HAL to Unveil High-Altitude RUAV-200 Drone at Aero India 2025 for Border Security and Surveillance in Tough Terrains
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to unveil its latest innovation, the RUAV-200, at Aero India 2025. This Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (RUAV) is designed to enhance India's capabilities in border security, surveillance, and logistics, especially in challenging high-altitude terrains.
Design and Propulsion
The RUAV-200 features a coaxial, rotary-wing design powered by a fuel engine. This configuration provides exceptional stability and maneuverability, crucial for operations in mountainous regions where thin air and strong winds prevail. The drone is equipped with a two-blade main rotor and a petrol engine, incorporating Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and a secure SLR-DC datalink. It operates autonomously for take-off, flight, and landing, reducing the need for human intervention.
Performance Specifications
- Maximum Take-Off Weight: 200 kg
- Endurance: Up to 3 hours
- Operating Temperature Range: -35°C to +55°C
- Payload Capacity: 40 kg
- Service Ceiling: 6,000 meters
- Maximum Range: 400 km
These specifications enable the RUAV-200 to perform effectively in extreme weather conditions and rugged terrains, making it an invaluable asset for the Indian armed forces.
Operational Capabilities
The RUAV-200 is designed to meet the Indian Army's requirements for high-altitude logistics drones. It can launch from altitudes above 4,000 meters, aligning with the army's need for reliable supply routes in mountainous regions. The drone's 40 kg payload capacity allows it to transport essential supplies such as medical kits, equipment spares, military gear, and ammunition to remote outposts, ensuring that troops have timely access to necessary resources.
In addition to logistics, the RUAV-200 is equipped with an electro-optical day/night camera, enhancing its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This advanced camera system provides high-quality imagery in various lighting conditions, offering real-time intelligence and situational awareness to military personnel.
Development and Collaboration
The RUAV-200 is the result of a collaborative effort between HAL, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). This partnership leverages the strengths of each institution to develop a drone tailored to the specific needs of India's defense forces.
Future Prospects
HAL is exploring the development of an armed variant of the RUAV-200, which could be equipped with machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. This potential upgrade would expand the drone's role from logistics and surveillance to active combat support, aligning with modern warfare's evolving demands.
The unveiling of the RUAV-200 at Aero India 2025 marks a significant milestone in India's defense technology landscape. Its advanced features and capabilities are expected to attract attention from both domestic and international observers, highlighting India's growing expertise in unmanned aerial systems.
