NewSpace Achieves Milestone in HAPS Development with 24+ Hour Prototype Flight Test

In a major step forward for Indian aerospace innovation, Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) has successfully completed a record-breaking 24+ hour flight test of its advanced High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) prototype.

This achievement positions India as a potential leader in the development of extended-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The solar-powered HAPS SCALED prototype exceeded expectations during its flight over ATR Chitradurga. Powered by a brushless DC electric motor and weighing in at 80kg, this UAV marks a significant technological achievement.

NRT plans to leverage this success in the development of its ambitious HAPS Full Scale model, a significantly larger UAV designed for remarkable 90-day airborne missions at high altitudes. The larger model will boast an increased maximum take-off weight of 450kg and a 35kg payload capacity.

Before focusing on the full-scale version, NRT plans further endurance trials with the HAPS SCALED model. These tests will push the limits of the prototype by aiming for a continuous 7-day flight at an altitude of 20km above mean sea level (AMSL) while maintaining a cruising speed of 100km/h.

The Indian Navy, recognizing the potential for long-endurance surveillance, communication, and other key maritime uses, has shown interest in NRT's HAPS technology. The development cost of the HAPS Full Scale is estimated at ₹450 crores, with the Indian Navy positioned as a major potential user.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Indian companies are so good. They can develop full scaled version for just 450 crores. American companies would ask for billions from US military to develop similar tech. And then sell it at highly inflated prices to foreign companies so that US can make up that development cost. This is why it is so important to develop this tech indigenously

 

[kumar]

What did VEDA aerospace develop in the HAPS which they are marketing?

 

[Jay K Sinhal]

See the fantastic results of unleashing the private enterprise.

 

[Varaaah]

Can it withstand high storms above the sea? Because that could be crucial for the use by the Navy.

 

[beencensured]

Can it withstand high storms above the sea? Because that could be crucial for the use by the Navy.

It flies above storms. "An analysis of these data has indicated that for the higher altitudes (50,000 to 75,000 feet), turbulence is both less frequent and less severe than for the lower altitudes (20,000 to 50,000 feet). Turbulence appears to be present at the high altitudes (60,000 to 75,000 feet) less than 1 percent of the time."

 

[beencensured]

Indian companies are so good. They can develop full scaled version for just 450 crores. American companies would ask for billions from US military to develop similar tech. And then sell it at highly inflated prices to foreign companies so that US can make up that development cost. This is why it is so important to develop this tech indigenously

India needs to respect our talents. USA desperately searches the world for the best and India hardly respect them considering 70% of their talent comes from India. We go for Adani and Ambani as if they do anything other then manipulate system, but India fails to search for talent. India is pleased with back office, but cannot lead in software development as talent is not respected. Satya Nadella could lead a three trillion dollar company in America, and there are plenty of Indian billionaire in America and I would say completely his talent is reason why Microsoft could become a trillion dollar company. Why there is not a competitive system in India. Why educated are not respected in India, why always nonsense. India must search for talent and empower them and shoot the cronies whether family business/judicial/politics/bureaucracy does not make a country progressive.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a brilliant achievement! These can be used as drones to conduct surveillance, tracking and gathering COMINT and SIGINT which is all crucial for gaining intelligence of any upcoming threats or smugglers. This HAPS is a much better than any drone due to the long amount of time it can spend in the air without needing to refuel or conduct any maintenance or repairs unless there was any technical fault. One crucial benefit is that it uses solar panels for power and to keep it functioning, running and active which you don't have on any drone. India should use more of these HAPS as we have developed the technology and further upgrades of types will start getting inducted.

 

[bonito]

India needs to respect our talents.

A whooping 30% of the budget goes for paying salary and pension for govt employees. There contribution to India is serve as per reservation. How can we hire talent then ?