Short-Range and Weaponised 'Archer' UAV Gears Up for Crucial Anti-Tank Missile Trials

India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology has gained momentum as the indigenously developed Short Range-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Weaponised (SR-UAV-W), also known as "Archer," is poised to undergo pivotal anti-tank missile evaluation trials in the near future.

Having successfully cleared its initial flight demonstrations, the Archer is now set to prove its mettle in the realm of weaponization. The forthcoming trials will focus on evaluating the UAV's ability to precisely launch and guide anti-tank missiles toward their intended targets. Utilizing dummy targets to replicate battlefield scenarios, these trials are crucial in determining the Archer's combat readiness.

The Archer UAV, equipped with cutting-edge technology, has been engineered to fulfill a diverse array of military needs. Its capabilities span intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), making it a valuable asset in enhancing situational awareness and bolstering battlefield intelligence.

One of the Archer's standout features is its exceptional operational range. With a flight ceiling of up to 22,000 feet and an endurance of up to 12 hours, this UAV is well-suited for extended missions. Moreover, it boasts an advanced Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) payload, enabling it to effectively identify and track targets even in adverse conditions.

The Archer's versatility is further amplified by its compatibility with the Ground Control Station developed for the Tapas UAV program. This strategic integration streamlines operations and boosts efficiency by eliminating the need for two separate Ground Control Stations.

The success of these upcoming trials carries significant implications. A successful demonstration of the Archer's capabilities could pave the way for its induction into the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, who have already expressed keen interest in this promising UAV. The Archer, if proven effective, could significantly enhance India's military capabilities and mark a substantial step towards greater self-sufficiency in defence technology.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Does the archer meet army or IAF's requirements. I thought we had moved to the Archer-NG because archer was not good enough.

 

[Pad UwU]

Looks flimsy and bulky... The design is not aerodynamic IMHO 😺

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Does the archer meet army or IAF's requirements. I thought we had moved to the Archer-NG because archer was not good enough.

Well, it does not, it just joins a long list of other half baked products foisted onto the forces in name of indigenization !

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

Looks flimsy and bulky... The design is not aerodynamic IMHO 😺

Bulky in what sense ? It has also undergone Weight & drag reduction measurements like Tapas , it's previous reported specifications are :

Range : 220 Km

Altitude : 22000 , greater than of Byraktar TB2 ( operational)

Payload : 300 kg , double payload than TB2

Range : 1000km

( Most likely specifications will improve )

 

[SK]

I hope that Archer-UAV is able to successfully pass all the trials from IA as it holds massive export potential in regions of South East Asia, South East Asia & Africa.

I hope that Dhruv NUH also passes all the IN tests to get ordered by IN in large numbers.

 

[NSR]

Great news but can we at least use them against terrorists infiltrating along LoC?
IAF is hoarding Apaches and not using them to destroy the terrorists.

IAF must transfer all of its Apaches and Chinooks to Indian Army field commanders so they can use them against these terrorists and in battles in a real war.
No, IAF can't conduct a field war from far away bases.

 

[Sandeep]

These drones can be a very cheap, efficient, reliable and a local drone that can be used for surveillance but also to hit targets across the border. Although the drone can’t carry a heavy amount of weapons its key advantage is that it can be used locally by the army corps who are in charge of a particular sector along the border.

This allows them to collect critical surveillance, information or an aerial view to track any terrorists fleeing or attempting to cross into our border. This would allow us to be more flexible and it gives the army armed drones which it has been asking for a long time. But that request has been blocked by the air force as the skies belong to them only.

This drone is meant to be a MALE or HALE. This drone is ideal for local areas, lower altitude, light, efficient, cheap and with cheaper operating costs. This drone is ideal to launch bombs and missiles to hit targets across the border or in a heavily contested zone.

 

[Pad UwU]

Great news but can we at least use them against terrorists infiltrating along LoC?
IAF is hoarding Apaches and not using them to destroy the terrorists.

IAF must transfer all of its Apaches and Chinooks to Indian Army field commanders so they can use them against these terrorists and in battles in a real war.
No, IAF can't conduct a field war from far away bases.

Yes, hopefully they make a better body design of it that is passively stealthier design that enemies radar can't be easily seen😺

 

[MANIVANNAN N]

Jet engine well suited for weaponized uav. This is easily targetable with airdefence. It may used by paramilitary for targeting terrorist.