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Exploring India's Indigenous Kamikaze Drones

Key Features and Operational Significance

Exploring India's Indigenous Kamikaze Drones

  • 29 Aug, 2024
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Understanding Kamikaze Drones

Kamikaze drones, also referred to as loitering munitions, are specialized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to remain in a target area until they receive a command to strike. These drones carry explosives and are built for a singular purpose: to crash into their targets, delivering substantial damage.

Significance of Kamikaze Drones for India

The introduction of these fully indigenous kamikaze drones by India's National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) marks a pivotal advancement in the nation's defense capabilities. These drones are anticipated to play a crucial role in contemporary warfare, providing a sophisticated tool for precision strikes in conflict zones.

Key Features of Indian Kamikaze Drones

The Indian kamikaze drones boast impressive specifications: they measure 2.8 meters in length with a wingspan of 3.5 meters. Weighing around 120 kg, they can carry a 25 kg explosive payload. Notably, these drones have an endurance of up to nine hours and can travel distances of up to 1,000 kilometers at a speed of 180 km/h.

Operational Mechanism of Kamikaze Drones

Upon launch, these drones can hover over a designated area for extended durations. A human operator can identify targets and authorize the drone to execute strikes. They are adept at functioning in GPS-denied environments, utilizing India’s NAViC system for navigation, which enhances their operational capabilities.

Importance of the Engine in Kamikaze Drones

Powering the Indian kamikaze drones is a 30-horsepower Wankel Engine, meticulously designed and developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories. This engine is instrumental in achieving long-range capabilities, allowing the drones to operate effectively up to 1,000 kilometers from their launch point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are kamikaze drones?
Answer: Kamikaze drones, or loitering munitions, are UAVs designed to hover over a target area until commanded to strike, delivering explosives on impact.

Q2. How do Indian kamikaze drones enhance defense capabilities?
Answer: These drones enhance India's defense by providing precision strike capabilities, crucial for modern warfare and strategic military operations.

Q3. What is the range and speed of these drones?
Answer: Indian kamikaze drones can travel up to 1,000 kilometers at a speed of 180 km/h, with an endurance of up to nine hours.

Q4. What navigation system do these drones use?
Answer: The drones operate using India's NAViC system, which allows them to function effectively in GPS-denied environments.

Q5. What type of engine powers the kamikaze drones?
Answer: The drones are powered by a 30-horsepower Wankel Engine, designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories for enhanced performance.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What are kamikaze drones primarily designed for?
A) Surveillance missions
B) Precision strikes
C) Cargo transportation
D) Weather monitoring
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which organization developed the kamikaze drones in India?
A) ISRO
B) NAL
C) DRDO
D) HAL
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the maximum operational range of the Indian kamikaze drones?
A) 500 kilometers
B) 750 kilometers
C) 1,000 kilometers
D) 1,200 kilometers
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which engine powers the Indian kamikaze drones?
A) Jet Engine
B) Wankel Engine
C) Turbofan Engine
D) Electric Motor
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is a unique feature of the kamikaze drones regarding navigation?
A) GPS dependency
B) Manual control only
C) NAViC system usage
D) In-flight refueling capability
Correct Answer: C

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