India's Ghatak stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) technology demonstrator has recently completed yet another successful flight, marking a significant stride in its developmental journey. The sleek and advanced UCAV, designed to operate stealthily and execute precision missions, showcased its capabilities during this latest test flight.
The DRDO achieved a milestone by conducting a successful flight trial of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator (known as Ghatak UCAV tech demonstrator). This indigenous high-speed flying wing UAV was tested at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) located in Chitradurga, Karnataka. By achieving flight in the tailless configuration, India has now entered the exclusive group of nations that have proficiently mastered control of the Flying wing setup.
The development of this technology demonstrator was aimed at India's covert stealth combat drone named Ghatak. Achieving a successful flight without a tail has positioned India among the esteemed nations that have mastered control of the Flying wing setup.
Crafted and realized by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under DRDO, this Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) took its maiden flight in July 2022. Subsequently, it has undergone six flight trials in various developmental configurations, utilizing two prototypes created internally.
hatak's successful flight not only underscores India's growing prowess in advanced military aviation but also signifies a promising leap forward in the nation's quest for indigenous cutting-edge defense technology. This achievement solidifies India's commitment to developing state-of-the-art aerial platforms, poised to bolster its defense capabilities and enhance strategic preparedness on the global stage.
About Ghatak UCAV: The Ghatak, also known as the Combat Drone, is an autonomous stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically designed for the Indian Air Force. ADE is spearheading the creation of Ghatak, a stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) propelled by an independent jet engine. Originally named the Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA), it was later renamed Ghatak UCAV. The UCAV is planned to be powered by a dry variant of the Kaveri afterburning turbofan engine, generating a thrust of 52 KiloNewton.
Earlier On July 1, 2022, the SWIFT UAV, serving as a Ghatak UCAV technology demonstrator, completed its inaugural flight. According to DRDO, the aircraft flawlessly executed autonomous operations, encompassing takeoff, waypoint navigation, and a smooth landing. All components of the aircraft, including its airframe, undercarriage, and complete flight control and avionics systems, were domestically produced. SWIFT may potentially evolve into a distinct project within the unmanned wingman bomber program, serving as a precursor for technological advancements linked with the Ghatak project.
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