Successful flight test of Rustom UAV in Bangalore

A successful flight test of 'Rustom 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle' was conducted today.

"Rustom 1" being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab engaged in pioneering R&D work in the field of aeronautics, has an endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8000 metres," a DRDO release said.

"Rustom 1 has been achieved by converting a manned aircraft into a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) by removing pilot seat and making required electrical, mechanical and aerodynamic modifications", the release said.

The test flight was conducted at the airfield belonging to the M/s Taneja Aerospace (TAAL) located near Hosur. Many improvements have been carried out since the last flight, in terms of piloting, landing and taxiing,it said.

The flight was a precursor to one with payloads as required by the Services.

"The complete sequence of events went off well to the total satisfaction of the scientists and technical personnel of the Bangalore’s Aeronautical Development Establishment who have developed the UAV," the release said.

Prahlada, chief controller of research and development (aeronautics programme), said "with the successful accurate flying of Rustom 1,  ADE is geared up for integration of payloads with the Aircraft within next three months, to demonstrate performance of payloads and necessary secure data-link to the users."