1,326
edits
m
robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.
(Intro : ADE) |
m (robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Indian unmanned aerial vehicle}} | {{Short description|Indian unmanned aerial vehicle}} | ||
{{Distinguish|DRDO Rustom}} | {{Distinguish|DRDO Rustom}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=February | {{Use Indian English|date=February 2022}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=February | {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}} | ||
{|{{Infobox | {|{{Infobox aircraft begin | ||
| name = DRDO TAPAS BH-201 | | name = DRDO TAPAS BH-201 | ||
| image = File: | | image = File:Rustom flight 2 (cropped).jpg | ||
| caption = | | caption = TAPAS-BH-201 in flight | ||
}}{{Infobox | }}{{Infobox aircraft type | ||
| type = [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]] | | type = [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]] | ||
| national origin = [[India]] | | national origin = [[India]] | ||
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Electronics]] <br/>[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] | | manufacturer = [[Bharat Electronics]] <br/>[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] | ||
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] | | designer = [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] | ||
| first flight = {{dts|format=dmy|2016-11-15}} | | first flight = {{dts|format=dmy|2016-11-15}} | ||
| introduction = | | introduction = | ||
| retired = | | retired = | ||
| status = | | status = In production | ||
| primary user = | | primary user = [[Indian Armed Forces]] | ||
| produced = | | produced = | ||
| number built = | | number built = 76 On order (initially) | ||
[ 60 for Army, 12 For Airforce, 4 For Navy ] | |||
| program cost = | | program cost = | ||
| unit cost = | | unit cost = | ||
| Line 26: | Line 27: | ||
|} | |} | ||
'''Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon-201''' or '''TAPAS BH-201''' (''{{lit|Heat}}'') is a [[high-altitude long endurance]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV) | '''Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon-201''' or '''TAPAS BH-201''' <!--(''{{lit|Heat}}'')-->({{Lang-sa|[[wikt:तपस्#Sanskrit|तपस्]]}}, ''{{IAST|tápas}}'', ''"Heat"'') (formerly referred to as '''[[DRDO Rustom|Rustom]]-II'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/582217/tapas8200only-surveillance-may-morphed-combat.html|title=TAPAS only for surveillance, may be morphed for combat duty: DRDO chief|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=2016-11-21}}</ref>) is a <!--[[high-altitude long endurance]]-->Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV) being developed in India by [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) on the lines of [[General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]].<ref name="ETrustom">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-22/news/31086842_1_ade-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicles-drones|title=First flight of UAV Rustom-2 scheduled in Feb, 2014|date=22 Feb 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|accessdate=9 March 2022}}</ref><ref name="spsau10">{{cite web|url=http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=164&h=Unmanned:-The-Future-of-Air-Wars|title=Unmanned: The Future of Air Wars|publisher=SP's Aviation|accessdate=10 February 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605165251/http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=164&h=Unmanned%3A-The-Future-of-Air-Wars|archivedate=5 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="RN20111115">{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-india-to-soon-have-its-won-predator-drones/20111115.htm|title=India may soon have its own 'Predator drones'|date=15 November 2011|newspaper=Rediff News|accessdate=9 March 2022}}</ref> The first flight of the UAV took place in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms|title=DRDO's combat drone Rustom-2 flies for the first time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-11-18}}</ref> | ||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
In October, 2010 a senior DRDO official had stated that the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an obvious template for the Rustom program. DRDO built a credible unmanned flying platform. The way the Americans converted a robust surveillance drone into a combat drone is something we are confident we can replicate for the Rustom-H. It will have a great deal of mission flexibility. | In October, 2010 a senior DRDO official had stated that the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an obvious template for the Rustom program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Raaj |date=30 November 202 |title=Eye in the sky for Indian Navy-Sea Guardians |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/eye-in-the-sky-for-indian-navy-sea-guardians/2139908/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> DRDO built a credible unmanned flying platform. The way the Americans converted a robust surveillance drone into a combat drone is something we are confident we can replicate for the Rustom-H. It will have a great deal of mission flexibility. | ||
In February 2012, ADE Director P S Krishnan stated that designing of ''Rustom-II'' has been completed, purchase orders have been placed and we are on schedule to fly for the first time in February 2014.<ref name=DN549>{{cite news|title=ADE Finalizes Rustom-2 UAV Flight, Reveals Future Drone Projects for Defence|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html|accessdate=9 March 2012|newspaper=Defence Now|date=February 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620184142/http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html|archivedate=20 June | In February 2012, ADE Director P S Krishnan stated that designing of ''Rustom-II'' has been completed, purchase orders have been placed and we are on schedule to fly for the first time in February 2014.<ref name=DN549>{{cite news|title=ADE Finalizes Rustom-2 UAV Flight, Reveals Future Drone Projects for Defence|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html|accessdate=9 March 2012|newspaper=Defence Now|date=February 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620184142/http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html|archivedate=20 June 2022}}</ref> In contrast to Rustom-I, the next generation version is equipped with enhanced aerodynamic configuration, digital flight control, navigation system, [[communication intelligence]], medium and long-range electro-optic payloads and [[synthetic aperture radar]] that will enable it to see through the clouds. Rustom-2 is capable of carrying different combinations of payloads depending on the mission objectives including electronic intelligence systems and situational awareness systems. It has a satellite communication link to relay situation in the battle theatre on real time basis. | ||
The project started at the cost of ₹1,540.74 crore but later revised to ₹1,786 crore as of 2022.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Sagar |first=Pradip R |date=24 April 2022 |title=India will soon get a combat drone |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2022/04/22/india-will-soon-get-a-combat-drone.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
In September 2013, the Rustom-II began full power taxi trials at the Kolar airfield near Bengaluru | In September 2013, the Rustom-II began full power taxi trials at the Kolar airfield near Bengaluru. It would carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for all the three armed forces in India. Once inducted, this indigenous medium altitude long endurance (MALE) multirole drone is likely to be an asset for Indian armed forces for its surveillance capability as well as for its use as an unmanned armed combat vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 July 2016 |title=India's Rustom MALE UAS Lifts Off This Month - Livefist |url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/indias-rustom-male-uas-lifts-off-this-month/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Livefist Defence |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
TAPAS-BH-201 had a successful maiden flight on 16 November 2016 at Challakere, 200 km away from Bengaluru in the district of Chitradurga in south Indian state of Karnataka. It was tested for take off, landing and other parameters. Ten pilotless UAV's would be produced in one year. Nine prototypes more advanced than the initial one would follow for testing prior to the beginning of certification process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms|title=DRDO's combat drone Rustom-2 flies for the first time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-11-16}}</ref> | TAPAS-BH-201 had a successful maiden flight on 16 November 2016 at Challakere, 200 km away from Bengaluru in the district of Chitradurga in south Indian state of Karnataka. It was tested for take off, landing and other parameters. Ten pilotless UAV's would be produced in one year. Nine prototypes more advanced than the initial one would follow for testing prior to the beginning of certification process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms|title=DRDO's combat drone Rustom-2 flies for the first time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-11-16}}</ref> Initially DRDO Chief [[S. Christopher]] denied arming Rustom-II.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vasuki |first=Kestur |date=21 November 2016 |title=Tapas has no combat capabilities: DRDO |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/india/tapas-has-no-combat-capabilities-drdo.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Pioneer |language=en}}</ref> There was news of Rustom-II using power plant of [[Austro Engine]] but no confirmation from DRDO side considering a Chinese company [[Wanfeng Auto Holding Group]] acquired it through [[Diamond Aircraft Industries]] in 2016.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Rob |date=2016-12-20 |title=Chinese Company Buys Majority Stake of Diamond Aircraft Canada |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/chinese-company-buys-majority-stake-diamond-aircraft-canada/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=FLYING Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> Although it was reported that from prototype AF-5, ADE replaced 125 hp [[Rotax 914]] with 180 hp engine from Austro. ADE was also planning to use 200 hp power plant from [[Lycoming Engines]] to improve [[power-to-weight ratio]]. In the meantime, [[Vehicle Research and Development Establishment]] (VRDE) and [[Tech Mahindra]] started working on an indigenous engine for Rustom-II.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Saurav |date=2014-02-10 |title=Desi UAV efforts taking flight for India |url=https://www.news18.com/blogs/india/saurav-jha/desi-uav-efforts-taking-flight-for-india-10879-748301.html |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=News18}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Anantha |first=Krishnan M |date=8 February 2020 |title=Rustom-II UAV, loaded with new features, set to fly soon |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2020/02/08/rustom-ii-uav-loaded-with-new-features-set-to-fly-soon.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> | ||
During the test phase, five additional prototypes were manufactured close to production variant powered by twin NPO-Saturn 36MT turboprop engines rated 74.57 kW (100 hp). ADE is also trying to decrease weight of Rustom-II by 260 kg. The platform is now being developed as a long endurance surveillance platform capable of deploying precision weapons. With an overall length of 9.5 m and a wingspan of more than 20.6 m, the UCAV needs a runway to takeoff and land unlike traditional UAVs. Initially 1,800 kg was planned but the prototypes are weighing 2,200 kg.<ref name=":4" /> Rustom-II has a cruising speed of 135 kt carrying 350 kg of payload.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kadidal |first=Akhil |last2=Majumdar |first2=Oishee |date=25 March 2022 |title=DRDO seeks greater endurance for Rustom II |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-28000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-18-hours |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref> | |||
The drone can loiter autonomously at high altitudes performing real-time, high-resolution intelligence, [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)]] with its [[Synthetic aperture radar|SAR]] and [[Electro-optical sensor|EO]] sensors. When a target is identified, it will either illuminate the target with a [[laser designator]] for other [[Attack aircraft|strike aircraft]], or descend to lower altitude and attack the target with its own [[Air-to-surface missile|air-to-surface missiles.]] | The drone can loiter autonomously at high altitudes performing real-time, high-resolution intelligence, [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)]] with its [[Synthetic aperture radar|SAR]] and [[Electro-optical sensor|EO]] sensors. When a target is identified, it will either illuminate the target with a [[laser designator]] for other [[Attack aircraft|strike aircraft]], or descend to lower altitude and attack the target with its own [[Air-to-surface missile|air-to-surface missiles.]]<ref name=":0" /> | ||
The | [[Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment]] (CVRDE) successfully conducted low speed and high speed taxi trial of Tricycle Nose Wheel Type Retractable Landing Gear System for Rustom-2 at Chitradurga on 2 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=V. |first=Ayyappan |date=2 August 2018 |title=CVRDE holds speed taxi trial of indigenously developed landing gear for Rustom 2 UAV |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cvrde-holds-speed-taxi-trial-of-indigenously-developed-landing-gear-for-rustom-2-uav/articleshow/65248304.cms |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Rustom-2 prototype AF-6 was crashed on 17 September 2019 due to link loss with the ground station that activated 'return home mode' but rough turbulence beyond the capacity of control law made the platform unstable.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2019 |title=DRDO’s Rustom-II UAV crash-lands near Challakere |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2019/sep/18/drdos-rustom-ii-uav-crash-lands-near-challakere-2035337.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> This problem was later rectified in prototype AF-6A with upgraded features like a solid state relay-based low weight power distribution unit, an indigenous inertial navigation system and lithium ion batteries with satellite communication (SATCOM) link.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
DRDO flight tested the Rustom-2 and achieved eight hours of flying at an altitude of 16,000 ft at Chitradurga, Karnataka in October 2020. The prototype expected to achieve an altitude of 26,000 ft and endurance of 18 hours by the end of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shishir |date=2020-10-10 |title=DRDO’s Rustom-2 drone takes-off, India goes for armed Heron |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-s-rustom-2-drone-flight-tested-india-goes-for-armed-heron-uavs/story-CZ5jd9tRo6Ph2jcq2HOpmM.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Till now Rustom-2 completed 77 developmental test flights.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
The | On 13 November 2021, Rustom-2 demonstrated autonomous take-off and landing capability using [[GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation]] (GAGAN). It has T-shaped tail assembly and shoulder-mounted wings to improve perceptibility of payloads.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahmat |first=Ridzwan |date=15 November 2021 |title=India demonstrates autonomous take-off, landing capabilities of Rustom II UAV |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-demonstrates-autonomous-take-off-landing-capabilities-of-rustom-ii-uav |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref> The platform uses Tricycle Nose Wheel Type Retractable Landing Gear System which is designed for high touchdown speeds and sink velocity during landing.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Aksheev |date=2022-07-27 |title=Bengaluru: HAL to start making airframes for TAPAS combat drones |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-hal-to-start-making-airframes-for-tapas-combat-drones-8053297/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On 16 December 2021, TAPAS-BH-201 successfully crossed 25,000 ft and 10 hours endurance milestone. In March 2022, TAPAS-BH-201 successfully demonstrated 28,000 ft and 18 hours of endurance. The Indian Armed Forces are impressed by the advance ground control and image exploitation system of Rustom-2.<ref name=":2" /> In May 2022, TAPAS-BH-201 system will be handed over to [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) and [[Bharat Electronics Limited]] (BEL) for limited production.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2021-12-15|title=Rustom-2 indigenous UAV crosses a milestone|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rustom-2-indigenous-uav-crosses-a-milestone/article37963891.ece|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Manish Kumar |title=DRDO’s Rustom II UAV Has Reached The Target Altitude Of 28,000 ft; No Need to Import ISR Drones: G Satheesh Reddy |url=http://businessworld.inhttps//www.businessworld.in/article/DRDO-s-Rustom-II-UAV-Has-Reached-The-Target-Altitude-Of-28-000-ft-No-Need-to-Import-ISR-Drones-G-Satheesh-Reddy/13-03-2022-422723 |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=BW Businessworld |language=en}}</ref> | ||
=== Manufacturing === | |||
As per chairman and managing director of HAL, R Madhavan, six air-frames will be made in 2022 for user evaluation trials in which platform must reach 30,000 ft with an endurance greater than 16 hours. By 2023, DRDO will complete all development work related to Rustom-2 and HAL will start mass production after the completion of user trials. ADE will train HAL technicians for the integration of first two units and later monitor the production process for quality control. The final product will have combat range of 250 km. A total of 76 TAPAS drones will be inducted initially into the armed forces in which 60 is for Army, 12 for Air Force and 4 for Navy.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /> | |||
==Specifications== | ==Specifications== | ||
{{Aircraft specs | {{Aircraft specs | ||
|ref= ''Defstrat.com'',<ref name=DEFSTRAT/> | |ref= ''Defstrat.com'',<ref name=DEFSTRAT/> ''stargazer2006.online.fr''<ref name=Stargazer>{{cite news|title=DRDO-ADE 'Rustom-I' and 'Rustom-H'|url=http://stargazer2006.online.fr/derivatives/rustom.htm|access-date=9 March 2012|newspaper=Stargazer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730134046/http://stargazer2006.online.fr/derivatives/rustom.htm|archive-date=30 July 2022}}</ref> ''Janes.com''<ref name=Janes>{{Cite web |last=Kadidal |first=Akhil |last2=Majumdar |first2=Oishee |date=25 March 2022 |title=India's Rustom II UAV can reach 28,000 ft, plans to stay aloft for more than 18 hours |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-28000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-18-hours |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325223658/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/air-platforms/latest/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-28000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-18-hours |archive-date=25 March 2022 |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> | ||
|prime units?=met | |prime units?=met | ||
<!-- | <!-- | ||
| Line 83: | Line 87: | ||
--> | --> | ||
|eng1 number=2 | |eng1 number=2 | ||
|eng1 name=[[NPO Saturn|NPO-Saturn]] | |eng1 name=[[NPO Saturn|NPO-Saturn]] 36T engines | ||
|eng1 type=wing-mounted turboprop | |eng1 type=wing-mounted turboprop | ||
|eng1 kw= | |eng1 kw=74.57<ref name=Janes/> | ||
|eng1 note= (Prototype) | |eng1 note= (Prototype) | ||
|eng2 number=2 | |eng2 number=2 | ||
|eng2 name=[[ | |eng2 name=[[VRDE]] indigenous | ||
|eng2 type= | |eng2 type= | ||
|eng2 hp=180 | |eng2 hp=180 | ||
| Line 100: | Line 104: | ||
Performance | Performance | ||
--> | --> | ||
|max speed kmh= | |max speed kmh=224 | ||
|max speed note= | |max speed note= | ||
|cruise speed kmh= | |cruise speed kmh= | ||
|cruise speed note= | |cruise speed note= | ||
|stall speed kmh= | |stall speed kmh= | ||
| Line 114: | Line 118: | ||
|ferry range km=1000 | |ferry range km=1000 | ||
|ferry range note= | |ferry range note= | ||
|endurance= | |endurance=24 hours<ref name=Janes2>{{Cite web |title=India demonstrates autonomous take-off, landing capabilities of Rustom II UAV |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-demonstrates-autonomous-take-off-landing-capabilities-of-rustom-ii-uav |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahmat |first=Ridzwan |date=15 Nov 2021 |title=India demonstrates autonomous take-off, landing capabilities of Rustom II UAV |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-28000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-18-hours |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-s-rustom-2-drone-flight-tested-india-goes-for-armed-heron-uavs/story-CZ5jd9tRo6Ph2jcq2HOpmM.html|title=DRDO’s Rustom-2 drone takes-off, India goes for armed Heron}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Manish Kumar|title=DRDO’s Light Tank Will Be Power Pack As "The Highest Altitude Operable Tank In The Globe": G. Satheesh Reddy, Chairman DRDO|url=https://www.businessworld.in/article/DRDO-s-Light-Tank-Will-Be-Power-Pack-As-The-Highest-Altitude-Operable-Tank-In-The-Globe-G-Satheesh-Reddy-Chairman-DRDO/09-03-2021-383371/|access-date=11 March 2021|publisher=BW BusinessWorld|date=11 March 2021}}</ref> | ||
|ceiling m= | |ceiling m=10668<ref name=Janes2/> | ||
|ceiling note= | |ceiling note= | ||
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic --> | |g limits=<!-- aerobatic --> | ||