UAE- based Firm, Indian Startup Partner for High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Delivery
IAF Seeks HAPS with 35kg Payload, 18,000m Altitude, 30-45 Day Operations
UAE-India Collaboration Introduces Advanced HAPS Solutions
In a momentous partnership, Mira Aerospace, based in the UAE, has joined forces with the Indian start-up VEDA Aeronautics to introduce groundbreaking High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) solutions tailored specifically for the Indian market. This strategic alliance marks a significant advancement in both the military and civilian aerospace sectors.
Sources within the defence and security establishment have revealed that this ambitious venture has garnered robust support from the Indian military. Notably, the HAPS recently underwent a series of successful test flights over the Pokhran Test Range, soaring to an impressive altitude of 12 km above ground level. This noteworthy achievement, realized in March of the preceding year, marked a pivotal milestone as it signified the maiden flight of an HAPS within the Indian stratosphere.
Driven by the strategic imperatives of the Indian Air Force (IAF), there is a palpable interest in procuring a HAPS solution capable of carrying a payload of at least 35 kg and maintaining sustained operations at an altitude of 18,000 m above sea level for a duration spanning 30 to 45 days. Distinguished by its reliance on solar power and autonomous flight capabilities at altitudes ranging from 16 to 20 km above cloud cover, the HAPS platform fills a critical void between conventional satellites and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs.
Primarily funded by the Indian government under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Make-I project,’ which entails a substantial investment of Rs 1,000 crore, the HAPS initiative is envisioned to play a pivotal role in facilitating strategic and persistent surveillance along India’s borders.
This innovative HAPS UAV represents a cutting-edge breed of solar-powered aerial platforms that are gaining prominence worldwide for their ability to sustain prolonged surveillance, facilitate communication networks, and support scientific endeavors.
With unequivocal backing from the IAF and the Indian Navy, both entities are actively championing the acquisition of this transformative capability, recognizing its immediate and future relevance in bolstering national security.
Under the vigilant supervision of the security establishment, in collaboration with unwavering support from the IAF, the project continues to advance steadily, with meticulous attention to detail and stringent quality control measures.
In a significant leap forward, Mira Aerospace and VEDA Aeronautics have pledged to deliver the most advanced HAPS solutions tailored specifically to the unique requirements of the Indian market. Through this strategic partnership, the collaborators are committed to rolling out a bespoke HAPS platform customized to India’s needs by the first half of 2024. Notably, their previous test flights conducted within Indian airspace stand as a testament to their pioneering spirit, solidifying their position as trailblazers in the aerospace industry.
VEDA Aeronautics, renowned for its victory in the IAF’s ‘Mehar Baba’ swarm drone competition, secured a prestigious Rs 300-crore project from the force last year. This achievement underscores the company’s expertise in delivering cutting-edge aerospace solutions for mission-critical applications.
Furthermore, while the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt Ltd (NRT) are also actively engaged in similar HAPS projects, their emphasis on pushing technological boundaries underscores the collaborative spirit driving innovation within India’s aerospace sector.
Navigating the intricacies associated with operating at altitudes exceeding 10,000 m presents a myriad of challenges, including pressure differentials impacting battery performance and structural integrity. The successful deployment of the VEDA HAPS in the stratosphere underscores its significance, paving the way for the development of an enhanced phase-2 product designed to further extend operational endurance.
