Tech Desk: India’s unmanned aviation landscape is rapidly evolving, with IndoWings Pvt Ltd making a significant stride by revealing its jet-powered UCAV_IN_X-2 concept. This New Delhi-based manufacturer is pushing the boundaries of drone technology, designing a compact, high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle specifically for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Breaking from conventional battery-electric drones, the UCAV_IN_X-2 features a 6.5 kgf-class micro-turbine engine. IndoWings CTO Neeraj Pradhan highlights this propulsion system’s potential to achieve speeds of 350-380 km/h, an operational range of 100 km, and up to 30 minutes of flight endurance. Its retractable landing gear system further minimizes aerodynamic drag, crucial for maintaining high speeds.

Designed as a purpose-built fixed-wing platform, the drone will carry a stabilised electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) camera for day-and-night monitoring. A key focus is survivability in contested environments; the UCAV_IN_X-2 is engineered to operate amidst GNSS jamming and electronic warfare, leveraging IndoWings’ expertise in anti-drone and RF spoofing systems. Autonomous waypoint navigation will also reduce manual piloting needs.

While the “UCAV” label implies combat capability, the company emphasizes a modular payload design for ISR, with no weapon systems detailed yet. The UCAV_IN_X-2 is currently an evolving technology demonstrator, with its ambitious speed, range, and endurance goals subject to real-world flight testing and validation. This project signifies India’s growing ambition in advanced drone capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative.