WESEE Unveils LCLE X-61B: The Versatile Target Drone at Swavlamban 2024

The Indian Navy’s Weapons and Electronic Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE) showcased an innovative new target drone, the LCLE X-61B, at the Swavlamban 2024 exhibition. This unique drone has captured attention due to its design and operational potential, which differ from traditional target drones. While WESEE has not released exhaustive technical data, the LCLE X-61B’s unique specifications and hints of flexibility have sparked excitement and speculation within defense circles.

One standout feature of the LCLE X-61B is its landing gear—a rarity for aerial target drones. This addition means that, unlike the conventional catapult-launched target drones that require specialized launch systems, the LCLE X-61B can perform traditional take-offs and landings. This shift in design could open up new deployment options and significantly reduce setup time, as it can be deployed from a wider range of locations with conventional runways. Not only does this enhance its operational flexibility, but it could also bring down logistical costs by minimizing the need for complex infrastructure to support its use.

Although the LCLE X-61B is labeled as a target drone, its design hints at additional capabilities. Its avionics and structural customization potential mean that it could handle various mission adaptations, even if it does not have the endurance or payload capacity of high-end UAVs or long-range loitering munitions. These features could see the LCLE X-61B being utilized beyond basic target practice, supporting roles that would enhance training and operational readiness. Some potential applications could include:

1. Electronic Warfare Training: The LCLE X-61B might be equipped with electronic warfare systems, allowing it to simulate complex threat environments. For the Indian Navy, such a capability would provide crews with invaluable practice against realistic electronic threats, enhancing their response skills in situations where electronic countermeasures are required.

2. Sensor Testing and Calibration: The drone’s adaptable design could make it an ideal platform for sensor testing and calibration exercises. Radar systems, infrared sensors, and other detection equipment could be tested and fine-tuned in controlled scenarios, allowing the Navy to validate and calibrate sensors for real-world accuracy and reliability. This is particularly crucial in maritime settings, where detecting and tracking multiple threat vectors can be challenging.

3. ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Missions: Although limited in endurance, the LCLE X-61B can potentially be outfitted with lightweight ISR payloads. This would enable it to perform reconnaissance in low-threat environments, providing situational awareness and intelligence over short missions. This adaptability could be an asset in scenarios where a larger, more expensive drone might be impractical or too risky to deploy.

At Swavlamban 2024, WESEE’s demonstration of the LCLE X-61B has not only underscored the Navy’s commitment to cutting-edge technology but also emphasized the growing trend of multifunctional systems within military applications. The LCLE X-61B could redefine the role of target drones, pushing them beyond conventional training roles into areas that traditionally required more complex and costly UAVs.