DRDO-IIT Powai team develops 'Netra' to aid in anti-terror operations

The Pune-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for aiding in anti-terrorist and counter insurgency operations. The UAV called 'Netra' would be inducted into the armed forces by the year-end.
 
The Netra, which weighs 1.5 kg, is the result of a collaborative effort between ideaForge, a company formed by a group of IIT, Powai alumni and one of the labs of DRDO, Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE) Pune.

DRDO scientist Dr Alok Mukherjee, who demonstrated the UAV in Pune, yesterday, said the device would likely be introduced within the next six months after it had undergone some more testing.

"The UAV is capable of operating in all the conflict theatres, including urban quarters, in a situation similar to that of the 26/11 terror attacks," he told reporters.

According to Mukerjee, the Netra's estimated cost is Rs20 lakh, but this price could vary with incorporation of additional components like thermal camera as required.

Amardeep Singh, IdeaForge, vice-president (marketing and operations unmanned systems), said the UAV had been designed for surveillance of an area of 1.5 km Line of Sight (LOS) and with an endurance capacity of 30 minutes of battery charge.

Additionally, Netra also comes with a resolution CCD camera with a pan/tilt and zoom capability for wider surveillance and can also be fitted with thermal cameras to carry out night operations.

According to Singh, the operational altitude of the UAV is 200 metres maximum, and it has a vertical take-off and landing capacity (VTOL). It is equipped with a wireless transmitter. Its in-built fail-safe features allow Netra to return to base on loss of communication or low battery.

Responding to a question about the weather conditions in which it could operate, Singh said the device would not be able to operate in rainy conditions but research is being carried out to allow this.