HAL RUAV-200 (Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is anunmannedrotorcraft project being developed byHindustan Aeronautics Limited for theIndian Army and theIndian Navy.
IAI-HAL NRUAV (Naval Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) was anunmannedrotorcraft project being co-developed by Malat Solutions, a unit ofIAI ofIsrael, andHAL ofIndia for theIndian Navy.[1][2] The programme served as a precursor to the current RUAV-200 programme.
The project consisted of a Malat-made Helicopter Modification Suite (HeMoS) fitted on HAL'sChetan, an upgradedChetak withTurbomeca TM 333 2M2 engines. The helicopter was planned to be used for unmanned operations and advancedintelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions from warship decks.[3]
IAI-HAL NRUAV will feature AutonomousVertical Take-off and Landing (AVTOL) to operate fromhelicopter deck-equipped warships and from unprepared landing sites. It is intended to be employed as anelevated mast, which will extend the vessel's coverage over a much larger area, providing early warning and detection of aircraft, cruise missiles, surface vessels and even subsurface activities.[4]It is planned to have an endurance of 6 hours and up to a distance of 120 km from the launching vessel. The system is being designed to carry a variety of ISR payloads includingSAR,EO, andSIGINT. The project was initiated in late 2008, to be completed in 36-48 months with a budget of₹1,163 crore (US$138 million). The project was being funded by the Indian Ministry of defense[5]
In October 2010, it was reported that the programme is plagued by the lack of a correct landing and take-off system for moving platforms such as the decks of warships and had run into serious delays.[6]
It was reported in February 2017, that the programme contract with IAI had been cancelled and was being further developed in collaboration withAeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).[7]
General characteristics
Performance
By February 2019, a full-scale prototype of RUAV-200 was developed and unveiled at the Aero India 2019. The programme was awaiting clearance for a preliminary design review. HAL was being assisted byIIT Kanpur andAeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) ofDRDO. The intended user was extended to theIndian Army as well as theNavy. The drone, weighing 200 kg (440 lb), has been equipped with a two rotor blade design and apetrolaero-engine. As reported, the UAV featuresFADEC controls and SLR-DC datalink as well as autonomous mode for flying and take-off and landing.[7]
As per a report in 2023, the UAV is expected to cater for the Army's need for "robust military-grade drones" for deployment at high-altitude regions. The Army has issued a requirement for 163 High Altitude (launch altitiude: >4,000 m (13,000 ft)) and 200 Medium Altitude (launch altitiude: >3,000 m (9,800 ft)) Logistics Drones. HAL has officially designated RUAV-200 as Logistics Drone (High Altitude) or {LD(HA)} for its Army variant. Army also needs at least 50% indigenous content (costwise).[9]
The UAV can also perform advanced reconnaissance operations forarmoured columns as well asartillery units. It is equipped withelectro-optical day/night camera as payload for similar roles The UAV has a operating temperature range of -35°C to +55°C.[9]
HAL also plans to develop an armed drone variant based on the design withnetwork-centric warfare operations capabilities. The UAV could be equipped withmachine guns,anti-tank missiles as well asair to surface missiles.[9]
Data from ,[7]Financial Express[9]
General characteristics
Performance