New Delhi2 hours ago
The Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully took off. This unmanned ie pilotless aircraft took off from the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka on Friday. The special thing about the aircraft is that it is fully automatic. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful flight.
Operational on automatic mode
DRDO said – it will work on fully automatic mode. The test flight of the aircraft was a complete success. This includes take-off, way point navigation and touchdown. This flight will prove to be an important technology for future unmanned aircraft. This will also help in making the country self-reliant in Strategic Defense Technology.
Will be operated from turbofan engine
The technology has been designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (AED), Bangalore. This aircraft is operated through a small turbofan engine. In this, the undercarriage, flight control and avionics systems along with the airframe have been completely made in the country.
High-Speed Expandable Aerial Target
The High-Speed Expandable Aerial Target (HEAT) was also successfully tested on 29 June. It was tested by DRDO from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. It will target the missiles directly. This combat drone will also be used to monitor and shoot down missiles.
low altitude test
This Flying Combat System performed optimally and accurately during the test flight. It was flown at a low altitude so that future sea-skimming missiles like BrahMos could be tested. The aerial vehicle was launched during the test using twin under-slung boosters. It is powered by a small gas turbine engine, which maintains the flight at sub-sonic speed.