Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has successfully launched the country’s first indigenously built combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B.
- This marks a significant milestone, as India joins the ranks of nations equipped with advanced unmanned combat aircraft.
Key points
- The bomber FWD 200B is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and represents India’s increasing self-reliance in defence technology.
- The FWD 200B is expected to cost just a tenth of imported US drones.
- It would boost India’s position in unmanned warfare.
- The FWD 200B boasts a wingspan of 5 metres (16.4 feet) and a length of 3.5 metres (12.1 feet). It has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 102 kg and can carry a payload of 30 kg.
- The UAV operates at a cruising altitude of 12,000 feet and can reach up to 15,000 feet. It has a cruise speed of 152 km per hour and a maximum speed of 250 km per hour, with an endurance of 7 hours and a range of 800 km.
- The drone also requires a runway of just 300 metres, making it versatile for shorter airstrips.
- The FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and advanced missile-like weaponry, enhancing its capability for air strikes and bombing missions. These features ensure that the aircraft is not just a surveillance tool but also a formidable combat asset.
