Navy eyes UAVs that function like choppers

[CONNAN]

BY:Tribune News ServiceThe Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation

The Navy is looking to buy a new type of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that operates and functions like a chopper. It can be operated from ship decks for real time surveillance and intelligence gathering at sea to spot militants, pirates and enemies, besides aiding in rescue operations and scanning oil rigs.

So far the armed forces have the conventional UAVs that take-off like small planes and hover over specified targets to gather information. Most of these are acquired from friendly foreign countries, while the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have also developed some of these.

However, the Navy cannot put them to much use as an open space is needed to enable a landing when a UAV returns back to base. This will not be possible at high seas, where decks are constrained for space.

The Ministry of Defence has sent out a request for information to global players asking what kind of single engine or twin engine UAV’s can be supplied. The main requirement will be for vertical take off and landing facility. It will be fitted with scanners, high-resolution cameras and infrared imagers. Besides, it will have the capability to operate all weather conditions. Most such UAV’s will be operated off naval ship decks that have helicopter landing facility.

The UAVs will be used for surveillance, targeting and intelligence gathering, using a combination infrared optical sensor and lasers. The Navy can also use this for search and rescue operations. Another use will be to carry a common data link and serve as a radio and data relay platform between ships at sea and ground stations.

 

[Pasban]

This is a rather interesting idea. Iran has also been manufacturing helicopter/ chopper UAVs for some time. However, as expected, Iran releases no information as to it's experience with them and upon their feasibility. From media releases, Iran utilities it's models for scouting and combat alone. The fact that more of such designs are being developed and invested in by Iran goes to say that the concept is indeed promising.

I'll attach some Iranian versions below. The range of these is probably very small at best given that helicopters consume more fuel when hovering as such and moreover helicopters have a general lack of lifting surfaces.

 

[Kompromat]

USN Firescout.

* Turkey has developed theirs already which could end up in PN.
PN currently operates CAMCOPTER(r) S-100 UAV System.

 

[XYON]

@BLACKBLOOD

To set the record straight!!

PN only tested (not inducted) the Camcopter S-100 UAV System on board PNS Shahjahan in 2008. The photo above was posted by me. PN has inducted last year the fixed wing UAV called UQAB which is locally manufactured. Camcopter is NOT operated by the PN. PN has deemed it too expensive for its sea ops.

Secondly, India has also tested the Camcopter S-100 off one of its frigates in 2007.

However, India's inclination at this time is more towards developing a HAL helicopter with Israeli control systems to make it unmanned and ship capable.