In an effort to speed up the Rustom-II MALE UAV programme, the Dehradun-based Defence Electronics Application Establishment (DEAL) has called for quotations on the development of a SATCOM datalink for the UAV, in effect outsourcing a major task required within the programme. “The Data Link System is one of the major systems of UAV that is based on Digital Communications Techniques and provides full duplex communication between UAV & Ground Control Station,” the DEAL RfQ states.
The tender provides an opportunity for several Indian private firms that have demonstrated a capability in defence electronics and expressed an interest in working with DRDO to develop robust military datalinks for UAVs, aircraft and other combat assets. The DEAL tender is therefore the first effort towards such partnerships. Interested competitors are expected to turn in their proposals and quotations by April 30 this year. The Rustom-II is expected to make its first flight by Feb 2014.
With the Rustom-1 firmly in flight test towards proving itself as a tactical surveillance drone, the higher performance Rustom-H long-endurance surveillance platform is now close to being ready for a first flight. The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) that is developing the platform is looking at February 2014 time frame for a first flight from the Taneja Aerospace airstrip outside Bangalore.
The Rustom-H is to be built in two variants, a basic surveillance version and an armed strike version with capabilities comparable to the US MQ-1 Predator. According to reports, a prototype Rustom-H could begin ground testing and ground systems checks in August this year. The Rustom-H will sport an integrated C-band data link (2 wide ban and 1 narrow band) along with SATCOM. Its intended payloads include stabilised EO, SAR, MPR, long-range EO, ELINT and COMINT. In the strike role, it will be capable of deploying PGMs, including an intended modification of the HELINA anti-armour weapon into an extended-range strike weapon with a range of about 15 km.
In an effort to speed up the Rustom-II MALE UAV programme, the Dehradun-based Defence Electronics Application Establishment (DEAL) has called for quotations on the development of a SATCOM datalink for the UAV, in effect outsourcing a major task required within the programme. “The Data Link System is one of the major systems of UAV that is based on Digital Communications Techniques and provides full duplex communication between UAV & Ground Control Station,” the DEAL RfQ states.
The tender provides an opportunity for several Indian private firms that have demonstrated a capability in defence electronics and expressed an interest in working with DRDO to develop robust military datalinks for UAVs, aircraft and other combat assets. The DEAL tender is therefore the first effort towards such partnerships. Interested competitors are expected to turn in their proposals and quotations by April 30 this year. The Rustom-II is expected to make its first flight by Feb 2014.
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