Indian pseudo satellite UAV development is on schedule
A small prototype of a new Indian HAPS UAV design will fly by Q3 of 2022. (HAL)
India is exploring different types of UAVs, and in development are naval transport and HAPS types.
India’s MoD is developing a $94 million high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) UAV for the Indian Air Force, the country’s first such government-funded programme.
It is being co-developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bengaluru-based technology start-up NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) for future space-based communications and surveillance.
Sameer Joshi, CEO and Director of NRT, told Shephard: ‘The feasibility study is over, and the first sub-scale prototype will fly by Q3 of 2022. Customised payload development is taking place.’
The expected timeline to fly the full-scale solar-powered prototype, with an endurance of three months at 65,000ft, will be four years,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise]()
Co-operation continues as tri-national F-35s break new ground in Pacific exercise
The February exercise marked a milestone in multinational cooperation with fifth-generational air warfare capabilities, but will it continue considering shifting US politics?
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
