IIT Delhi, DRDO showcase low-cost tactical aerostat for surveillance

IIT Delhi, with DRDO and a startup, unveiled a low-cost indigenous tactical aerostat. Capable of reaching 20 km altitude with surveillance payloads, it aims to reduce import reliance and offers longer flight times and heavier payloads than drones.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Wednesday demonstrated an indigenously developed low-cost tactical aerostat built in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and a domestic startup.

Indigenous Surveillance Platform Developed

IIT Delhi Professor Bhupen Singh Bhatola said the institute has developed an indigenous tactical aerostat capable of carrying surveillance and communication payloads at altitudes of up to 20 km, reducing reliance on imported systems. Speaking to ANI, Bhatola said, "This is an Aerostat, a big lighter-than-air-filled balloon. This can be called a raised platform which can be taken to up to a height of 20 km. You can install a payload on it, like a camera or IR detectors or communication networks. Taking it to a height enables it to cover a large area. Till now, its use was limited to use of the defence domain and they were imported from the US. DRDO wanted to make it in India, and our effort was towards developing the material for it. Dr Neeraj Mandlekar, who trained in this project, started a startup and developed a skill to give shape to this material. This is a combined effort of IIT-Delhi, DRDO and a startup."

Advantages Over Drones and Future Potential

He said the indigenously developed tactical aerostat can remain airborne longer than drones, carry heavier payloads, and support logistics operations, adding that the technology also has significant potential for civilian applications in the future. "The two fundamental differences between this aerostat and a drone are that a drone is powered. As compared to a drone, it can stay afloat for a longer time. They can carry a huge payload and can also supply materials. We are seeing that this can be used for civilian purposes in future. We can say with confidence that we can provide this solution to customers," he further added. (ANI)

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