India DRDO Successfully Flight Tests Indigenous High-Speed Flying-Wing UAV
Defense News - On
December 15, India achieved a significant milestone by successfully
testing its Autonomous Flying Wing Technology (AFWT) Demonstrator, thus
securing a position among the select nations with advanced flying wing
capabilities. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
conducted the trial at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga,
Karnataka.
The Ministry of Defense proudly announced that the
AFWT Demonstrator, a high-speed flying wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV), demonstrated autonomous flight in its final configuration. This
accomplishment signifies a notable advancement in India technological
prowess, elevating it to an exclusive group proficient in flying wing
technology.
Developed by the DRDOs Aeronautical Development
Establishment in Bangalore, the AFWT Demonstrator is one of two
prototypes. The recent test, marking the seventh iteration in the
tail-less configuration, showcased India mastery over flying wing
controls. The series of flight trials, initiated in July 2022,
contributed to refining the aerodynamic and control system, real-time
simulation, and the Ground Control Station.
The AFWT Demonstrator
features a sophisticated arrowhead wing platform constructed from
lightweight carbon prepreg composite material developed domestically.
This material, equipped with fiber interrogators for health monitoring,
underscores India self-reliance in aerospace technology.
An
impressive feat of the AFWT Demonstrator is its autonomous landing
capability, achieved without ground radar, infrastructure, or pilot
intervention. The UAVs unique ability to take off and land from any
runway with surveyed coordinates was highlighted as a significant
achievement.
India Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh,
emphasized that indigenous development of critical technologies
strengthens the nation armed forces. The success of the AFWT
Demonstrator aligns with India pursuit of self-reliance in strategic
defense technologies.
The initial flight test of the AFWT
Demonstrator took place on July 1, 2022, showcasing the UAVs autonomous
capabilities, including take-off, waypoint navigation, and smooth
touchdown. The technology, initially referred to as Stealth Wing Flying
Testbed or SWiFT, is considered a precursor to future combat drones.
Powered
by a Russian NPO Saturn 36MT turbofan engine, the SWiFT platform
demonstrated its potential during taxi trials in September 2021. The
AFWT Demonstrator development was led by the Aeronautical Development
Establishment (ADE), focusing on various unmanned aerial vehicles and
related technologies.
The unique flying wing structure of the
AFWT Demonstrator, reminiscent of advanced bombers like the American B-2
Spirit, offers advantages such as high fuel efficiency and stealth,
with a low radar signature. Despite its unique design presenting
challenges in stability, the DRDO successfully developed the airframe,
landing gear, and flight control systems locally.
Looking ahead,
the AFWT Demonstrator will undergo further development and testing to
assess its potential deployment as an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
(UCAV). The DRDO is actively working on the Ghatak or Autonomous
Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA) for the Air Force and Navy, with plans
to arm it with air-launched missiles and precision-guided munitions.
India
progress in drone technology, exemplified by projects like Nishant,
Rustom, Tapas, and Lakshay, underscores its commitment to bolstering its
defense capabilities. The successful development of the AFWT
Demonstrator sets the stage for advancing the Ghatak UCAV and securing
funding for autonomous combat surveillance platforms.