The Abhimanyu is a jet-powered Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) being developed for the Indian Navy as a "loyal wingman" drone. Developed by Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT), it is designed to operate alongside the Navy's existing MiG-29K fighter jets and future Rafale-M aircraft.
Key Features & Specifications
- Role: The Abhimanyu is a multirole unmanned aerial system intended to function as a force multiplier in Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) operations. Its primary missions include:Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)Electronic Warfare (EW), including, jamming enemy radars, Kinetic strike missions with precision-guided weapons carrying additional air-to-air missiles to increase the capacity of manned fighters, Decoy operations to confuse enemy air defenses, Swarm operations using AI/ML technologies
- Design and Stealth: It features a low radar cross-section (RCS) design with swept wings, narrow rear air intakes, and a continuous chine-line on the fuselage to reduce radar detection. It is a smaller and lighter solution compared to other international or domestic projects like the HAL Warrior for the Indian Air Force.
- Performance (Targeted):
- Top Speed: ~300 knots (550 km/h)
- Operational Range: 1,000 kilometers
- Endurance: Up to 20 hours
- Service Ceiling: 19,700 feet (6,000 meters)
- Operational Concept: The drone is being developed to be cost-effective and potentially expendable in large-scale deployments, similar to the U.S. Navy's "consumable" CCA concept. It will enhance situational awareness and extend the sensor and strike range of the carrier battle groups.
