New Delhi, Oct 6: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the successful flight trial of indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS). The experimental flight attained an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level (AMSL) and remained at an altitude of 20 km AMSL for more than 30 minutes, before it was commanded to descend back to ground. The system was successfully recovered and flight performance data was analyzed.
Real-time video data and all other vehicle parameters were acquired from the Airborne platform at Ground Control Station during the entire flight, which showed intended flight performance. System carried various instrumentation and control electronic packages like an inertial measurement unit, Global positioning system receiver, onboard cameras, altitude control mechanism besides various other sub-systems. The trial was conducted in coordination with various agencies, namely Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.
The High-Altitude Platform, a lighter than air system as a long endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform, is being designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, IAF, PSUs and Industry on successful flight trial of High-Altitude Platform and stated that the successful trial is an important milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey towards realizing a long endurance stratospheric Airship.
Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh has congratulated the teams associated with the flight trial of high-altitude airship platform.
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