Context:
Recently, the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur launched Sabal-20, an advanced electric UAV designed for aerial logistics, strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
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- The Sabal-20 Drone is an innovative, electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to meet the demanding requirements of military logistics.
- It is manufactured by the private drone manufacturer EndureAir.
- It is designed to meet demanding operational needs, excelling in tasks such as precise logistics, high-altitude operations, and long-range deliveries.
- Design and Features
- The Sabal-20 is an electric drone with variable pitch rotors, similar in concept to Chinook helicopters.
- Its tandem rotor configuration (two rotors positioned one in front of the other) enhances its lifting capabilities and overall stability.
- It can carry up to 20 kg of payload, roughly half of its weight, allowing it to deliver critical supplies, including ammunition, food, and medical equipment to remote areas.
- It is equipped with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Technology, and it can take off and land vertically, making it highly adaptable to confined or challenging environments.
- It is designed with a low RPM system that minimizes noise, enhancing its stealth capabilities for sensitive or covert missions. Its advanced features ensure reliable performance even in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) conditions.
- It can cover significant distances, ensuring critical supplies can reach destinations in remote or inaccessible areas, especially where traditional land transport is not feasible.
- Strategic Significance
- The Sabal-20 boosts the Indian Army’s ability to deliver supplies to remote, inaccessible regions, enhancing logistical efficiency for rapidly deploying critical resources in harsh conditions.
- As part of India’s defense modernization, the Sabal-20 aligns with the government’s focus on promoting indigenous defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.