Stealth UCAV Spotted During CSIR-NAL High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Tests

In a recent video showcasing high-altitude testing at India's Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) inadvertently revealed a significant development in India's indigenous combat drone program.

Keen observers noticed three shrouded prototypes of the DRDO Stealth SWiFT UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) in the background of the primary footage.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1786264617439932872

The SWiFT Program: A Precursor to the Ghatak UCAV​

The SWiFT (Standing Wave Integrated Fused Thruster) serves as a vital scaled-down prototype for the forthcoming Ghatak UCAV. The Ghatak is envisioned as a far larger aircraft, weighing around 13 tonnes compared to the SWiFT's one-tonne weight. This program marks a major step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in combat drone technology.

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO laboratory, the SWiFT recently completed a successful flight test at the Chitradurga range. The test employed a tailless configuration, highlighting the SWiFT's unique design. A defense scientist explained that the project, approved in 2016 with a budget of approximately Rs 70 crore, primarily aims to test stealth technologies and high-speed autonomous landing capabilities.

Innovative Design for Stealth and Performance​

What sets the SWiFT apart is its unconventional design. Traditional aircraft rely on separate wings, tails, and a fuselage. In contrast, the SWiFT employs a single-lift surface design, merging these components into a unified form. This streamlined approach likely contributes to the prototype's enhanced stealth characteristics.

Promising Future for India's Defense​

The CSIR-NAL video and the tantalizing glimpse of the SWiFT prototypes highlight India's rapid advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle technology. The SWiFT's successful testing, reportedly exceeding expectations in terms of speed according to a tweet by defense expert Vivek Singh, sets the stage for the even more ambitious Ghatak UCAV. Ultimately, these projects underscore India's determination to develop a robust indigenous defense industry with cutting-edge capabilities.

This update incorporates the information from the tweet Vivek Singh, indicating that the testing results were particularly impressive in terms of speed.

 

[INDIAN]

Where is the funding for full scale prototype development of UCAV Ghatak..?
India's program are delaying due to lack of timely funds.
Even Turkey , South Korea are marching ahead in aero space sector at rapid pace, how they are managing the funds.
India is a country where 80 crore people are dependent on government freebies , naturally funds for development will be problem.

 

[Sandeep]

India is making a lot of progress but it needs to happen more quickly. The HAPS satellite can be used for a long time gathering surveillance, tracking, imaging, SAR, COMINT, SIGINT, SATCOM etc. This can be used as a long duration drone in the sky that doesn't need refuelling or require a number of pilots to fly and operate it.

Also they need to start designing and building the stealth UCAV Ghatak drone as we need to increase our fire power and we need more stealth jets or bombers. We can also use the SWIFT drone as a smaller bomber or for discreet surveillance as well so even that has some potential other than just being used as a technology demonstrater.