India’s premier Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested flight of its Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle RUSTOM 2 in Karnataka. Rustom-2 is medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The test flight is even more important because it is first flight in user configuration with higher power engine. It was tested in the presence of S Christopher (DRDO chairman), Director General of Aeronautical System CP Ramanarayanan (DRDO), DG Electronics and Communication Systems J Manjula and other senior scientists.
Rustom-2 is developed on the lines of predator drones by United States(US) whose main function is to carry out surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) operations for the defence (Army). The UAV has been developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO. Its production partners include aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd.
Rustom 2 unmanned UAV developed by DRDO is capable to fly for 24 hours with a speed of more than 200 Km/Hr. Along with carrying out surveillance, it also have capabilities to destroy the enemy targets.
