Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator

Dec. 16, 2023

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out a flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator in Karnataka’s Chitradurga.

About the Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator:

It is an indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
It is designed and developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment.
The maiden flight of this aircraft was demonstrated in July 2022.
These flight-tests led to achievements in development of robust aerodynamic and control systems; integrated real-time and hardware-in-loop simulation, and state-of-the-art Ground Control Station.
The team had optimised the avionic systems, integration and flight operations towards the successful seventh flight in final configuration.
The aircraft prototype, with a complex arrowhead wing platform, is designed and manufactured with light-weight carbon prepreg composite material developed indigenously.
The autonomous landing of this high-speed UAV, without the need for ground radars/infrastructure/pilot, showcased a unique capability demonstration, allowing take-off and landing from any runway with surveyed coordinates.