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DRDO Ghatak: Difference between revisions
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}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type | }}{{Infobox Aircraft Type | ||
| type = [[Stealth technology|Stealth]] [[UCAV | Unmanned Combat aerial | | type = [[Stealth technology|Stealth]] [[UCAV | Unmanned Combat aerial Vehicle]] | ||
| national origin = [[India]] | | national origin = [[India]] | ||
| manufacturer = | | manufacturer = | ||
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] <br/>[[ | | designer = [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] <br/>[[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] <br/>[[Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur]] | ||
| first flight = | | first flight = 2025{{ndash}}2026 (expected)<ref name="shivaroor" /> | ||
| introduction = | | introduction = | ||
| retired = | | retired = | ||
| status = | | status = Technology demonstrator taxi trials completed | ||
| primary user = [[Indian Air Force]] (expected) | | primary user = [[Indian Air Force]] (expected) | ||
| more users = <!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>--> | | more users = <!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>--> | ||
| produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-present.--> | | produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-present.--> | ||
| number built = | | number built = | ||
| program cost = {{INRConvert| | | program cost = {{INRConvert|26.5|b|lk=r|year=2015}}<ref name="toi" /> | ||
| unit cost = | | unit cost = | ||
| developed from = | | developed from = | ||
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'''''Ghatak''''' is an autonomous [[Stealth aircraft|stealthy]] [[unmanned combat air vehicle]] (UCAV), being developed by | '''''Ghatak''''' is an autonomous [[Stealth aircraft|stealthy]] [[unmanned combat air vehicle]] (UCAV), being developed by [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) of [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) for the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite news|title=India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-to-develop-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/story-gnfRezY6tbKLDa3mtkUdmI.html|work=Hindustan Times|agency=IANS|date=25 November 2009|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Imagery Details Indian Aura UCAV|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/new-imagery-details-indian-aura-ucav|work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|date=16 July 2012}}</ref> The design work on the [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAV]] is to be carried out by [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] (ADA). ''Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA)'' was a tentative name for the UCAV.<ref name="toi" /><ref name="et" /> Details of the project are classified.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/100966/India/india-developing-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle.html|title=India developing unmanned combat aerial vehicle|work=India Today|date=2010-06-10|access-date=2012-01-28}}</ref> | ||
The UCAV will be capable of releasing [[missiles]], bombs and [[precision-guided munition]]s. The programme is in its project definition stage. The design is in line with what former DRDO chief controller for Aeronautics said in 2007, that India's combat drone would be a stealthy [[flying-wing]] concept aircraft with internal weapons bay and a turbofan engine. | The UCAV will be capable of releasing [[missiles]], bombs and [[precision-guided munition]]s. The programme is in its project definition stage. The design is in line with what former DRDO chief controller for Aeronautics said in 2007, that India's combat drone would be a stealthy [[flying-wing]] concept aircraft with internal weapons bay and a turbofan engine. | ||
First flight of a scaled down testbed is scheduled in 2021 and that of a full scale prototype is expected in 2024 | First flight of a scaled down testbed is scheduled in 2021 and that of a full scale prototype is expected in 2024{{ndash}}25. The first fight is expected to occur by 2025{{ndash}}26. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA) was a tentative name for an Indian UCAV project,<ref name=et>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-set-to-clear-rs-3000-crore-plan-to-develop-engine-for-indias-first-ucav/articleshow/49775096.cms|title=Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2018-07-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref> but was eventually called the ''Ghatak'' UCAV.<ref name="shivaroor" /><ref name="toi" /> | ''Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA)'' was a tentative name for an Indian UCAV project,<ref name=et>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-set-to-clear-rs-3000-crore-plan-to-develop-engine-for-indias-first-ucav/articleshow/49775096.cms|title=Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2018-07-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref> but was eventually called the ''Ghatak'' UCAV.<ref name="shivaroor" /><ref name="toi" /> | ||
The ADA describes the UCAV as a "self-defending high-speed reconnaissance UAV with weapon firing capability".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/Make-in-India-sees-first-unmanned-UAV/articleshow/55548908.cms|title=Make in India sees first unmanned UAV|date=22 November 2016|website=[[Ahmedabad Mirror]]|language=en|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref> The UCAV will cruise at medium altitude and will be capable of carrying two or more guided strike weapons with on-board sensors for targeting and weapon guidance. | The ADA describes the UCAV as a "self-defending high-speed reconnaissance UAV with weapon firing capability".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/Make-in-India-sees-first-unmanned-UAV/articleshow/55548908.cms|title=Make in India sees first unmanned UAV|date=22 November 2016|website=[[Ahmedabad Mirror]]|language=en|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref> The UCAV will cruise at medium altitude and will be capable of carrying two or more guided strike weapons with on-board sensors for targeting and weapon guidance. | ||
The flight control system and data link packages of the UCAV will be created by | The flight control system and data link packages of the UCAV will be created by ADA and [[Defence Electronics Application Laboratory]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ghosh|first1=Anirvan|title=We never had a single failure in 1,500 flights of Tejas: ADE|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/people--places/we-never-had-a-single-failure-in-1500-flights-of-tejas-ade/articleshow/7294743.cms|access-date=28 January 2012|work=The Economic Times|date=17 January 2011}}</ref> | ||
[[DRDO]]'s Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, " | [[DRDO]]'s Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, "capable of flying at altitudes of {{convert|30,000|ft|m|0|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}} and weighing less than 15 tonnes, the UCAVs will have rail-launching for the missiles, bombs and PGMs (precision-guided munitions) they will carry."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pandit|first1=Rajat|title=India quietly begins combat drone project|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/India-quietly-begins-combat-drone-project/articleshow/7941545.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=11 April 2011}}</ref> In 2015, Defence Minister [[Manohar Parrikar]] informed Rajya Sabha that UCAV will be powered by a dry [[GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri|Kaveri engine]] variant,<ref>{{cite news|title=Indigenous Kaveri engine to power Unmanned Combat Aircraft|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indigenous-kaveri-engine-to-power-unmanned-combat-aircraft-115073001331_1.html|work=Business Standard|agency=PTI|date=30 July 2015}}</ref> which will have a thrust of 52 [[kilonewton]]s.<ref name="toi" /> It is said to employ a [[Thrust vectoring|fluid thrust vectoring]] method. | ||
== Development == | == Development == | ||
The Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft was a feasibility study started in 2009 with a budget of {{INRConvert| | === Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) === | ||
The Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft was a feasibility study started in 2009 with a budget of {{INRConvert|125|m|lk=r|year=2009}} and successfully completed in April 2013.<ref name="toi">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-set-to-develop-own-stealth-combat-drones/articleshow/50165296.cms|title=India set to develop own stealth combat drones|date=14 December 2015|website=[[The Times of India]]|language=en|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref> | |||
Initial funding of {{INRConvert| | Initial funding of {{INRConvert|2.31|b|year=2016}} for the project was sanctioned by the [[Government of India]] in May 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158007|title=DRDO Projects|date=3 February 2017|website=[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]|via=[[Press Information Bureau]]|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref><ref name="shivaroor" /> | ||
As of March 2017, a full-scale model was being built for testing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2017/02/exclusive-indias-ghatak-stealth-ucav-moves-forward.html|title=EXCLUSIVE: India’s Ghatak Stealth UCAV Moves Forward, Likely With Dassault|last=[[Shiv Aroor|Aroor]]|first=[[Shiv Aroor|Shiv]]|website=Livefist|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref><ref name="shivaroor" /> | As of March 2017, a full-scale model was being built for testing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2017/02/exclusive-indias-ghatak-stealth-ucav-moves-forward.html|title=EXCLUSIVE: India’s Ghatak Stealth UCAV Moves Forward, Likely With Dassault|last=[[Shiv Aroor|Aroor]]|first=[[Shiv Aroor|Shiv]]|website=Livefist|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref><ref name="shivaroor" /> | ||
A technology demonstrator called ''Stealth Wing Flying Testbed'' (SWiFT)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=158187| | A technology demonstrator called ''Stealth Wing Flying Testbed'' (SWiFT) which is a precursor project being developed by [[Aeronautical Development Agency]], [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] and [[Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 February 2017|title=Special Innovative Defence Projects|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=158187|access-date=2019-10-28|website=[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]|via=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> It is intended to develop technologies required for the final ''Ghatak'' UCAV.<ref name="shivaroor">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2018/02/exclusive-inside-the-world-of-indias-most-secret-combat-aircraft.html|title=EXCLUSIVE: Inside The World Of India’s Most Secret Combat Aircraft Program|last=[[Shiv Aroor|Aroor]]|first=[[Shiv Aroor|Shiv]]|website=Livefist|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref> A prototype of the SWiFT is expected to be flight-tested by 2021 with a [[NPO Saturn]] 36MT [[turbofan]] engine.<ref name="shivaroor"/> | ||
In Q4 of 2020, a small version of delta wing UAV was developed by ADA and [[IISc]] and test flown in [[Hosur]]. The UAV utilised a microjet engine and attained a maximum velocity of 190 | In Q4 of 2020, a small version of delta wing UAV was developed by ADA and [[IISc]] and test flown in [[Hosur]]. The UAV utilised a microjet engine and attained a maximum velocity of {{cvt|190|km/h}} during flight.<ref>{{Cite news|last=CS|first=Hemant|date=2020-11-03|title=ADA-IISC'S REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SUCCESSFULLY TEST FLOWN|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/ada-iiscs-remotely-piloted-aircraft-successfully-test-flown/articleshow/79010169.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103062923/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/ada-iiscs-remotely-piloted-aircraft-successfully-test-flown/articleshow/79010169.cms|archive-date=2020-11-03|access-date=2020-11-27}}</ref> As of 2021, the Ghatak name has been dropped and the overall programme gained a flagship status with full support from [[Union government|Union Government]]. The project will also include a deck-based UCAV for [[Indian Navy]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Krishnan M|first=Anantha|date=10 January 2021|title=ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2021/01/09/ade-steps-into-new-decade-with-planeloads-of-critical-projects.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 July 2021|website=OnManorama}}</ref> | ||
In June 2021, DRDO initiated ground trials of the first assembled prototype weighing 1 ton all-up weight and powered by [[NPO Saturn]] 36MT turbofan engine. The Russian engine will be replaced by Manik Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) at later stage developed [[Gas Turbine Research Establishment]] (GTRE) which was already successfully tested on [[Nirbhay]] cruise missile and [[Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile]] (ITCM).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rout|first=Hemant Kumar|date=11 August 2021|title=DRDO tastes maiden success with new turbofan engine in indigenous cruise missile|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/aug/11/drdo-tastes-maiden-success-with-new-turbofan-engine-in-indigenous-cruise-missile-2343378.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The prototype will collect data on [[controllability]] of [[flying wing]] configuration and design stability, [[aircraft flight control system]], autonomous landing and take-off technology, [[retractable landing gear]] system and [[radar cross-section]]. [[Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment]] (CVRDE) developed the 1 ton weight class retractable landing gear for SWiFT and delivered it to ADE for integration. It was already certified by [[Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification]] (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2021-06-23|title=DRDO initiates the trials of advanced stealth SWiFT drone|url=https://newsonair.com/2021/06/23/drdo-initiates-the-trails-of-advanced-stealth-swift-drone/|access-date=2021-08-30|website=NewsOnAIR -|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
The prototype is 4 m long with a 5 m long wingspan. The maximum range to receive ground commands is 200 km with an overall weight of 1,050 kg. It can achieve an altitude of 6 km above [[mean sea-level]] with [[flight endurance record]] of 1 hour. Apart from being a precursor for technology development related to Ghatak project, SWiFT will also move ahead as separate project under [[unmanned]] [[wingman]] bomber program.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 70: | Line 75: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130215004723/http://livefist.blogspot.in/2012/02/exclusive-what-indias-stealth-ucav-aura.html Stealth UCAV AURA] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20130215004723/http://livefist.blogspot.in/2012/02/exclusive-what-indias-stealth-ucav-aura.html Stealth UCAV AURA] | ||
'''Technical:''' | |||
* [https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/STFE_WRITEUP.pdf Engine Layout and Modules of Manik STFE] | |||
{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}} | {{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}} | ||
Revision as of 05:39, 30 December 2021
Ghatak is an autonomous stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), being developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Air Force.[1][2] The design work on the UCAV is to be carried out by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA) was a tentative name for the UCAV.[3][4] Details of the project are classified.[5]
The UCAV will be capable of releasing missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions. The programme is in its project definition stage. The design is in line with what former DRDO chief controller for Aeronautics said in 2007, that India's combat drone would be a stealthy flying-wing concept aircraft with internal weapons bay and a turbofan engine.
First flight of a scaled down testbed is scheduled in 2021 and that of a full scale prototype is expected in 2024–25. The first fight is expected to occur by 2025–26.
Description
Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA) was a tentative name for an Indian UCAV project,[4] but was eventually called the Ghatak UCAV.[6][3]
The ADA describes the UCAV as a "self-defending high-speed reconnaissance UAV with weapon firing capability".[7] The UCAV will cruise at medium altitude and will be capable of carrying two or more guided strike weapons with on-board sensors for targeting and weapon guidance.
The flight control system and data link packages of the UCAV will be created by ADA and Defence Electronics Application Laboratory.[8]
DRDO's Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, "capable of flying at altitudes of 30,000 ft [9,144 m] and weighing less than 15 tonnes, the UCAVs will have rail-launching for the missiles, bombs and PGMs (precision-guided munitions) they will carry."[9] In 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed Rajya Sabha that UCAV will be powered by a dry Kaveri engine variant,[10] which will have a thrust of 52 kilonewtons.[3] It is said to employ a fluid thrust vectoring method.
Development
Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT)
The Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft was a feasibility study started in 2009 with a budget of ₹125 million (equivalent to ₹250 million or US$2.9 million in 2019) and successfully completed in April 2013.[3]
Initial funding of ₹2.31 billion (equivalent to ₹2.7 billion or US$31 million in 2019) for the project was sanctioned by the Government of India in May 2016.[11][6]
As of March 2017, a full-scale model was being built for testing.[12][6]
A technology demonstrator called Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) which is a precursor project being developed by Aeronautical Development Agency, Aeronautical Development Establishment and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.[13][14] It is intended to develop technologies required for the final Ghatak UCAV.[6] A prototype of the SWiFT is expected to be flight-tested by 2021 with a NPO Saturn 36MT turbofan engine.[6]
In Q4 of 2020, a small version of delta wing UAV was developed by ADA and IISc and test flown in Hosur. The UAV utilised a microjet engine and attained a maximum velocity of 190 km/h (120 mph) during flight.[15] As of 2021, the Ghatak name has been dropped and the overall programme gained a flagship status with full support from Union Government. The project will also include a deck-based UCAV for Indian Navy.[14]
In June 2021, DRDO initiated ground trials of the first assembled prototype weighing 1 ton all-up weight and powered by NPO Saturn 36MT turbofan engine. The Russian engine will be replaced by Manik Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) at later stage developed Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) which was already successfully tested on Nirbhay cruise missile and Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM).[16] The prototype will collect data on controllability of flying wing configuration and design stability, aircraft flight control system, autonomous landing and take-off technology, retractable landing gear system and radar cross-section. Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) developed the 1 ton weight class retractable landing gear for SWiFT and delivered it to ADE for integration. It was already certified by Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).[17]
The prototype is 4 m long with a 5 m long wingspan. The maximum range to receive ground commands is 200 km with an overall weight of 1,050 kg. It can achieve an altitude of 6 km above mean sea-level with flight endurance record of 1 hour. Apart from being a precursor for technology development related to Ghatak project, SWiFT will also move ahead as separate project under unmanned wingman bomber program.[17]
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik
- Boeing X-45
- Northrop Grumman X-47
- Lockheed Martin Polecat
- Dassault nEUROn
- BAE Taranis
- Boeing Phantom Ray
- Mikoyan Skat
References
- ↑ "India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle". Hindustan Times. IANS. 25 November 2009.
- ↑ "New Imagery Details Indian Aura UCAV". Aviation Week & Space Technology. 16 July 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "India set to develop own stealth combat drones". The Times of India. 14 December 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Pubby, Manu (15 July 2018). "Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV". The Economic Times. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ↑ "India developing unmanned combat aerial vehicle". India Today. 10 June 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Aroor, Shiv. "EXCLUSIVE: Inside The World Of India's Most Secret Combat Aircraft Program". Livefist. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
{{cite web}}: Check|first=value (help) - ↑ "Make in India sees first unmanned UAV". Ahmedabad Mirror. 22 November 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ↑ Ghosh, Anirvan (17 January 2011). "We never had a single failure in 1,500 flights of Tejas: ADE". The Economic Times. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ↑ Pandit, Rajat (11 April 2011). "India quietly begins combat drone project". The Economic Times.
- ↑ "Indigenous Kaveri engine to power Unmanned Combat Aircraft". Business Standard. PTI. 30 July 2015.
- ↑ "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
- ↑ Aroor, Shiv. "EXCLUSIVE: India's Ghatak Stealth UCAV Moves Forward, Likely With Dassault". Livefist. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
{{cite web}}: Check|first=value (help) - ↑ "Special Innovative Defence Projects". Ministry of Defence. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Krishnan M, Anantha (10 January 2021). "ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects". OnManorama. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ CS, Hemant (3 November 2020). "ADA-IISC'S REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SUCCESSFULLY TEST FLOWN". Archived from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ↑ Rout, Hemant Kumar (11 August 2021). "DRDO tastes maiden success with new turbofan engine in indigenous cruise missile". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ 17.0 17.1 "DRDO initiates the trials of advanced stealth SWiFT drone". NewsOnAIR -. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
External links
Technical: