TAPAS-BH (Tactical Aerial Platform for Advanced Surveillance - Beyond Horizon), a Medium Altitude Long Endurance class unmanned aerial vehicle built by the DRDO, will make its flying debut at 'Aero India' next week, news agency PTI reported.
The TAPAS-BH will demonstrate its capabilities and there will be static and airborne demonstrations during the five-day aerospace and defence expo, which begins on February 13, according to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
"TAPAS is DRDO's solution to the tri services ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) requirements. The UAV is capable of operating at altitudes up to 28000 feet, with an endurance of 18 plus hours," DRDO was quoted by PTI in its report.
TAPAS-BH, which will make its first public flight, can carry a range of payloads weighing up to 350 kg, according to DRDO officials.
Meanwhile, the DRDO stated that, in order to integrate diverse stakeholders in the country's defence R&D ecosystem, it has planned a "enriching experience" of indigenous defence technology and systems at AERO INDIA.
According to a release from the DRDO, the expo will include a wide spectrum of indigenously created items and technology.
Among the goods on show would be Aeronautical Systems, Missiles, Armaments, Electronics, Micro Electronic Devices and Computational Systems, Soldier Support Technologies, Life Sciences, Naval Science, and Material Science.
"The display will showcase the recent advancements made by DRDO in furthering Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat," it said.
According to reports, the DRDO pavilion will include around 330 goods divided across 12 categories, including Combat Aircraft & UAVs, Missiles & Strategic Systems, Engine & Propulsion Systems, Airborne Surveillance Systems, and Sensors Electronic Warfare & Communication Systems.
(With Inputs From PTI)