Rudrastra VTOL Drone

GS3 – Science & Technology

Context

The Indian Army has successfully tested the Rudrastra, a domestically developed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed for precision strike missions.

About Rudrastra UAV

• Type: A hybrid VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) combining rotary-wing lift with fixed-wing flight, allowing both vertical take-off and extended horizontal range.
• Developed By: Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in partnership with the Indian Army.
• Autonomous Operations: Capable of independent loitering, engaging targets, and returning to base without human intervention.
• Navigation & Targeting: Equipped with GPS and onboard sensors for high-accuracy targeting.

Technical Specifications

• Range: Operational radius of 50 km, with a total flight range of 170 km.
• Flight Duration: Can stay airborne for up to 1.5 hours.
• Warhead: Fitted with an 8 kg airburst munition, designed to detonate mid-air and spread shrapnel over a wide area for anti-personnel missions.
• Precision: Offers high strike accuracy due to advanced onboard systems.

VTOL Advantage

• No Runway Needed: Can be launched and landed vertically, making it ideal for operations in restricted or rugged terrains, including forests, mountains, and urban zones.

India’s Broader Military Drone Ecosystem

• iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): Government platform supporting indigenous drone startups and innovation in defence technology.
• Make-I & Make-II Categories: Defence procurement models that promote domestic UAV design, development, and prototyping.
• SWiFT Program: A stealth UAV prototype being developed by DRDO as a precursor to India’s future combat drones.
• Rustom Series: DRDO’s medium-altitude, long-endurance drones for surveillance and strike roles.
• High-Altitude Drone Logistics: Indian Army-led project using drones for supply transport in remote and Himalayan border areas.