The Indian Navy recently conducted a successful test of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing and take-off on its indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. This significant achievement marks a major milestone in the development of India’s naval capabilities and showcases the country’s growing prowess in the field of unmanned aviation.
The test was conducted at a naval airbase in Goa, where the Indian Navy’s Naval Aircraft Yard (NAY) has been working tirelessly to develop and integrate UAV operations on the INS Vikrant. The successful landing and take-off of the UAV on the aircraft carrier demonstrate the Navy’s ability to effectively operate unmanned systems from its indigenous platforms.
The UAV used in the test was an indigenously developed Rustom-2, which is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone. It is designed to perform a variety of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition. With a wingspan of over 20 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 1,800 kilograms, the Rustom-2 is capable of flying for extended periods at high altitudes, providing valuable intelligence and situational awareness to naval forces.
The integration of UAV operations on an aircraft carrier is a complex task that requires meticulous planning and coordination. The Indian Navy has been working closely with various defense research organizations and industry partners to develop the necessary infrastructure and technologies to enable UAV operations on its indigenous carriers. This includes the development of dedicated landing and take-off systems, as well as advanced communication and control systems.
The successful test of UAV landing and take-off on the INS Vikrant opens up new possibilities for the Indian Navy in terms of surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. Unmanned systems offer several advantages over manned aircraft, including longer endurance, lower operational costs, and reduced risk to human lives. By integrating UAV operations on its aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy can extend its reach and enhance its operational effectiveness in both peacetime and combat scenarios.
In addition to the Rustom-2, the Indian Navy is also exploring the integration of other UAVs, such as the indigenously developed Naval Rotary UAV (NRUAV), on its aircraft carriers. These UAVs are specifically designed for shipborne operations and can provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to naval forces.
The successful test of UAV landing and take-off on the INS Vikrant is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in the field of unmanned aviation. It showcases the country’s commitment to developing indigenous technologies and platforms to enhance its defense capabilities. With the integration of UAV operations on its aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy is poised to become a formidable force in the maritime domain, capable of effectively monitoring and securing its vast coastline and territorial waters.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source Link: https://zephyrnet.com/indian-navy-tests-landing-and-take-off-of-uav-from-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant/