DRDO is actively fostering innovation in the domestic defence sector. The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier DRDO laboratory, has released an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking collaboration with experienced Indian companies for the development of a new cutting-edge experimental unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
A Collaborative Approach
This project underlines DRDO's commitment to harnessing the expertise of India's private sector in building robust defence technologies.ADE is looking to partner with companies that possess demonstrated capabilities in the following engineering disciplines crucial to UAV development:
- Optics
- Servo Mechanisms
- Sensors
- Imaging Technology
- Purging Systems
- Mechanical Design
- Structural Engineering
- High-Tech Seeker for Precision Targeting
Sophisticated Targeting: The Dual-Band Seeker
A cornerstone feature of this new UAV will be a sophisticated dual-band seeker, operating in both Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IIR) spectrums.This dual-modality approach significantly enhances the UAV's targeting capabilities in diverse battlefield conditions. Key specifications of the seeker include:
- Target Acquisition Range: 10-15 kilometers
- Acquisition Altitude: Effective below 500 meters
- Automatic Scene Recognition: Differentiates targets from background noise
- Lock On After Launch (LoAL): Improves accuracy by target confirmation after launch
- Wide Field of Regard: ±30 degrees (azimuth), +10 degrees to -55 degrees (elevation)
- High Accuracy: Circular Error Probable (CEP) less than 9 meters
- Target Search Area: Variable, from 2km x 2km to 6km x 6km
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Within 15 seconds
- Compact Design: Under 300 millimeters in length
- Pop-Up Maneuvers: Support for agile terminal-phase engagements
- Fast Homing: Terminal homing within 50 seconds
- Lightweight Design: Target weight under 15 kilograms
- Long-Term Storage: Up to 10 years with minimal maintenance
- Low Power Consumption: Under 50 watts
Significance and Implications
This partnership between ADE and the selected private-sector company marks a significant push towards indigenous technological advancement in UAV development.The integration of this advanced seeker will be instrumental in bolstering India's unmanned aerial capabilities, offering both tactical and strategic advantages in the defence sphere.
