Govt plans design, development of unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft for IAF

NEW DELHI: Govt has planned to design and develop an unmanned combat search and rescue aircraft for IAF, with one of the key specifications for the platform being that it should be able to carry at least 400 kg, including four passengers and stretchers.The indigenous autonomous system will also be a platform that can be deployed to ferry logistic material and other supplies in forward areas and inhospitable terrains, including snow-bound heights, where conventional helicopters struggle, officials said. The runway-independent UAV will have the ability to auto-takeoff, navigate and land, with capability to search, locate and land using integrated Emergency Locator Transmitter.As per specifications it should be able to operate from sea level to 16,000 feet (with 20,000 feet if desirable), and have a radius of action of at least 200 km with 45 minutes loiter time. The platform should also be able to launch from unprepared surfaces, and fly in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied conditions.After development, procurement will follow the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ route, ensuring at least 50% indigenous content in material, components, and software. IDDM stands for Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured.