DRDO successfully tests indigenous high-altitude platform at 21 km

NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS), with the experimental system reaching 21 km above mean sea level (AMSL) and maintaining an altitude of 20 km for more than 30 minutes before being commanded to descend and successfully recovered.

The flight trial, conducted as part of efforts to develop a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance platform, demonstrated the system’s intended flight performance and its ability to operate at high altitude.

During the flight, real-time video and vehicle-performance data were transmitted to the Ground Control Station, where the platform’s flight parameters were monitored throughout the mission. The system was subsequently recovered and the flight-performance data analysed.

The platform carried several instrumentation and control systems, including an inertial measurement unit, Global Positioning System receiver, onboard cameras and an altitude-control mechanism, besides other onboard subsystems required for the flight.

The trial was conducted in coordination with multiple agencies, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other civil authorities.

The HAPS is being designed and developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, a DRDO laboratory. The platform is a lighter-than-air system intended for long-endurance operations in the stratosphere, with potential applications in aerial surveillance and persistent observation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, public sector undertakings and industry partners involved in the trial. He described the successful flight as an important step in India’s effort to develop an indigenous long-endurance stratospheric airship under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman, DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh, also congratulated the teams involved in the development and flight trial of the high-altitude platform.

The successful demonstration provides DRDO with flight-performance data for further development of the indigenous HAPS technology and its long-endurance stratospheric operating capability.