NAGASTRA-1 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)
Context: The Indian Army is set to induct its first indigenous loiter munition, Nagastra-1.
Nagastra-1
- About: It is first indigenous man-portable suicide drones.
- Developed by: Solar Industries, Nagpur, the Army has placed a supply order for Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL),
oThe Nagastra-1 is entirely designed and developed in India, demonstrating a high indigenous content of over 75%.
- Key Features
oPrecision Strike Capability: The Nagastra-1 excels in "kamikaze mode," effectively neutralizing threats with GPS-enabled precision strikes, achieving an impressive accuracy of up to two meters.
oCompact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 9 kg, the Nagastra-1 is a man-portable fixed-wing electric UAV designed for ease of deployment. Despite its size, it boasts an endurance of 30 minutes and can cover distances up to 15 km in man-in-loop control mode, extending to 30 km in autonomous operation.
oRecovery Mechanism: Equipped with a parachute recovery system for mission aborts, ensuring reusability and cost-effectiveness.
oOperational Specifications: Weighing 6 kg, it can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes, providing flexibility and endurance in tactical operations.
oLow Acoustic Signature: Featuring an electric propulsion system, the Nagastra-1 operates with a minimal acoustic footprint, rendering it nearly undetectable at altitudes exceeding 200 meters. This characteristic enhances its stealth capabilities significantly.
