RPK
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The Indian market for UAS is estimated at $2 billion and the answer to the demand will be filled by local production.
Indias state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), which recently carved out a separate unmanned air systems (UAS) division as part of a comprehensive diversification drive, wants to prepare platforms quickly to meet a raft of current and expected requirements from the armed forces, police and paramilitary.
The Indian navy is on the lookout for medium- and high-altitude/long-endurance (MALE and HALE) UAS. And the Indian army and air force are both eager for more short-range unmanned air systems. For the first time, the coast guard and paramilitary forces there are looking to establish their own UAS squadrons for dedicated operations related to coastal and internal security. The countrys intelligence agencies, including the National Technical Research Organization and Research & Analysis Wing also operate UAS and want to add capabilities, preferably indigenous, or Indian-led.
HAL has conducted a market assessment and is sending a request for expression of interest (EOI) to international aerospace companies seeking the joint development, manufacture and marketing of three UAS types: a fixed-wing MALE variant; a fixed-wing, short-range tactical model; and a mini-UAS for infantry, paramilitary and special forces use. Sources connected to HAL say the manufacturer would be willing to partner in the large-scale modification of existing platforms for Indian requirements. HAL is already teaming up with Russia on two current projects: the fifth-generation fighter aircraft and multi-role transport aircraft.
HAL is expanding its reach to cover new product lines. As the UAS business in India and other countries is expanding, there is a need for collaboration to face the competitive scenario, the company tells prospective partners in its recently published request. HAL hopes to elicit interest from Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, EADS, Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense, BAE Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Saab and Dassault, says a HAL executive familiar with the effort.
Representatives for all the entities contacted said their companies are working on responses. A competitive process will winnow out some contenders before a decision is made, though the HAL executive said Chairman R.K. Tyagi is keen to expedite the process so work could begin on one of HALs most exciting ventures.
The MALE UAS that HAL wants to add to its portfolio needs to be a multi-mission platform for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance; communication and data relay; scientific and meteorological applications, and disaster management. HAL is looking to develop an all-weather, day/night UAS with a takeoff weight of around 2 tons, a length not more than 15 meters (49 ft.) and a wingspan of not more than 30 meters. The platform will need a payload capacity of 500 kg (1,100 lb.), an endurance of 50 hr. and maximum speed of 500 kph.
The short-range tactical UAS would be used for battlefield target acquisition, surveillance and reconnaissance, correction of artillery fire and battle damage assessment. The mini UAS will tackle over-the-hill surveillance, border security and law enforcement .
- See more at: India Seeking JVs for Domestic UAS Production for $2BN Market | UAS VISION
Indias state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), which recently carved out a separate unmanned air systems (UAS) division as part of a comprehensive diversification drive, wants to prepare platforms quickly to meet a raft of current and expected requirements from the armed forces, police and paramilitary.
The Indian navy is on the lookout for medium- and high-altitude/long-endurance (MALE and HALE) UAS. And the Indian army and air force are both eager for more short-range unmanned air systems. For the first time, the coast guard and paramilitary forces there are looking to establish their own UAS squadrons for dedicated operations related to coastal and internal security. The countrys intelligence agencies, including the National Technical Research Organization and Research & Analysis Wing also operate UAS and want to add capabilities, preferably indigenous, or Indian-led.
HAL has conducted a market assessment and is sending a request for expression of interest (EOI) to international aerospace companies seeking the joint development, manufacture and marketing of three UAS types: a fixed-wing MALE variant; a fixed-wing, short-range tactical model; and a mini-UAS for infantry, paramilitary and special forces use. Sources connected to HAL say the manufacturer would be willing to partner in the large-scale modification of existing platforms for Indian requirements. HAL is already teaming up with Russia on two current projects: the fifth-generation fighter aircraft and multi-role transport aircraft.
HAL is expanding its reach to cover new product lines. As the UAS business in India and other countries is expanding, there is a need for collaboration to face the competitive scenario, the company tells prospective partners in its recently published request. HAL hopes to elicit interest from Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, EADS, Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense, BAE Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Saab and Dassault, says a HAL executive familiar with the effort.
Representatives for all the entities contacted said their companies are working on responses. A competitive process will winnow out some contenders before a decision is made, though the HAL executive said Chairman R.K. Tyagi is keen to expedite the process so work could begin on one of HALs most exciting ventures.
The MALE UAS that HAL wants to add to its portfolio needs to be a multi-mission platform for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance; communication and data relay; scientific and meteorological applications, and disaster management. HAL is looking to develop an all-weather, day/night UAS with a takeoff weight of around 2 tons, a length not more than 15 meters (49 ft.) and a wingspan of not more than 30 meters. The platform will need a payload capacity of 500 kg (1,100 lb.), an endurance of 50 hr. and maximum speed of 500 kph.
The short-range tactical UAS would be used for battlefield target acquisition, surveillance and reconnaissance, correction of artillery fire and battle damage assessment. The mini UAS will tackle over-the-hill surveillance, border security and law enforcement .
- See more at: India Seeking JVs for Domestic UAS Production for $2BN Market | UAS VISION
