FWD-200B Unmanned Aircraft

Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence unveiled the FWD-200B, India’s first indigenous bomber unmanned aircraft.

About FWD-200B unmanned aircraft:

• The FWD-200B is classified as a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
• Designed for both surveillance and precision air strikes.
• It integrates optical surveillance payloads and is equipped with missile-like weapons.

Capacity

• The aircraft can carry a payload of 100 kg.
• The maximum takeoff weight of the UAV is 498 kg.
• Operational altitude reaches 9,000 ft above mean sea level.

Key features:

• Cost-effective: Priced at ₹25 crores, significantly cheaper than the U.S. Predator which costs ₹250 crores.
• Speed and Endurance: Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 200 kts/370 kmph with an endurance of 12-20 hours.
• Range: Includes a ground control station (GCS) range of 200 km.
• Plans for certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) within three months, with subsequent induction into forces and potential sales to African and Southeast Asian countries.

Ref: Source