The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight trial of an Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, a high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The trial took place at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. The UAV, designed and developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, demonstrated autonomous stealth capabilities, showcasing India’s technological maturity.
This achievement positions India among a select group of nations that have mastered controls for flying wing technology. The aircraft prototype, featuring a complex arrowhead wing platform, was manufactured using lightweight carbon prepreg composite material developed domestically, emphasizing self-reliance in aerospace technology.
The composite structure, integrated with fiber interrogators for health monitoring, exemplifies ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in aerospace technology. The successful flight trial, conducted in tailless configuration, marked the seventh flight in the final configuration, following six trials in various developmental configurations using in-house manufactured prototypes.
The flight-tests led to advancements in aerodynamic and control system development, real-time and hardware-in-loop simulation integration, and the state-of-the-art Ground Control Station. The optimization of avionics systems, integration, and flight operations contributed to the success of the seventh flight.
The UAV’s autonomous landing capability, without the need for ground radars, infrastructure, or a pilot, showcased a unique feature, enabling take-off and landing from any runway with surveyed coordinates. This capability was achieved through onboard sensor data fusion and indigenous satellite-based augmentation using GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) receivers, enhancing the accuracy and integrity of GPS navigation.
The DRDO’s achievement underscores its commitment to advancing aerospace technology and achieving self-sufficiency in critical areas.
