The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight trial of an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS), marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to develop long-endurance stratospheric airship technology.
During the experimental flight, the platform reached an altitude of 21 km above mean sea level and maintained an altitude of 20 km for more than 30 minutes before being commanded to descend. The system was subsequently recovered successfully, and its flight performance data was analysed.
Real-time video and vehicle-parameter data were transmitted to the Ground Control Station throughout the flight. The platform carried an inertial measurement unit, GPS receiver, onboard cameras, an altitude-control mechanism and other instrumentation and control systems.
The HAPS is a lighter-than-air, long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform being designed and developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra. The trial was conducted in coordination with the Indian Air Force, CEMILAC, DGCA, Airports Authority of India and other civil authorities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, PSUs and industry partners, describing the successful trial as an important milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey towards realising a long-endurance stratospheric airship.