Aspect

Details

Developer

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), India

Type

Hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Primary Role

Anti-personnel deep-strike missions with precision airburst munitions

Design Configuration

Hybrid VTOL: Rotor-based vertical lift + fixed-wing cruise

Range

Total mission range over 170 km (including loiter time)

Surveillance Capability

Stable real-time video link within 50+ km mission radius

Strike Capability

Precision airburst munitions effective for area and personnel targeting

Navigation

Fully autonomous with return-to-base feature post mission

Deployment Flexibility

Operable across varied terrain due to hybrid design

Weapon Classification

Stand-off weapon for deep penetration without risking human soldiers

Indigenous Status

Entirely developed in India; promotes self-reliance in defence technology

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Rudrastra UAV recently tested by the Indian Army, consider the following statements:

1. It is a hybrid VTOL UAV capable of both vertical lift and fixed-wing cruise.
2. It is equipped with precision airburst munitions for anti-armour missions.
3. It is fully developed in India by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Rudrastra is a hybrid VTOL UAV with rotor-based vertical lift and fixed-wing cruise.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Its primary role is anti-personnel, not anti-armour.

Statement 3 is correct: It is fully developed in India by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL).