HAL, DRDO to Partner in Rustom UAV Project

Rustom-2 MALE UAV at DefExpo-2014

HAL will partner with DRDO in the Rustom-1 and Rustom-2 projects as part of HAL's new focus on UAVs DRDO Chief Chief Avinash Chander told Unmanned magazine in a recent interview.

Earlier in June, 2014, HAL Chief Dr. RK Tyagi announced in a press release that HAL will take-up more activities in Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) business segments.

DRDO Chief Avinash Chander gave the following additional insight into DRDO's efforts at meeting growing UAV requirements of the nation, particularly its armed forces.

• DRDO is developing a supersonic target drone as a follow-up to Lakshya-2.
• The Navy has projected a requirement for a 10-t class RUAV. DRDO is developing technology for the RUAV but is yet undecided on whether to convert an existing unmanned platform (like Chetak) to a RUAV, or develop a RUAV from scratch.
• DRDO is actively working on a solar powered ISR UAV capable of remaining aloft for weeks at a time. It's also developing technology for a solar powered ISR airship capable of remaining on station at an altitude of 50-60 km for months at a stretch.
• In the future, DRDO plans to pursue development of UAV swarms which theoretically are more resilient and adaptive in performing their tasks.

It maybe noted that HAL is also independently working on a RUAV project in partnership with Israel. The project involves converting a Chetak helicopter into an unmanned air vehicle. The Indian Navy has projected an initial requirement for 8 such helicopters. The order size may eventually grow to 40 aircraft.

The unmanned Chetak uses a flight control system developed by IAI using a Bell Helicopter 206.

The Malat unmanned air systems (UAS) division of IAI is working with HAL on the project under a wider cooperation agreement.

Here is the DRDO Chief's interview with Unammned magazine.

ADE Initiates Structural Design Optimization of Rustom-II Composite Airframe

Rustom-II MALE UAV at DefExpo-2014

ADE has initiated a two year project to optimize the Rustom-II composite airframe, an indication perhaps of ADE's confidence in the design of its Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV and the UAV's suitability to the emerging needs of the Armed Forces.

The Rustom-II airframe is essentially FRP composite sandwich structure with metallic components. The airframe and its components are primarily made up of Carbon / Epoxy Composites with Acrylic foam as Core material in Sandwich structures with selective use of Glass/ Epoxy Composites. The metallic components are of Sheet metal or Machined. Integration of Airframe modules is carried out using standard fasteners, self plugging rivets and bonding.

Redesign of the airframe would be carried out using simulation and structural testing, ensuring weight optimization.

ADE recently released a RFI seeking vendor support for creating a team comprising composite airframe design expert, FEM analyst, structural testing expert, structural test rig designer, expert in hand calculation for stressing, based on stress flow weight optimization etc.

Rustom-II has been undergoing taxi trials and its first flight is expected to take place this year. DRDO aims to get the Rustom-2 certified by 2018. Optimization of the design and generation of structural strength and load data through simulations will be facilitate certification.

IDP Sentinel members can read more about the Rustom-II project at the link below

Rustom-2 MALE UAV (IDP Sentinel)

Rustom-2 Update

Rustom-2 prototype at DefExpo 2014

The Rustom-2 is currently powered by twin Rotax 914 engines, each driving a twin blade variable pitch propeller.

Austrian developed Rotax 914 is a four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine with air-cooled cylinders and water-cooled cylinder heads. Sustained max power output is 73-kW (100-hp) with a 5-min burst of 84-kW (115-hp) at 5,800 rpm.

A single Rotax 914 powers the MQ-1 Predator in a pusher configuration. The engine is a popular power plant for light certified and home built aircraft, autogyros and military UAVs.

A study is on to assess the feasibility of using a diesel (Heavy Fuel or HF) engine on the Rustom-2.

Coming back to Rustom-2 itself, the prototype displayed at DefExpo 2014 has already done Low Speed Taxi Trials. First flight, which was earlier scheduled for February 2014, has been pushed back to June 2014.

As mentioned in my earlier post, an ATOL (AutonomousTake Off and Landing) system for Rustom-2 is yet to be developed, so initial flights will involve piloted take-offs and landings.

For additional details on the Rustom-2 project please visit the link below

Rustom-2 MALE UAV (IDP Sentinel)

Rustom-2: Not Powered by a Turboprop!

Rustom-2 at DefExpo 2014

DRDO on February 6, 2014 unveiled what appears to be a yet to fly prototype of the Rustom-2 MALE UAV at DefExpo 2014.

What is most notable about the UAV is that it does not feature a turboprop engine, as Rustom-2 was expected to do.

Though I have yet to confirm it, the UAV may well be powered by twin diesel engines.

I should have an update tomorrow.

The Rustom-2 was supposed to fly in February 2014 and DRDO may have opted for a diesel engine as an interim power plant.

IDP has learned that DRDO has yet to develop autonomous take-off and landing capability so the initial version of the Rustom-2 will be piloted.

Rustom-2 model on display at Aero India 2013.

Please visit the UPDATE to this post at

Thum! Kaun Aata Hai?: Rustom-2 Update

For additional details on the Rustom-2 project please visit the link below.

Rustom-2 MALE UAV (IDP Sentinel)