Building on previous target drone initiatives, this endeavor adds sophisticated features that increase the fidelity of simulating modern threats including cruise missiles, UAVs, and next-generation aircraft.
A parachute-based recovery system will be incorporated into the proposed HEAT platform, allowing for reuse across several missions. This boosts availability for frequent live-fire training and reduces expenses as compared to totally expendable targets. The goal is to reduce turnaround times between deployments by pursuing a modular, ruggedized architecture.
The system’s changeable radar cross-section (RCS) signature technology is one of its main features. The drone’s ability to replicate a broad range of aerial targets, from tiny UAVs to bigger fighter-sized aircraft, is made possible by its radar reflectors and adjustable surface materials. This enables air defense personnel to practice against a variety of radar signatures in realistic settings.
For precise flight control and trajectory management, the drone will be equipped with cutting-edge onboard guidance and global navigation augmentation capabilities. This guarantees extremely reproducible flight profiles, from high-speed maneuvers to low-altitude missile-analogue runs. Adding real-time telemetry connectivity and autopilot redundancy will increase test safety and reliability.
High subsonic-to-transonic speed regimes are the focus of performance ambitions; future spirals may investigate limited supersonic performance. In line with DRDO’s objective of lowering the number of imported components in target systems, the propulsion option is anticipated to be a tiny turbojet/turbofan or gas-turbine derivative created in India.
Applications for the new HEAT system include radar tracking exercises, pilot training scenarios, air-to-air missile trials, and surface-to-air missile evaluations. It is more economical and flexible to new doctrines than its predecessors due to its RCS control and recovery capabilities.
Applications for the new HEAT system include radar tracking exercises, pilot training scenarios, air-to-air missile trials, and surface-to-air missile evaluations. It is more economical and flexible to new doctrines than its predecessors due to its RCS control and recovery capabilities.