DRDO Ghatak: Difference between revisions

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{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
| name = Ghatak
| name = Ghatak
| image =  
| image = Autonomous_Flying_wing_Tech.jpg
| caption =  
| caption = A scaled down technology demonstrator of DRDO GHATAK
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
| type = [[Stealth technology|Stealth]] [[UCAV | Unmanned Combat aerial Vehicle]]
| type = [[Stealth technology|Stealth]] [[UCAV | Unmanned Combat aerial Vehicle]]
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| manufacturer =  
| manufacturer =  
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] <br/>[[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] <br/>[[Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur]]
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] <br/>[[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] <br/>[[Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur]]
| first flight = 2025{{ndash}}2026 (expected)<ref name="shivaroor" />
| first flight = 1 July, 2022<ref name="shivaroor" />
| introduction =  
| introduction =  
| retired =  
| retired =  
| status = Technology demonstrator taxi trials completed  
| status = Taxi trials, autonomous take off and landing of technology demonstrator 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/>-->
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'''''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>
'''''Ghatak''''' (<small>pronounced: [[Help:IPA/Hindi|gʰɑːt̪ək]]</small>){{efn|from Hindi/Sanskrit 'घातक' (<small>[[IAST|romanised]]:</small> ''ghātaka'') meaning 'killer', 'deadly'}} is an autonomous jet powered [[Stealth aircraft|stealthy]] [[unmanned combat air vehicle]] (UCAV), being developed by [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) of the [[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 Ghatak UCAV will have internal weapons bay for carrying [[missiles]], bombs and [[precision-guided munition]]s. Its design will be based on [[flying-wing]] concept, and will be powered by 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{{ndash}}25. The first fight is expected to occur by 2025{{ndash}}26.
The first flight of a scaled down testbed was carried out in July 2022,<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-07-01 |title=DRDO flight tests new autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-flight-tests-new-autonomous-flying-wing-technology-demonstrator/article65589041.ece |access-date=2022-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702064235/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-flight-tests-new-autonomous-flying-wing-technology-demonstrator/article65589041.ece |archive-date=2 July 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and that of a full scale prototype is expected in 2025.<ref name=":2" />


==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" />
The Ghatak is an autonomous jet powered [[Stealth aircraft|stealthy]] [[unmanned combat air vehicle]] (UCAV), being developed by the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE).<ref name=":5" /> It was initially called the ''Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA),''<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 renamed as ''Ghatak'' UCAV.<ref name="shivaroor">{{Cite web |last=Aroor |first=Shiv |author-link=Shiv Aroor |title=EXCLUSIVE: Inside The World Of India’s Most Secret Combat Aircraft Program |url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2018/02/exclusive-inside-the-world-of-indias-most-secret-combat-aircraft.html |access-date=2019-10-28 |website=Livefist |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="toi" /> In 2015, Defence Minister [[Manohar Parrikar]] informed Rajya Sabha that Ghatak UCAV will be powered by a dry variant of [[GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri|Kaveri]] afterburning turbofan engine,<ref>{{cite news |date=30 July 2015 |title=Indigenous Kaveri engine to power Unmanned Combat Aircraft |work=Business Standard |agency=PTI |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indigenous-kaveri-engine-to-power-unmanned-combat-aircraft-115073001331_1.html}}</ref> which will have a thrust of 52 [[kilonewton]]s.<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 flight control system and data link packages of the UCAV will be developed inhouse 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> The Ghatak UCAV will be developed with public – private sector participation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |title=Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV |work=The Economic Times |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?from=mdr |access-date=2022-07-03}}</ref>


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>
In 2011, in an interview given to [[The Economic Times]], [[DRDO]]'s Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, "the UCAV will have on-board mission computers, data links, fire control radars, identification of friend or foe, and collision avoidance systems, they will be highly [[Artificial intelligence|intelligent]] drones", he also added that "UCAV will be capable of flying at altitudes of {{convert|30,000|ft|m|0|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}} and weighing less than 15 tonnes, 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>
 
[[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 ==


=== Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) ===
=== Project Ghatak ===
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>
Project Ghatak was initiated as a successor to the 2009 AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) programme. The AURA was a pioneer programme sanctioned in 2009 with a budget of {{INRConvert|125|m|lk=r|year=2009}}, to carryout a feasibility study for the future Indian UCAV. The AURA programme was 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> The project Ghatak was initiated by ADA in consultation with the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF), with an objective to develop a stealthy UCAV based on [[flying wing]] design.<ref name="toi" /> The flying wing configuration is inherently stealthy, can carry more fuel and payload than conventional UCAV designs, however it has more complex flight control surfaces and laws.<ref name=":2" /> [[Times Now]] news quoting DRDO scientists reports that this design ensures optimum fuel use and stability for the aircraft.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Hazra |first=Dipavali |date=2 July 2022 |title=DRDO takes major step towards developing unmanned combat aerial vehicles: Explained |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/exclusive/drdo-tests-autonomous-flying-wing-technology-demonstrator-know-what-this-means-article-92616307 |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref> The Ghatak UCAV is projected to weigh less than a fighter jet and is intended to be powered by a 'dry engine' derivative of [[GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri]] turbofan engine capable of producing a thrust of 52 kN.<ref name="toi" /> According to a [[Press Information Bureau]] (PIB) document dated to 2017, an initial fund of {{INRConvert|2.31|b|year=2016}} had been allocated in 2016 for the design of Ghatak and development of critical advanced Technologies for Ghatak & [[HAL AMCA]].<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" /> The [[Indian Navy]] is also interested in the project, and is keen on acquiring deck based UCAVs for future aircraft carriers and [[Landing Platform Docks (LPD) of the Indian Navy|Landing Platform Docks (LPD)]].<ref name=":0" />


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" />
====Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT)====
[[File:DRDO SWiFT.webm|thumb|Successful maiden flight of SWiFT]]
Development of a scaled down technology demonstrator of Ghatak UCAV, called ''Stealth Wing Flying Testbed'' (SWiFT), began in 2020.<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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110041253/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2021/01/09/ade-steps-into-new-decade-with-planeloads-of-critical-projects.html |archive-date=10 January 2021 |access-date=26 July 2021 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> According to DRDO, the SWiFT UAV is intended to develop and demonstrate technologies for controlling the flying wing configuration and flight characteristics at high-subsonic speed.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=29 October 2021 |title=DRDO's stealth attack UAV back in focus as footage of demonstrator emerges |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/10/29/drdo-stealth-attack-uav-back-in-focus-as-footage-of-demonstrator-emerges0.html |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> The ground trials of SWiFT UAV began in June 2021, picture and videos of it carrying out taxi trials surfaced on 29 October 2021. It had resemblance to the US [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit]] stealth bomber.<ref name=":2" /> The SWiFT UAV has a length of 4 metres and a wingspan of 5 metres.<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><ref name=":4" /> The weigh of Swift UAV is around 1 tonne, and it uses a [[NPO Saturn]] 36MT<ref name=":4" /> or TRDD-50MT [[turbofan]] engine.<ref name=":3" />


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" />
The SWiFT UAV (technology demonstrator of Ghatak UCAV) took its maiden flight on 1 July 2022.<ref name=":3" /> According to DRDO, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way-point navigation and a smooth touchdown while operating in a fully autonomous mode.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Alex Philip |first=Snehesh |date=2022-07-01 |title=‘Major milestone’: India conducts maiden flight of unmanned aircraft demonstrator |url=https://theprint.in/defence/major-milestone-india-conducts-maiden-flight-of-unmanned-aircraft-demonstrator/1020170/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> However, the aircraft flown in the video uses a [[vertical stabilizer]] which is otherwise absent from the design. This is possibly due to issues with the horizontal stability of the aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kadidal |first=Akhil |last2=Parakala |first2=Akshara |date=4 July 2022 |title=DRDO successfully test flies flying-wing UCAV |work=Janes |url=https://www.janes.com/amp/drdo-successfully-test-flies-flying-wing-ucav/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2 |access-date=23 November 2022}}</ref>


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"/>  
The airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft (SWiFT UAV) were developed indigenously.<ref name=":3" /> Apart from being a precursor for technology development related to Ghatak project, SWiFT might also move ahead as separate project under [[unmanned]] [[wingman]] bomber program.<ref name=":1" />


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>
==See also==
 
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==
* [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
* [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
'''Related development'''
'''Related development'''
Line 69: Line 64:
* [[Boeing Phantom Ray]]
* [[Boeing Phantom Ray]]
* [[Mikoyan Skat]]
* [[Mikoyan Skat]]
==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
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{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}}
{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
 
{{Stealth aircraft}}
[[Category:Stealth aircraft]]
[[Category:Proposed aircraft of India]]
[[Category:Proposed aircraft of India]]
[[Category:Proposed military aircraft]]
[[Category:Proposed military aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 03:38, 14 August 2023

Ghatak (pronounced: gʰɑːt̪ək)[lower-alpha 1] is an autonomous jet powered stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), being developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the 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 Ghatak UCAV will have internal weapons bay for carrying missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions. Its design will be based on flying-wing concept, and will be powered by a turbofan engine.

The first flight of a scaled down testbed was carried out in July 2022,[6] and that of a full scale prototype is expected in 2025.[7]

Description[edit]

The Ghatak is an autonomous jet powered stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).[8] It was initially called the Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA),[4] but was eventually renamed as Ghatak UCAV.[9][3] In 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed Rajya Sabha that Ghatak UCAV will be powered by a dry variant of Kaveri afterburning turbofan engine,[10] which will have a thrust of 52 kilonewtons.[3]

The flight control system and data link packages of the UCAV will be developed inhouse by ADA and Defence Electronics Application Laboratory.[11] The Ghatak UCAV will be developed with public – private sector participation.[12]

In 2011, in an interview given to The Economic Times, DRDO's Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, "the UCAV will have on-board mission computers, data links, fire control radars, identification of friend or foe, and collision avoidance systems, they will be highly intelligent drones", he also added that "UCAV will be capable of flying at altitudes of 30,000 ft [9,144 m] and weighing less than 15 tonnes, will have rail-launching for the missiles, bombs and PGMs (precision-guided munitions) they will carry."[13]

Development[edit]

Project Ghatak[edit]

Project Ghatak was initiated as a successor to the 2009 AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) programme. The AURA was a pioneer programme sanctioned in 2009 with a budget of ₹125 million (equivalent to ₹250 million or US$2.9 million in 2019), to carryout a feasibility study for the future Indian UCAV. The AURA programme was completed in April 2013.[3] The project Ghatak was initiated by ADA in consultation with the Indian Air Force (IAF), with an objective to develop a stealthy UCAV based on flying wing design.[3] The flying wing configuration is inherently stealthy, can carry more fuel and payload than conventional UCAV designs, however it has more complex flight control surfaces and laws.[7] Times Now news quoting DRDO scientists reports that this design ensures optimum fuel use and stability for the aircraft.[14] The Ghatak UCAV is projected to weigh less than a fighter jet and is intended to be powered by a 'dry engine' derivative of GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri turbofan engine capable of producing a thrust of 52 kN.[3] According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) document dated to 2017, an initial fund of ₹2.31 billion (equivalent to ₹2.7 billion or US$31 million in 2019) had been allocated in 2016 for the design of Ghatak and development of critical advanced Technologies for Ghatak & HAL AMCA.[15][9] The Indian Navy is also interested in the project, and is keen on acquiring deck based UCAVs for future aircraft carriers and Landing Platform Docks (LPD).[16]

Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT)[edit]

Successful maiden flight of SWiFT

Development of a scaled down technology demonstrator of Ghatak UCAV, called Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), began in 2020.[16] According to DRDO, the SWiFT UAV is intended to develop and demonstrate technologies for controlling the flying wing configuration and flight characteristics at high-subsonic speed.[7] The ground trials of SWiFT UAV began in June 2021, picture and videos of it carrying out taxi trials surfaced on 29 October 2021. It had resemblance to the US Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.[7] The SWiFT UAV has a length of 4 metres and a wingspan of 5 metres.[17][14] The weigh of Swift UAV is around 1 tonne, and it uses a NPO Saturn 36MT[14] or TRDD-50MT turbofan engine.[6]

The SWiFT UAV (technology demonstrator of Ghatak UCAV) took its maiden flight on 1 July 2022.[6] According to DRDO, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way-point navigation and a smooth touchdown while operating in a fully autonomous mode.[8] However, the aircraft flown in the video uses a vertical stabilizer which is otherwise absent from the design. This is possibly due to issues with the horizontal stability of the aircraft.[18]

The airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft (SWiFT UAV) were developed indigenously.[6] Apart from being a precursor for technology development related to Ghatak project, SWiFT might also move ahead as separate project under unmanned wingman bomber program.[17]

See also[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ from Hindi/Sanskrit 'घातक' (romanised: ghātaka) meaning 'killer', 'deadly'

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle". Hindustan Times. IANS. 25 November 2009.
  2. ↑ "New Imagery Details Indian Aura UCAV". Aviation Week & Space Technology. 16 July 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "India set to develop own stealth combat drones". The Times of India. 14 December 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ "India developing unmanned combat aerial vehicle". India Today. 10 June 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Peri, Dinakar (1 July 2022). "DRDO flight tests new autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "DRDO's stealth attack UAV back in focus as footage of demonstrator emerges". The Week. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Alex Philip, Snehesh (1 July 2022). "'Major milestone': India conducts maiden flight of unmanned aircraft demonstrator". ThePrint. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Aroor, Shiv. "EXCLUSIVE: Inside The World Of India's Most Secret Combat Aircraft Program". Livefist. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
  10. ↑ "Indigenous Kaveri engine to power Unmanned Combat Aircraft". Business Standard. PTI. 30 July 2015.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. ↑ Pubby, Manu. "Government set to clear Rs 3,000 crore plan to develop engine for India's first UCAV". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  13. ↑ Pandit, Rajat (11 April 2011). "India quietly begins combat drone project". The Economic Times.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Hazra, Dipavali (2 July 2022). "DRDO takes major step towards developing unmanned combat aerial vehicles: Explained". TimesNow. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
  15. ↑ "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Krishnan M, Anantha (10 January 2021). "ADE steps into new decade with planeloads of critical projects". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "DRDO initiates the trials of advanced stealth SWiFT drone". NewsOnAIR –. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  18. ↑ Kadidal, Akhil; Parakala, Akshara (4 July 2022). "DRDO successfully test flies flying-wing UCAV". Janes. Retrieved 23 November 2022.

External links[edit]

Technical:

Template:Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO

Template:Stealth aircraft

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