India’s Rustom II UAS Set For Winter Flight Debut

Found this video on a Defexpo 2014 CD that I’d missed in the clutter, showing the Rustom II MALE UAS during low speed taxi trials and engine trials at Kolar, near Bangalore sometime in the September-December 2013 timeframe. (Of course, DRDO goes back to its cringe-worthy PR roots to overlay this video with an elevator version of the Bee Gees’ ‘How Deep Is Your Love’.) The Rustom-II was to make its debut flight in February this year, but my sources now tell me a winter flight is more likely. Honeywell is on the programme to help refine the aerodynamics as well as advise the ADE on flight testing. Also, a hunt is still on to give the Rustom-II new diesel engines.

12 thoughts on “India’s Rustom II UAS Set For Winter Flight Debut”

  1. There's something wrong with DRDO. Why don't they hire experts to advertise their products? They might as well bag international orders too. It's high time a business man leads DRDO, not a scientist.

    Also Shiv, with whatever I know, this drone really looks like a tin box. Specially the powerplants. Hope they tweak it

    *cheers*

  2. Old video released before Defexpo 2014. Please give an update on progress of autopilot and taxing trial. Whats the status of Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range where it was supposed to be tested.

  3. The state of affairs looks horrible! "LOW SPEED TAXI RUN"! What on earth are they wasting their time on? Seems like a bunch of kids tinkering with a college science project! Maybe this is to impress the Armed forces, that progress is being made. Wait for some more time (30 years), we will have it ready! By then another batch of kids will retire from this useless PSU. The IAF should create a dedicated R&D center, much like what the Navy has to design its warships. At least, such a center will be held accountable for failures!

  4. Tell us only when it flies please. Looks like a few bureaucrats need something to show just before the 2015 airshow. Following which the second flight would also be in time for the 2017 airshow.

  5. I know aero already pointed this out and rightly so: why oh why would the ADE contract this video editing to a wedding videographer? ***blushing***

  6. 10 years behind in drone technology, beurocracy and scientist are unable to negotiate and innovate.

    Military generals and IAS are interested in kickbacks and US/UK guns or technology

    Soldiers feels disconnected and confused. For a small battle like kargil defence forces has to sacrifice 500 officers, this is the efficiency of defence forces of india.

    2 months of training given to terrorist enable to hold military special forces for 3 days and countless lifes

    prepare, buy whatever you do indian defence force personnel are there for govt. job and not to fight as its not proactive and definitely not willing to take the challenge.

  7. This music is awesome… if you're designing an elevator. Or an interrogation room.

    DRDO needs to conform to international standards of conduct, and use hard rock/ heavy metal like everyone else.

  8. Behold its Rustom II UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle). Kudos to DRDO on their achievement to make a plane NOT fly but stroll on the road like car. TATA & Mahindra will be watchcing in shock & awe.

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