Focus: GS III: Science and Technology
Why in News?
The Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the transfer of command-and-control capabilities of the TAPAS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
About Tapas Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
The Tapas Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as Tapas-BH 201 (Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon 201), is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), which is a part of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in India,
Key details about the Tapas UAV:
- Name and Development: The Tapas UAV was previously referred to as Rustom-II but is now officially known as Tapas-BH 201. It is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a division of the DRDO.
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE): The Tapas UAV falls under the category of a Medium Altitude Long Endurance vehicle. It is designed to operate at altitudes of up to 28,000 feet, allowing it to cover a considerable range and provide surveillance capabilities from an aerial perspective.
Features:
- Endurance and Altitude: The UAV has an endurance of over 18 hours, enabling it to stay airborne for long durations. It is capable of operating at altitudes of up to 28,000 feet, allowing for extended coverage and surveillance capabilities.
- Wingspan and Speed: The Tapas UAV has a wingspan of 20.6 meters, providing stability and lift during flight. It can reach a maximum speed of 225 kmph, allowing for efficient and timely operations.
- Payload Capacity: The drone has a maximum payload capacity of 350 kilograms, which can accommodate various equipment and sensor packages necessary for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
- Remote Control and Autonomy: The Tapas UAV can be controlled remotely by operators on the ground. It also has the ability to execute pre-programmed flight plans autonomously, providing flexibility and precision in its operations.
- ISTAR Capabilities: The Tapas UAV is designed to fulfill the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Tracking & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) requirements of the tri-services. It is capable of operating effectively in both day and night conditions.
- Weaponization Potential: The UAV is pre-designed to carry certain weapons and can be converted into an armed platform if required by the user. This provides the option for weaponization based on mission needs.
