The Indian Army is to start user trials of a new unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) in 1997, following the completion of a series of tests by the Indian Aeronautical Development Establishment. The Nishant, which has a composite airframe, is claimed to have an endurance of around 5h, a range of 150km (80nm) and can carry a 45kg payload. The low-speed pusher-propeller vehicle is rail-launched and can be recovered by a combination of parachute and airbag or net recovery.
Source: Flight International
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