Tapas MALE UAV Gets Lifeline From Navy, As They Approved Maritime Evaluation Despite Rejection from Army and IAF

By assuming control of two prototypes for performance assessment, the Indian Navy has provided a lifeline to the Tapas MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV programme.

This follows the withdrawal of support by the Indian Army and Air Force owing to technical issues, most notably the UAV's failure to attain a 30,000-foot altitude and to run continuously for 24 hours.

Still determined, the Navy intends to test the Tapas extensively in maritime operations, especially in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Should the performance live up to expectations, the Navy may acquire a squadron of twelve units, making it the program's first customer.

For the Tapas programme, which has had trouble fulfilling its basic requirements, this would be a huge boost.

But the assessment by the Navy won't be cakewalk. The developer, DRDO, must solve the endurance and altitude constraints. In order to increase altitude performance, a new high-rated engine must be tested.

Additionally, drag reduction techniques must be put in place for longer cruise times above 30,000 feet.

The Navy's choice to assess the Tapas demonstrates its cautious approach to UAV procurement.

They received Hermes-900 MALE UAVs last month, which are now being tested for performance before additional orders are approved.

 

[Hari Sud]

Do not believe a thing what DRDO tells you. They are so used to missing their targets.

 

[NSR]

Of all the Indian armed forces, Indian Navy has great and innovative, and of course take-charge management.
It gives me some hope that some good things will come out of their evaluations.
Way to go!!!

BTW, Tapas-BH or its cousin Archer can't reach 30k feet requirement and stay there without a NEW and POWERFUL ENGINE.
Underpowered.

 

[Mango_Indian]

As usual it is the Indian Navy which is championing indigenization. Hope DRDO pulls up its sleeves and delivers the incremental changes needed for this UAV to achieve its design objectives.

True "Atmanirbhata" would be if the Govt of India stepped in and mandated DRDO to succeed in its design objectives and provide the funds and technical guidance but hey....it has to be made in Gujarat by Adani from imported parts that Adani will screwdrive.

 

[Akshat]

So this time it is Navy which is being forced to soothe DRDO’s ego.

 

[Akshat]

As usual it is the Indian Navy which is championing indigenization. Hope DRDO pulls up its sleeves and delivers the incremental changes needed for this UAV to achieve its design objectives.

True "Atmanirbhata" would be if the Govt of India stepped in and mandated DRDO to succeed in its design objectives and provide the funds and technical guidance but hey....it has to be made in Gujarat by Adani from imported parts that Adani will screwdrive.

The project was in mission mode. So the GoI had given all possible support. Dedicated funds, top talent etc. And DRDO failed absolutely.

And Adani is making drones in Hyderabad in Telangana, earlier ruled by BRS and now INC, both major opposition parties.

But family enthusiasts won’t see that. They can only spread hate and fake news.

 

[Ajath]

Of all the Indian armed forces, Indian Navy has great and innovative, and of course take-charge management.
It gives me some hope that some good things will come out of their evaluations.
Way to go!!!

BTW, Tapas-BH or its cousin Archer can't reach 30k feet requirement and stay there without a NEW and POWERFUL ENGINE.
Underpowered.

Indian Navy are running on frugal defence budget when compared to IA , IAF. Hope they will not regret this decision.

 

[Rick Golder]

So this time it is Navy which is being forced to soothe DRDO’s ego.

Bro get a life man. You are turning into a Karen at this point.

 

[NSR]

Indian Navy are running on frugal defence budget when compared to IA , IAF. Hope they will not regret this decision.

Yes, Ajath.
IN already has soldi experience with MQ-9B so far. May be 2+ years of leasing experience.
So they can easily figure out the good and bad of these Indian drones very fast.

 

[Arz786]

Yes, Ajath.
IN already has soldi experience with MQ-9B so far. May be 2+ years of leasing experience.
So they can easily figure out the good and bad of these Indian drones very fast.

Tapas could not meet desired altitude of 30000 ft and desired endurance of 24 hours. Altitude is critical for army and IAF since they have to fly in mountain terrain mostly and should keep out of SAM ranges. For navy, altitude is not crucial.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

It means Hermes-900 is not what it shows in its catalogue... Navy is not very much satisfied.... That's why even in present condition Tapas may be better than Hermes-900

 

[Anant]

Tapas could not meet desired altitude of 30000 ft and desired endurance of 24 hours. Altitude is critical for army and IAF since they have to fly in mountain terrain mostly and should keep out of SAM ranges. For navy, altitude is not crucial.

Altitude is still fairly important for naval drones. At sea, the distance you can see and spot very greatly increases with altitude. A drone flying at 30,000 feet will, therefore, be better suited for maritime reconnaissance than one flying at, say, 20,000 feet.

 

[NSR]

Tapas could not meet desired altitude of 30000 ft and desired endurance of 24 hours. Altitude is critical for army and IAF since they have to fly in mountain terrain mostly and should keep out of SAM ranges. For navy, altitude is not crucial.

30k requirement is very important.

Need new engine to accomplish that requirement.

 

[NSR]

Speaking succinctly, It can't meet 30k ft ceiling without engine change at all. For sure.

 

[@unknownuser]

Speaking succinctly, It can't meet 30k ft ceiling without engine change at all. For sure.

It has currently a 100 hp engine I guess and later models were going to have much more indigeneous 160hp.. they will reach 30k feet with those engine but currently they are not opting for it..they should atleast import rotax's 150hp engine.