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India's Drone Power: Wankel Engines Take Flight
1 Dec
Summary
- India is developing long-range drones with indigenous Wankel engines.
- New drones will target objectives over 560 miles away.
- This initiative supports Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' drive.
India is set to develop advanced long-range drones powered by domestically produced Wankel engines, marking a significant stride in its defense manufacturing capabilities. National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has partnered with Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) to integrate these Indian-developed engines into new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This collaboration aims to end India's dependence on foreign suppliers for drone engines. The initial phase will focus on a 30-horsepower Wankel engine, enabling drones to fly for up to nine hours and engage targets exceeding 560 miles. A more powerful 50 hp engine is also under development, with a 90 hp variant planned for heavier UAV classes.
The project underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, bolstering domestic production in the defense sector. These AI-enabled drones will operate even in GPS-denied environments, providing real-time intelligence and situational awareness. SDAL will handle manufacturing and marketing, both domestically and internationally.
