Army seeks high-altitude surveillance drones and all-terrain vehicles
The Indian Army is on the lookout for cutting-edge drones that can take off and land at high altitudes, as well as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to boost its surveillance capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. To achieve this, the Army has issued separate ‘requests for information’ (RFIs) for the drones and ATVs, marking the first step in the tendering process.
The Army is seeking unmanned ‘surveillance copters’ that can operate in diverse terrains, including plains, deserts, and high-altitude (more than 4,500 m) mountainous regions. These drones must be able to function in day and night conditions, as well as in various weather conditions. The ideal surveillance copter should have a modular design, allowing for future upgrades and modifications.
Some key requirements for the surveillance copter include high-resolution camera that can capture high-quality images and videos, and transmit them in real-time to commanders on the ground. Also, it must have the ability to launch from an elevation of 4,500 m and operate at 5,000 m over a range of 5 km for 60 minutes. They also need to be mated with a global satellite-based navigation system.
The Army is also looking for ATVs that can be carried under slung by helicopters. These vehicles will be put through a trial evaluation in areas with altitudes of 17,000 ft. The ATV should provide cross-country mobility, infantry detachments for surveillance, mobile platforms for the employment of weapons and mobile platform for logistic resupply in operations.
