The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted the flight trial of an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS). This is a major step forward in India’s endeavors to develop long-endurance stratospheric airship technology.
During the test flight, the lighter-than-air platform climbed to an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level and operations were performed at 20 km for more than 30 min before the platform was directed to descend to the ground.
The airship was recovered successfully after descent and mission data analyzed. Performance assessment showed the platform achieved its intended flight objectives.
The system had a suite of instrumentation and control packages, including an inertial measurement unit, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, onboard cameras, altitude-control mechanisms and several supporting subsystems, all of which worked as planned during the trial.
The flight was carried out in coordinati
on with Indian Air Force, Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.
The High-Altitude Platform is being developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of DRDO, Agra. It is a long-endurance stratospheric aerial system that can stay at extreme altitudes for a long time.
The High-Altitude Platform is being developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of DRDO, Agra. It is a long-endurance stratospheric aerial system that can stay at extreme altitudes for a long timeThe successful demonstration is a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in advanced aerial systems and long-endurance stratospheric operations, and strengthens the country’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Air Force, public sector undertakings and industry partners on the success, terming it a big step in India’s path toward the development of a long-endurance stratospheric airship under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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