View source for DRDO Rustom

{{distinguish|Rostam}}
{{for|the 2016 film|Rustom (film)}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
| name = Rustom
| image = Rustom - 1 UAV.jpg
| caption = ADE Rustom-1 UAV
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
| type = [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV)
| national origin = [[India]]
| manufacturer = 
| designer = 
| design group = [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] of [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]]
| first flight = {{plainlist|
* '''Rustom-1:''' 11 November 2009
* '''TAPAS-BH-201:''' 15 November 2016<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms |title=DRDO: DRDO's combat drone Rustom-2 flies for the first time - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 November 2016 |access-date=2016-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116071900/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms |archive-date=2016-11-16 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
| introduction = 
| retired = 
| status = {{plainlist |
* Rustom-1 UAV (Prototype flight testing)
* Rustom-H MALE UAV (Under development)
* [[TAPAS-BH-201]] (Rustom-2) MALE UAV (Prototype flight testing)<ref name="Tapas has no combat capabilities: DRDO">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/tapas-has-no-combat-capabilities-drdo.html|title=Tapas has no combat capabilities: DRDO|website=www.dailypioneer.com|access-date=2016-11-21}}</ref><ref name=ETrustom>{{cite news|title=First flight of UAV Rustom-2 scheduled in Feb, 2014|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-22/news/31086842_1_ade-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicles-drones|access-date=9 March 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=Feb 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210131630/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-22/news/31086842_1_ade-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicles-drones|archive-date=10 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 }}
| primary user = 
| produced = 
| number built = 
| program cost = 
| unit cost = 
| developed from = 
| variants with their own articles = 
}}
|}

The '''DRDO Rustom''' ({{Lit|Warrior}}) is a family of [[Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle|medium-altitude long-endurance]] (MALE) [[unmanned combat air vehicle|unmanned air vehicle]] (UAV) being developed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) for the three services, [[Indian Army]], [[Indian Navy]] and the [[Indian Air Force]], of the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>[http://www.drdo.com/dpi/SAsiaDefnStraRev_.pdf Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV Rustom] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102024254/http://www.drdo.com/dpi/SAsiaDefnStraRev_.pdf |date=January 2, 2010 }}</ref> Rustom is derived from the NAL's LCRA (Light Canard Research Aircraft) developed by a team under the leadership of late Professor [[Rustom Damania]] in the 1980s. The UAV will have structural changes and a new engine.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/exclusives/aero/acig_aero05_nal.htm |title=Chapter 9 : NAL and Trainers:ACIG |access-date=2008-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916101117/http://www.acig.org/exclusives/aero/acig_aero05_nal.htm |archive-date=2008-09-16 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

The Rustom will replace/supplement the [[IAI Heron|Heron]] UAVs in service with the Indian Armed Forces.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/27/stories/2007082759890400.htm |title=India joins select group to develop UCAV technology |access-date=2008-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103044753/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/27/stories/2007082759890400.htm |archive-date=2012-11-03 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2007-08-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Design and development==
Rustom-1's basic design is derived from the NAL light canard research aircraft (LCRA). The aircraft has been named after [[Rustom Damania]], a former professor of [[IISc]], Bangalore who died in 2001. DRDO decided to name the UAV after him because it is derived from [[National Aerospace Laboratories]]' light canard research aircraft (LCRA) developed under Rustom Damania's leadership in the 1980s.<ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Feb162009/state20090216118795.asp] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221003749/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Feb162009/state20090216118795.asp|date=February 21, 2009}}</ref>

With the Rustom MALE UAV project, the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) intends to move away from traditional ways of developing products whereby laboratories under DRDO, like the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE), which is involved in this project, develop and finalize the product and transfer technology to a production agency.<ref name=spsau10>{{cite web |title=Unmanned: The Future of Air Wars |url=http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=164&h=Unmanned:-The-Future-of-Air-Wars |publisher=SP's Aviation |access-date=10 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605165251/http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=164&h=Unmanned%3A-The-Future-of-Air-Wars |archive-date=5 June 2013 }}</ref>

DRDO will follow a practice of concurrent engineering where initial design efforts also take into consideration production issues, with the production agency participating in the development of the system right from the design stage. The agency will also follow up issues related to infrastructure and expertise for the product and its support, thereby overcoming time delays in crucial projects.<ref name="indiadefenceonline1">[http://indiadefenceonline.com/428/drdos-rustom-uav-to-roll-out-soon/ DRDO's Rustom UAV To Roll Out Soon] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103214529/http://indiadefenceonline.com/428/drdos-rustom-uav-to-roll-out-soon/ |date=2010-11-03 }}. India Defence Online. Retrieved on 2011-10-20.</ref>

Rustom-1 has a wingspan of {{convert|7.9|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=DEFSTRAT/> and weighs {{convert|720|kg|abbr=on}},<ref name=DEFSTRAT/> will be launched by the conventional method and not the launcher as in the case of the [[DRDO Lakshya]]. Rustom will be able to see the enemy territory up to a distance of {{convert|250|km|abbr=on}} and carry a variety of cameras and radar for surveillance.<ref>[http://indianaviationnews.net/aeroindia2009/2009/02/rustom-to-lock-horns-with-mantis-herti.html Aero India 2009 News: Rustom to lock horns with Mantis, Herti] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108104018/http://indianaviationnews.net/aeroindia2009/2009/02/rustom-to-lock-horns-with-mantis-herti.html |date=2010-01-08 }}. Indianaviationnews.net. Retrieved on 2011-10-20.</ref>

Rustom-H, built on a different design, is a [[Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance]] (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE UAV), a twin engine system designed to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Rustom H will have a payload capacity of {{convert|350|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name=spsau10 />

The range of advanced technologies and systems include the following:<ref name=DEFSTRAT/>

*  Aerodynamic configurations, High aspect ratio wing, Composite airframe integrated with propulsion system, De-icing system for wings
*  Highly reliable systems with built-in redundancy for flight critical systems like flight control and navigation, data links, power management, - and mission critical payload management system
*  Digital Flight Control and Navigation System, Automatic Take off and Landing (ATOL)
*  Digital communication technologies for realizing data links to control and operate the mission and relay UAVs
*  Payloads with high resolution and precision stabilized platforms.

==Variants==
Single-engined variants: 
* '''Rustom-1''': Tactical [[Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV|MALE]] UAV developed for [[technology demonstration]] purpose. Based on [[National Aerospace Laboratories|NAL]]'s Light Canard Research Aircraft (LCRA).<ref name=spsau10 /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Breaking: BEL to manufacture 20 Archer UAV |url=https://bel-india.in/news-bel/breaking-bel-to-manufacture-20-archer-uav/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=BEL |language=en-US}}</ref> It has an empty weight of {{Convert|800|kg|abbr=on}}, range of {{Convert|200|km|abbr=on}}, endurance of 10 hours, and a maximum altitude of {{Convert|20000|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=RUSTOM-1 {{!}} Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/rustom-1 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=www.drdo.gov.in}}</ref>
* '''Archer''': A further development of Rustom-1 designated as Short Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SR-UAV). Manufactured by [[Bharat Electronics|BEL]] It has range of {{Convert|220|km|abbr=on}}, endurance of 12 hours, and a maximum altitude of {{Convert|22000|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":1" />
* '''SRUAV-W''': Weaponised Archer variant.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=Short-Range and Weaponised 'Archer' UAV Gears Up for Crucial Anti-Tank Missile Trials |url=https://defence.in/threads/short-range-and-weaponised-archer-uav-gears-up-for-crucial-anti-tank-missile-trials.9826/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Defence.in |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Archer-NG''': [[Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV|Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance]] (MALE) UAV. It has payload capability of 300 kg and maximum altitude of {{Convert|30000|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India's weaponized Archer-NG UAV set to dominate skies soon? Report suggests maiden flight likely in February |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2025/01/02/indias-weaponized-archer-ng-uav-set-to-dominate-skies-soon-report-suggest-maiden-flight-likely-in-february.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref>
Twin-engined variants: 

*'''Rustom-H''': Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV with flight endurance of over 24 hours (completely different design from Rustom-1), higher range and service ceiling than Rustom-1.
* '''[[TAPAS-BH-201]]''' (Rustom-2): A further development of ''Rustom-H'' model. TAPAS-BH-201 was commonly believed to be an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle([[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAV]]) but at the press conference  S Christopher, Director General of DRDO stated  "Media reports are incorrect. Tapas is an [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] and not an  [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAV]]".<ref name="Tapas has no combat capabilities: DRDO" /><ref name="spsau10" /><ref name="AWRUAV">[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?topicName=unmanned&id=news/awst/2010/10/25/AW_10_25_2010_p30-263965.xml&headline=India%20Eyes%20Armed%20Rustom%20UAV&channel=&from=topicalreports India Eyes Armed Rustom UAV]{{Dead link|date=June 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref name="RN20111115">{{cite news |date=November 15, 2011 |title=India may soon have its own 'Predator drones' |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-india-to-soon-have-its-won-predator-drones/20111115.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307151633/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-india-to-soon-have-its-won-predator-drones/20111115.htm |archive-date=7 March 2012 |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=Rediff News}}</ref><ref name="DN549">{{cite news |date=February 25, 2012 |title=ADE Finalizes Rustom-2 UAV Flight, Reveals Future Drone Projects for Defence |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620184142/http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html |archive-date=20 June 2012 |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=Defence Now}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=Indian Defence |date=10 October 2020 |title=DRDO's Rustom-2 drone takes-off, India goes for armed Heron |url=https://www.theindianhawk.com/2020/10/drdo-s-rustom-2-drone-flight-tested-india-goes-for-armed-heron-uavs.html |access-date=2020-10-25 |website=Defence News, Indian Defence News, IDRW, Indian Armed Forces}}</ref>
==Current status==
[[File:Rustom-1 during flight trails.jpg|thumb|Rustom-1 during flight trails]]
The [[Indian government]] has allowed the development of the Rustom MALE UAV project in association with a production agency cum development partner (PADP). The ADE officials indicated that the requests for proposals (RFP) would shortly be issued to four vendors which are the [[Tata Power SED|Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division]], [[Larsen & Toubro|Larsen & Toubro Limited]], [[Godrej & Boyce|Godrej Aerospace Limited]] and [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]-[[Bharat Electronics Limited]] (joint bid) who were chosen out of the 23 firms that responded.

Currently, negotiations are underway between these companies and the three [[Indian armed forces]] since the private majors are looking for support and commitment from them before they start executing any development and production plans. This is because the chosen PADP will also have a financial stake in the Rustom project. The Armed Forces would also be asked to take up a financial stake and the Indian government may have to guarantee that a specific number of Rustom UAVs will be bought.
On 09 Nov 21 the project achieved the rare distinction of indigenously developing Automatic Take off and Landing (ATOL) using GAGAN SBAS. On 09 Mar 22 the programme achieved a double digit Endurance clocking 10:20hr surpassing the previous time of 08:05hr which was achieved in 2020.<ref name="indiadefenceonline1"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article43328.ece |title=Significant step toward indigenous UAV |website=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2013-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829023521/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article43328.ece |archive-date=2012-08-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rustom-1===
The first flight of Rustom-I [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] took place on 16 November 2009 at the Taneja Aerospace Air Field near Hosur. The demonstration resulted in the prototype crashing to the ground. Stated by the DRDO, the taxiing and takeoff was exactly as planned. Due to misjudgment of altitude of the flight, the on-board engine was switched off through ground command which made the on-board thrust developed to go to zero.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.algerie-defense.com/2009/11/indias-uav-demonstrator-crashes-during-trials/ |title=Indias-uav-demonstrator-crashes-during-trials |access-date=2009-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119134603/http://www.algerie-defense.com/2009/11/indias-uav-demonstrator-crashes-during-trials/ |archive-date=2009-11-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Despite the mishap, the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation stated: "The flight proved the functioning of a number of systems such as aerodynamics, redundant flight control, engine and datalink, which go a long way towards the development of a complex UAV."
[[File:Rustom prototype profile.JPG|thumb|Rustom-1 UAV prototype]]

The second "maiden" flight took place on 15 Oct 2010. In this test flight, the UAV flew for 30 minutes at an altitude of {{convert|3000|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The test was conducted in Hosur.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article834821.ece News / National : Rustom 1 test-flown] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022204559/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article834821.ece|date=2010-10-22}}. The Hindu (2010-10-18). Retrieved on 2011-10-20.</ref> The Indian army was impressed with Rustom-1 and will use it as a MALE UAV.

Rustom-1 made its 5th successful flight on morning of 12 November 2011, flying for 25 minutes at {{convert|2300|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} AGL at a speed {{convert|100|knots|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}. It completed its 8th successful flight on 8 Dec 2011. It flew at an altitude of {{convert|6000|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} (max) and at a speed of {{convert|90|knots|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}} (max) during its 30 minutes flight near Hosur, claims DRDO. The highlight of the flight was that Rustom-1 was test flown with the 'gimbal payload assembly carrying daylight TV & Infra-Red camera for the first time. Good quality pictures were received from the camera in gimbal payload assembly.

The 14th Successful Flight of Rustom-1 was reported on 8 May 2012, with the attainment of about {{convert|11500|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}} above ground level and speed of above {{convert|140|km/h|abbr=on}} during 2 hours 10 minutes of operation.<ref>http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/dpi/press_release/rustum-1_14.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606181642/http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/English/dpi/press_release/rustum-1_14.pdf |date=2013-06-06 }} DRDO Press Release: 14th Successful Flight of RUSTOM-1</ref>

As of 2024, the prototype has completed 65 flight tests.<ref name=":3" />

===TAPAS-BH-201===
{{Main Article|TAPAS-BH-201}}
DRDO carried out a successful test flight of TAPAS-BH-201 on 25 February 2018, at the [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range|Aeronautical Test Range]] (CATR) located in [[Challakere|Chalakere]], [[Chitradurga district]]. This was the first flight of the UAV in user configuration with higher power engine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=176782|title=DRDO Successfully Test Flight Rustom 2|website=pib.nic.in|access-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032731/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=176782|archive-date=2018-02-26|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=2018-02-25|title=DRDO successfully carries out test flight of indigenous Rustom-2 drone|language=en-US|work=The Indian Express|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdo-successfully-carries-out-test-flight-of-indigenous-rustom-2-drone-5077545/|url-status=live|access-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225133108/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdo-successfully-carries-out-test-flight-of-indigenous-rustom-2-drone-5077545/|archive-date=2018-02-25}}</ref>

During its development trials Rustom 2 crashed near Jodichikkenahalli in Karnataka's Chitradurga district on 17 September 2019. No one was hurt. The UAV was being tested at Challakere Aeronautical Test Range, a DRDO outdoor testing facility.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/drdo-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-rustom-2-crashes-karnataka/story/379525.html|title=DRDO unmanned aerial vehicle TAPAS-BH-201 crashes in Karnataka|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=2019-09-17}}</ref> TAPAS-BH-201 completed satellite communication (SATCOM) mode trial and flew with long range electro-optical payload as of 16 August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reporter Rajnath: When defence minister gave minute-by-minute news breaks on Rafale arrival|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/columns/straight-talk/2020/08/15/reporter-defence-minister-rajnath-plane-talk-rafale.html|access-date=2020-08-22|website=OnManorama|language=en}}</ref>

On 16 December 2021, Rustom- II had reached an altitude of 25,000 feet and had achieved an endurance of 10 hours. In March 2022, TAPAS-BH-201 successfully demonstrated 28,000&nbsp;ft and 18 hours of endurance. The Indian Armed Forces are impressed by the advance ground control and image exploitation system of Rustom-2.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Sagar |first=Pradip R |date=24 April 2022 |title=India will soon get a combat drone |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2022/04/22/india-will-soon-get-a-combat-drone.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref>

On 27 June 2023, DRDO demonstrated 200th flight of Tapas to the tri-services team for the first time at ATR Chitradurga. Tapas was now ready for user evaluation trials.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-29 |title=Tapas UAV ready for user evaluation trials: DRDO |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/tapas-uav-ready-for-user-evaluation-trials-drdo/articleshow/101353104.cms |access-date=2023-07-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

=== Archer ===
The Archer is a further development of the previous Rustom-1 with a single engine in [[pusher configuration]] with features for Autonomous Take Off and Landing (ATOL) and [[Electro-optical targeting system|EO]]/[[Thermography|IR]] payload. The basic variant is developed for [[ISTAR]] operations. It also includes a weaponised variant which can fire [[Nag (missile)#HELINA/Dhruvastra|Helina ATGM]] and laser-guided rocket along with integration of [[VSHORAD (India)|VSHORAD]] planned in future. In July 2022, [[Bharat Electronics|Bharat Electronics Limited]] won the bid to produce 20 Limited Series Production (LSP) units. These will be delivered to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force for user trials. The first 4 units will be used for air-to-surface missile fire testing. After user trials, orders will be placed for more than 100 units.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Archer UAV |url=https://bel-india.in/product/archer-uav/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=BEL |language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2024, reports suggested that Archer could be ordered in large numbers by the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces if the missile integration trials are successful. The flight trials have been completed while weaponised trials are pending. During the weapoised trials, the UAV is to be armed with [[ATGM]] missiles to hit dummy targets.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-02-16 |title=Army, paramilitary may procure DRDO’s Archer if UAV passes missile evaluation test |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/army-paramilitary-may-procure-drdos-archer-if-uav-passes-missile-evaluation-test-8449646/lite/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

As of November 2023, it was reported that the first weaponised flight test of the UAV to be conducted by June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=DRDO progresses weaponised Archer UAV |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/drdo-progresses-weaponised-archer-uav |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref>

=== Archer-NG ===
Archer-NG (next generation) is a weaponised Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV. The UAV utilises a single-engine, [[Twin-boom aircraft|twin boom]] [[pusher configuration]]. The development of the variant was first reported in mid-February 2023. It was reported that the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) is working to finalise the design of the airframe. The UAV has a maximum altitude of {{Convert|30000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, payload capacity of {{Convert|300|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and a range of {{Convert|1000|km|mi|abbr=on}} with Line of Sight (LOS) and  a range of {{Convert|1000|km|mi|abbr=on}} with Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS). Weapon systems of the UAV includes [[Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon]] (SAAW) and [[Anti-tank guided missile|Anti-Tank Guided Missile]] (ATGM) mounted on external hardpoints. An indigenous Ground Control Station can operate 6-7 UAVs. Roles of the aircraft includes [[ISTAR]], artillery [[target acquisition]] and battlefield post-strike assessment as well as [[Precision strike|precision strikes]]. The development partner of ADE for the UAV is [[Bharat Electronics]].<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2023-07-04 |title=India’s major drone projects to boost Armed Forces’ capabilities |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indias-major-drone-projects-to-boost-armed-forces-capabilities-2986874/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |title=Desi advanced surveillance drone to come out next week |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/surveillance-drone-indias-first-indigenous-advanced-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav/amp_articleshow/97783727.cms |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

As of February 2023, the UAV was reported to undergo its first flight in June-July 2023.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" />

As per updates in January 2025, the high-speed taxi trials have been completed while the first flight is expected in February, likely before the [[Aero India]] 2025 airshow at [[Yelahanka Air Force Station|Yelehanka AFS]]. The Archer-NG is now expected to meet the targets of TAPAS-BH-201 as the latter failed to meet the same. The weapon types to be integrated are laser guided rockets, bombs, and [[Loitering munition|loitering munitions]] having a range of 100 km.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India's weaponized Archer-NG UAV set to dominate skies soon? Report suggests maiden flight likely in February |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2025/01/02/indias-weaponized-archer-ng-uav-set-to-dominate-skies-soon-report-suggest-maiden-flight-likely-in-february.html |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Army gearing up to induct more heavy-duty drones |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-gearing-up-to-induct-more-heavy-duty-drones/amp_articleshow/117847274.cms |access-date=2025-02-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> As per a report, the prototype is powered by an [[Austro Engine E4]] powerplant inherited from the TAPAS-BH-201 program. However, two indigenous UAV engines of {{Convert|180|hp|kW|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|220|hp|kW|abbr=on}} is being developed by [[Vehicle Research and Development Establishment]] (VRDE).<ref>{{Cite web |last=alphadefense.in |date=2025-01-03 |title=India's MALE Drone Program: Navigating Engine Challenges |url=https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2025/01/03/india-male-drone-engine-challenges/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=alphadefense.in |language=en-US}}</ref>

As of February 2025, the taxi trials are complete and is the system is awaiting final certification while the first flight is scheduled in March. Meanwhile, the weaponised variant is expected to take three years for completion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Indigenous Archer-NG UAV to make first flight next month; weaponized version expected in 3 Years |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/indigenous-archer-ng-uav-to-make-first-flight-next-month-weaponized-version-expected-in-3-years-3745451/lite/ |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

==Specifications==

=== Rustom-1 and Rustom-H ===
Specifications of ''Rustom-1'' and ''Rustom-H'' are as follows:
{{Aircraft specs
|prime units? = met
|ref= ''Defstrat.com'',<ref name=DEFSTRAT/> ''idp.justthe80.com''<ref name=idps/> and ''stargazer2006.online.fr''<ref name=Stargazer>{{cite news|title=DRDO-ADE 'Rustom-I' and 'Rustom-H'|url=http://stargazer2006.online.fr/derivatives/rustom.htm|access-date=9 March 2012|newspaper=Stargazer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730134046/http://stargazer2006.online.fr/derivatives/rustom.htm|archive-date=30 July 2012}}</ref>
|crew=
|capacity= {{cvt|95|kg|lb}} for Rustom-1 and {{convert|350|kg|abbr=on}} for Rustom-H
|length m= 5.12
|length note= for Rustom-1 and {{convert|9.5|m|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=DEFSTRAT>{{cite news|title=Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Made in India |url=http://www.defstrat.com/exec/frmArticleDetails.aspx?DID=234 |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=South Asia Defence Strategic Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514023950/http://www.defstrat.com/exec/frmArticleDetails.aspx?DID=234 |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref> for Rustom-H
|span m=7.9
|span note= and {{convert|20.6|m|1|abbr=on}} for Rustom-1 & Rustom-H respectively
|height m=2.4
|height note=for Rustom-1
|empty weight kg=720
|empty weight note= for Rustom-1 and {{convert|1,800|kg|abbr=on}} for Rustom-H

|eng1 number=1
|eng1 kw= 112
|eng1 hp= 150
|eng1 note= for Rustom-I
|eng2 type= wing-mounted turboprop
|eng2 name=[[NPO Saturn|NPO-Saturn]] 36MT engines<ref name=AWUAV>{{cite news |title=India Now Wants Hundreds Of UAVs |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/dti/2011/05/01/DT_05_01_2011_p19-313799.xml |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=Aviation Week |date=May 20, 2011}}</ref> 
|eng1 type= 
|eng1 name=[[Lycoming O-320]] engines Four-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed engine, <ref name=RUVSA>{{cite news |title=Aero India: the DRDO displayed the Rustom-1 MALE UAV |url=http://en.ruvsa.com/news/development/aero_india_the_drdo_displayed_the_rustom_a_male_uav/ |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=Russian Unmanned Vehicle Systems Association |date=11 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122063724/http://en.ruvsa.com/news/development/aero_india_the_drdo_displayed_the_rustom_a_male_uav/ |archive-date=22 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|eng2 number=2
|eng2 kw= 73.55 
|eng2 hp= 100
|eng2 note=for Rustom-H
|max speed kmh= 150
|max speed note=for Rustom-1 and {{convert|225|km/h|abbr=on}} for Rustom-H 
|cruise speed kmh=125-175
|cruise speed note= for Rustom H
|endurance= 12-15 hours (Rustom-1)<ref name=RN20111115/>
:24-36 hours (Future solar powered variants)<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/india-plans-to-develop-solar-powered-uavs-127956&cp India plans to develop solar-powered UAVs]. Ndtv.com (2011-08-21). Retrieved on 2011-10-20.</ref>
:>24 hr (Rustom 2)
|more performance= *'''Range:'''
** '''Line of sight:''' {{convert|250|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=idps/>
** '''Relay Communication:''' {{convert|350|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=idps>{{cite news |title=Rustom MALE UAV |url=http://idp.justthe80.com/unmanned-aerial-systems/rustom-male-uav#TOC-Rustom-H-Capabilities |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=Indian Defense Projects Sentinel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128070736/http://idp.justthe80.com/unmanned-aerial-systems/rustom-male-uav#TOC-Rustom-H-Capabilities |archive-date=28 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> for Rustom-H
|ferry range km=1000
|ferry range note=for Rustom-H<ref name=idps/>
|ceiling ft=26,000
|ceiling note=for Rustom-1 and {{convert|35,000|ft|m|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} for Rustom-H
}}

=== Archer (SRUAV-W) ===
Specifications of ''Archer'' are as follows:

{{Aircraft specs
|prime units? = met
|ref= 
|crew=
|capacity= {{convert|200|kg|abbr=on}}
|length m= 
|length note= 
|span m=
|span note= 
|height m=
|height note=
|empty weight kg=600
|empty weight note= 

|eng1 number=1
|eng1 kw= 
|eng1 hp= 
|eng1 note= 
|eng2 type= 
|eng2 name= 
|eng1 type= 
|eng1 name=
|eng2 number=
|eng2 kw=  
|eng2 hp= 
|eng2 note=
|max speed kmh= 
|max speed note= 
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note= 
|endurance= 12 hours
|more performance= *'''Range''': {{convert|220|km|abbr=on}}
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|ceiling ft=22000
|ceiling note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|150|kg|abbr=on}}}}


==See also==
{{Aircontent|
|related=
*[[DRDO Ghatak]]
*[[TAPAS-BH-201]]
|similar aircraft=
*[[Shahed 129]]
*[[IAI Eitan]]
*[[IAI Heron]]
*[[EADS Harfang]]
*[[MQ-1 Predator]]
*[[TAI Anka]]
|lists=
*[[List of unmanned aerial vehicles]]
|see also=
*[[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100102024254/http://drdo.com/dpi/SAsiaDefnStraRev_.pdf Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV-Rustom]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seGfyTp3n1s The first flight of Rustom-1 MALE UAV's second prototype]

{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}

{{commons category|DRDO Rustom}}

[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]]
[[Category:DRDO aircraft]]
[[Category:Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles]]

[[it:BAE Mantis]]