The unmanned fighter aircraft is called the ‘Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator’. The exercise took place today at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. The release further mentioned that the aircraft performed flawlessly in fully autonomous mode. The vehicle’s airframe, its undercarriage, flight controls, as well as avionics system, were developed indigenously.
Giving more details on the flight, the press release further said, “Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown. This flight marks a major milestone in terms of proving critical technologies towards the development of future unmanned aircraft and is significant step towards self-reliance in such strategic defence technologies.”
#WATCH | In a major success towards developing unmanned combat aircraft, the maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka today: DRDO officials pic.twitter.com/9PjX2dBkIr
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2022
Designed and developed by the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier research laboratory under the DRDO, the unmanned fighter aircraft is powered by a small, turbofan engine, the New Delhi-headquartered agency noted further.
The vehicle’s airframe, as well as its undercarriage, flight controls and avionics system, were developed indigenously, it added.
Meanwhile, congratulating DRDO, Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Congratulations to @DRDO_India on successful maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator from Chitradurga ATR. It is a major achievement towards autonomous aircrafts which will pave the way for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in terms of critical military systems.”
