India’s UCAV makes moves on the ground
A conceptual scale model of the SWiFT UCAV, as displayed by the DRDO several years ago. (Gordon Arthur)
India's march towards a stealthy UCAV continues, with a taxi test of a technology demonstrator occurring recently.
The SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed), a scaled-down 1t technology demonstrator for India’s Ghatak UCAV, recently completed low-speed taxi trials at the Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka for the Indian Air Force.
Powered by an NPO Saturn 36MT turbofan, the demonstrator could be flown in the next few months.
The SWiFT may have satisfied some cynics about the Ghatak’s viability. However, many experts question whether the Ghatak will fly as promised around 2024-25, before the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) takes flight in 2026. The two share stealth technologies.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is also likely
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Malaysian Army leases Black Hawk helicopters]()
Malaysian Army leases Black Hawk helicopters
Malaysia is leasing a quartet of Black Hawks, giving the army its first taste of operating the American-built helicopter.
-
![As interest grows in ASW platforms, Leonardo showcases C-27J MPA at SeaFuture 2023]()
As interest grows in ASW platforms, Leonardo showcases C-27J MPA at SeaFuture 2023
At SeaFuture 2023 in La Spezia, Leonardo displayed a model of the MPA version of its C-27J Next Generation aircraft.
-
![Boeing kicks off US Air Force B-52 bomber radar upgrade]()
Boeing kicks off US Air Force B-52 bomber radar upgrade
The radar upgrade is part of the wider B-52 modernisation programme that aims to keep the Stratofortress in the air until 2050 and beyond.
-
![CAE delivers first magnetic anomaly detectors for Japanese maritime patrol aircraft fleet]()
CAE delivers first magnetic anomaly detectors for Japanese maritime patrol aircraft fleet
CAE has delivered the first MAD-XR magnetic anomaly detectors for installation in new P-1 maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet is still in the limelight over 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the aircraft in the 2020s.
