In a significant development, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully completed the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator’s first flight from the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on July 1.
“Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, waypoint navigation and a smooth touchdown. This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies for the development of future unmanned aircraft and is a significant step towards self-reliance in such strategic defence technologies,” read an official statement.
Aircraft’s entire flight control were domestically developed
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is built by Bengaluru’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a top DRDO research facility, is propelled by a tiny turbofan engine. The aircraft’s entire flight control and avionics systems, as well as the airframe and undercarriage, were domestically developed.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and stated that the move will pace the country’s self-reliance in terms of critical military systems.
“It is a major achievement towards autonomous aircraft and will pave the way for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in terms of critical military systems,” said Singh.
Drone sector may play a crucial role in public services
India’s drone sector may play a crucial role in public services including agriculture, defence, healthcare, and infrastructure maintenance thanks to a rising base of domestic producers. Drones are small, remote-controlled aeroplanes without a pilot that can be used for a variety of purposes. These unmanned vehicles can travel great distances and across challenging terrain with much less effort, time, and energy, and they can be operated remotely by a single person.
