Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight trial of an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS), reaching 21 km above mean sea level and demonstrating its potential for long-endurance stratospheric surveillance. The platform remained at an altitude of 20 km for more than 30 minutes before being commanded to descend and was subsequently recovered successfully.
During the experimental flight, real-time video and other vehicle parameters were transmitted continuously to a Ground Control Station, allowing teams to monitor the platform’s performance. The system carried an inertial measurement unit, GPS receiver, onboard cameras, an altitude-control mechanism and other electronic subsystems, all of which supported the flight and monitoring operations.
The lighter-than-air HAPS is being designed as a long-endurance aerial surveillance platform capable of operating in the stratosphere. It is being developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra. Such platforms could support persistent aerial observation and other monitoring requirements while operating at altitudes well above conventional aircraft.
The trial was conducted in coordination with the Indian Air Force, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India and other civil authorities. The multi-agency coordination was aimed at ensuring the safe conduct of the high-altitude flight.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, public sector undertakings and industry partners, describing the successful trial as an important milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in advanced aerospace technologies and the development of a long-endurance stratospheric airship.