According to the reports, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating the successful transfer of command and control capabilities of the Tapas Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), marking a remarkable achievement.

Earlier, on June 16, 2023, a momentous event unfolded as the Tapas Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) showcased its impeccable performance. Operating flawlessly at an impressive altitude of 20,000 feet above sea level, the UAV embarked on a successful flight lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes. The remarkable highlight of the demonstration was the INS Subhadra seamlessly assuming control of the UAV's operations for a remarkable duration of 40 minutes.

The Tapas UAV commenced its journey from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, traversing an impressive distance of 285 kilometers to successfully reach the Karwar naval base.

In a statement, the DRDO revealed that to ensure smooth command of the UAV, the INS Subhadra was equipped with one ground control station and two ship data terminals. Subsequent to the trial's success, the Tapas UAV safely returned and landed at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR).

According to reports, the Tapas UAV, developed by DRDO, is equipped with cutting-edge sensors and cameras, enabling it to capture high-resolution imagery and videos. The collected data is transmitted to a ground control station for further analysis.

As per reports, the Tapas UAV is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of operating at altitudes of up to 28,000 feet and sustaining flights for over 18 hours. It gained public attention during its inaugural flight at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru earlier this year.

Designed to fulfill the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Tracking & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) requirements of the tri-services, the Tapas UAV demonstrates exceptional capabilities in both day and night conditions. According to reports, it can be controlled remotely or execute pre-programmed flight plans autonomously, showcasing its precision and adaptability.

Image source: Mint