India plans to develop solar-powered UAVs

New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) India is planning to develop
solar-powered unmanned flying machines with the capability of
remaining airborne for at least a month in all weather
conditions.
"We are looking forward to develop solar-powered
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a long range and endurance
capability as we plan to diversify our expertise in UAV
technology," DRDO spokesperson Ravi Gupta told PTI here.
The one-of-its-kind UAV will be designed and developed
to endure long-range sorties ranging up to a month in all
weather conditions, Gupta said.
The flying machine will have specially-designed solar
panels to keep it airborne even in nights and cloudy weather
conditions with the help of power generated and saved during
the day.
Keeping in mind the payload that would be fitted on
these UAVs and the nature of missions, special attention would
be paid to keep their frame light but strong enough to endure
different weather conditions.
The UAV would be capable of providing real-time
information and data of the area through a secure data link,
DRDO officials said.
The Rustom-1 UAV, developed by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO), can remain airborne for 24 to
36 hours while Nishant has the capability to remain airborne
for nearly five hours.
These UAVs can carry a variety of cameras to look deep
into the enemy territory for surveillance and reconnaissance
purposes.
Besides the armed forces, paramilitary personnel engaged
in anti-Naxal operations are also looking forward to
procure UAVs to snoop deep into forests inhabited by Left-wing
extremists.