministry noted that these flight tests led to advancements in aerodynamics, control systems, real-time simulation, and ground control stations. 

The complex arrowhead wing platform of the aircraft prototype is constructed from lightweight carbon prepreg composite material developed domestically, showcasing self-reliance in aerospace technology.

An unparalleled  capability of the high-speed UAV was demonstrated through autonomous landing without the need for ground radars, infrastructure, or a pilot. This capability allows take-off and landing from any runway with surveyed coordinates. 

The ministry highlighted that this achievement was made possible through onboard sensor data fusion, utilising indigenous satellite-based augmentation with GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers to enhance GPS navigation accuracy and integrity.

(With PTI Inputs)