DRDO Tests Rustom-2 Drone

Rustome-2, also known as TAPAS-BH-201, is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tested at its Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Challakere in Karnataka՚s Chitradurga district.

Aeronautical Test Range challakereAeronautical Test Range challakere
  • DRDO carried out “successful” test flight of its Rustom 2 drone lending a major push to Make in India. It is the first flight in user configuration with higher power engine.
Rustom-2 DroneRustom-2 Drone

What is Rustom 2?

  • Rustom 2 is the autonomous UAV being developed on the lines of predator drones of the US to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours
  • Rustom 2 is capable of carrying different combinations of payloads like synthetic aperture radar, electronic intelligence systems, and situational awareness payloads
  • The ₹ 1,500-crore UAV project was initiated considering requirement of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • The UAV has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of the DRDO. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat electronic Limited are its production partners.
  • Earlier testing of Rustom-I took place on 16 November 2009 at the Taneja Aerospace Air Field near Hosur.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021