Tactical Advanced platform for Aerial Surveillance (TAPAS)
The vehicle is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, with an AUW of 2100 Kgs, length of 9.5m, wing span 20.6. The UAV can fly at a maximum speed of 225km/hr with an endurance for up to 24 hours. It has the ability to operate at line of sight ranges of 250km and attain a maximum ceiling of 35,000ft. It can carry payloads, ELINT, COMINT, SAR, EO. Controlled through LOS upto 100km. Beyond 100km the vehicle can be controlled through SATCOM. First time 2.1 Tonne UAV design and certification in the country. Critical technologies to design and certify are, Composite technology, Fly-by-wire technology, Command and data link, First time GCS certification, Retractable undercarriage and ATOL technology. 4 prototypes produced, with a 66+ successful sorties.