India's CSIR-NAL Developing 90-Day Endurance Solar-Powered UAV for Stratospheric Operations
India is developing a solar-powered UAV, the High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), capable of 90-day endurance at 20 km altitude. Led by CSIR-NAL, this UAV features a solar energy system and a secondary battery for extended flight. It can serve telecommunications, border surveillance, and disaster response, with initial tests reaching 11 hours of flight. Operational deployment is targeted for 2027.

India's CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is developing a solar-powered UAV known as the High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), designed to operate at 20 km altitude with a flight endurance of up to 90 days. This UAV integrates a solar energy system and secondary batteries for extended operation, distinguishing it from conventional UAVs.
The HAPS platform, with a wingspan over 30 meters and a weight of approximately 150 kg, is engineered for energy efficiency and is expected to provide reliable performance for telecommunications, border surveillance, and emergency response. Initial testing has shown an 11-hour flight at 25,000 feet, with operational deployment planned for 2027.




Comments