Bengaluru: Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has announced the successful maiden flight of its homegrown unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD 200B. This new Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV is designed for both surveillance and air strikes.

The FWD 200B, developed by FWDA in Bengaluru, features a wingspan of five meters and a length of 3.5 meters. It has a maximum take-off weight of 102 kg and can carry a payload of up to 30 kg. The aircraft can achieve a cruising speed of 152 km/h and reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. It also has a range of 800 km and can stay airborne for up to seven hours.

The UAV is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes. All components, including its aerodynamics, airframe, propulsion, and control systems, are manufactured in India at FWDA’s advanced facility in Electronic City, Bengaluru.

"The FWD 200B's design and manufacturing reflect our commitment to advancing indigenous defense technology," said Suhas Tejaskanda, FWDA's Founder and CEO. "Its ability to operate from shorter airstrips, thanks to its minimal runway requirement of just 300 meters, further enhances its operational versatility."

The successful flight marks a significant achievement for FWDA and highlights the progress of India's domestic defense industry.

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