HAL Developing a High-Altitude, Long-Endurance Stealth UCAV Platform, Poised to Rival Predator C Avenger in ISR and Precision Strike Capabilities

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing a new class of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) with High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) capabilities, designed to perform a variety of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strikes.

This ambitious project aims to place HAL's UCAV in the same league as the General Atomics Predator C Avenger, a renowned platform widely used by the US military.

The new UCAV, currently under development, is expected to feature a combination of stealth technology, high speed, and enhanced survivability, making it a formidable asset in contested airspace.

Unlike current UAV platforms, this HALE UCAV will operate at higher speeds and altitudes, significantly boosting India's capabilities in quick-response armed reconnaissance missions.

HAL envisions the platform as a multi-role, long-endurance, medium-to-high-altitude Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system capable of conducting a wide range of operations, including wide-area surveillance, time-sensitive strikes over land and sea, and other challenging military and civilian missions.

A key feature of this HALE class UCAV is its incorporation of stealth technology. This will enable the platform to evade enemy radar and anti-aircraft systems, increasing its survivability in high-threat environments. This is particularly crucial for ISR missions where remaining undetected is paramount.

HAL's HALE UCAV is designed for operational flexibility, supporting a diverse range of missions:

• Wide-area Surveillance:The platform's high altitude and endurance will allow it to cover large areas, gathering crucial intelligence over extended periods without needing frequent refueling or repositioning.
• Time-sensitive Strike Missions: Equipped with precision strike capabilities, the UCAV will be able to swiftly respond to emerging threats and execute time-critical strikes in both land and maritime environments.
• Multi-role Flexibility:Beyond traditional military applications, the HALE UCAV's adaptable design makes it suitable for civilian roles such as disaster management, border surveillance, and search-and-rescue operations.

To achieve its high speed and long endurance, the HALE UCAV is likely to be powered by the HTFE-25 (“Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine”), a 25 kN turbofan engine currently under development by HAL.

Alternatively, the license-produced NPO Saturn AL-55 engine is also being considered. This powerful engine will provide the necessary thrust for high-speed operations, giving it a significant advantage over existing UAVs in its class.

With the HTFE-25 engine, the HALE UCAV is projected to be a nearly 5-ton aircraft, representing a significant advancement in India’s aerospace industry. This development underscores India's growing focus on developing indigenous unmanned aerial capabilities to address its evolving security challenges and strategic objectives.

 

[Technoholic]

HAL undertakes too many projects to develop but is able to complete none. It's like trying to eat everything on the dinner table but can't digest anything at all in the end.

 

[P.K Senapati]

First complete your CATS drone successfuley.
HTFE is still under development.
That engine should complete development and certification.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

First complete your CATS drone successfuley.
HTFE is still under development.
That engine should complete development and certification.

I would suggest never to go for a design like Predator C Avenger Or RQ-4 Global Hawk by HAL or DRDO or even private sector, given their failure in moderately contested airspace. Low maneuverable aircraft is not a requirement of the Indian Armed Forces.

Rather we should go for CATS Warrior-based, HTFE-25 powered or Ghatak-based HALE UCAV which will have better survivability and will reduce and have more reliable development timeline. (Everyone knows of the reliability of HAL's timeline)

 

[Kevin]

Good to see HAL taking some R&D initiatives on their own and not depending on ADA as they are facing competition from private players. But there are already small turbofan engines available in the market in India itself. Why would they still depend on Russia or their own untested engine?

 

[Bhishma]

same class as Predator C avenger

So this is how its going to pan out. Invest 1000 cr into the project. After 10 years, the altitude achieved will be 49000 ft. Army will say they need 50,000 ft & buy the predator. It will take another 10 years to deliver.

 

[Sandeep]

Instead of developing a new UCAV high altitude drone with semi stealth capabilities it would be much better to focus on 100% indigenously designing, developing and manufacturing the UCAV Ghatak. It will be a 100% stealth drone with a more powerful and quick engine and the ability to use missiles and drones. This will allow us to strike our targets with ease and without being intercepted.