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Rustom1, the indigenously built Indian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) had a successful flight on May 21, 2011. According to a DRDO Press release issued in Bangalore, it was the second successful flight of Rustom 1 being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab engaged in pioneering R&D work in the field of aeronautics.
"Rustom 1" has an endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8,000 metres. Rustom 1 has been achieved by converting a manned aircraft in to a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) by removing pilot seat and making required electrical, mechanical and aerodynamic modifications. The test flight was conducted at the airfield belonging to the Taneja Aerospace (TAAL) located near Hosur in Tamil Nadu bordering Bangalore.
According to the Press release many improvements have been carried outs since the last flight, in terms of piloting, landing, taxiing and other areas. The flight was a precursor to the flight with payloads as required by the services.
The sequence of events went off well to the total satisfaction of the scientists and technical personnel of the Bangalore's Aeronautical Development Establishment who have developed the UAV. Lt Col Thappa from the Army, was the external pilot for the total mission flight, who had no difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
Prahlada, chief controller Research and Development (Aeronautics Programs), informed that with the successful accurate flying of Rustom 1 on Sunday, ADE is geared up for integration of payloads with the aircraft within next three months.
"Rustom 1" has an endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8,000 metres. Rustom 1 has been achieved by converting a manned aircraft in to a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) by removing pilot seat and making required electrical, mechanical and aerodynamic modifications. The test flight was conducted at the airfield belonging to the Taneja Aerospace (TAAL) located near Hosur in Tamil Nadu bordering Bangalore.
According to the Press release many improvements have been carried outs since the last flight, in terms of piloting, landing, taxiing and other areas. The flight was a precursor to the flight with payloads as required by the services.
The sequence of events went off well to the total satisfaction of the scientists and technical personnel of the Bangalore's Aeronautical Development Establishment who have developed the UAV. Lt Col Thappa from the Army, was the external pilot for the total mission flight, who had no difficulty in controlling the vehicle.
Prahlada, chief controller Research and Development (Aeronautics Programs), informed that with the successful accurate flying of Rustom 1 on Sunday, ADE is geared up for integration of payloads with the aircraft within next three months.
