TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom-II)

TAPAS-BH-201 (Rustom-II)

Type: Surveillance UAV

Domain: air

Country of Origin: India

Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Overview

India's indigenous Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle designed to provide strategic ISR, signal intelligence, and armed reconnaissance capability. The TAPAS (Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance) features a 20.6-metre wingspan with a twin-boom pusher configuration, maximum takeoff weight of 1,800 kg, endurance exceeding 24 hours, operational altitude of 28,000 feet, and satellite datalink for beyond-line-of-sight control. Payload capacity of 350 kg supporting multiple sensor configurations including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared turrets, electronic intelligence (ELINT), communications intelligence (COMINT), and maritime patrol radar. The armed variant can carry precision-guided munitions and laser-guided bombs. TAPAS addresses India's critical shortage of long-endurance surveillance UAVs and aims to reduce dependence on Israeli Heron systems. Development has faced delays but the system achieved extended endurance flights in 2024. Indian armed forces plan significant orders once developmental trials are completed.

Technical Specifications

typeMedium Altitude Long Endurance UAV
ceiling~8,500 m
engines2x piston engines (redundancy)
payload250 kg (EO/IR, SAR, SIGINT pods)
endurance~24 hours
manufacturerHAL / DRDO, India

Operators

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