Design and development of an ultra high altitude Indian-made drone, has progressed significantly and could be available to the Indian armed forces within three to five years.
The solar-powered drone, called the Infinity, is designed to cruise at an altitude of more than 65,000 feet for ninety days and would be a key element in India’s CATS or the Combat Air Teaming System.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, in partnership with NewSpace, a Bengaluru based start-up closely involved in developing cutting-edge drone solutions, are developing this new drone.
‘The stratosphere will form the next phase of exploitation for the next generation of airborne platforms towards future warfare needs,”said a source closely involved in the programme.
Equipped with a variety of sensors including a state-of-the-art synthetic aperture radar, Infinity will keep track of targets deep within enemy territory and coordinate attack missions carried out by other Indian drone systems, such as the Warrior ‘loyal wingman,’ Alfa-S swarm drones or Hunter cruise missile which are part of India’s indigenous Combat Air Teaming System.
Sources: YouTube; website