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DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has successfully conducted the maiden trial – flight of its Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP). The flight took place at the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh.
A maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP) has been conducted by DRDO.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India has joined the group of the few countries to have an indigenous high-altitude platform system after the successful first flight tests of SAP (Stratospheric Airship Platform).
Features of Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP) –
01) A high-altitude, unmanned airship.
02) Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) India.
03) SAP is designed to operate in the stratosphere (The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth’s atmosphere).
04) SAP is designed in such a way that it can remain airborne for extended periods.
05) SAP has been powered by solar energy with the battery backup to maintain operations during night or the phase of low sunlight.
06) SAP offer a potentially more cost effectiveness solution as compared to launching and maintaining satellites.
07) The Stratospheric Airship Platform is developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, which is a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
08) The maiden flight trials of SAP is successfully conducted from Sheopur Madhya Pradesh.
Purpose to launch SAP-
Enhances India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Function of SAP-
Works as a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), capable of extended flight durations.
Altitude Range of SAP –
SAP is designed to operates between 17 to 22 kilometers above Earth, which is called Stratosphere (the second layer of the Earth’s atmosphere).
Types of High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite –
There are two types of HAPS.
01) Aerostatic Lighter-than-air, The technical name of this type of HAPS is Aerostatic. It is lifted by balloons and airships.
02) Heavier-than-air, The technical name of this type of HAPS is Aerodynamic. It is a Fixed-wing aircraft.
Lifting Mechanism of SAP –
Helium gas has been used for buoyancy and altitude control of stratospheric airship platforms.
Strategic Advantages by the SAP
Stratospheric Airship Platform is designed to provides persistent surveillance, communication support, and border monitoring at lower costs compared to satellites.
Conclusion
A Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP) is a lighter-than-air, high-altitude platform designed for extended duration operations in the stratosphere, primarily for earth observation and surveillance. It relies on helium for lift and utilizes solar energy with onboard batteries for nighttime operation. Key features include its ability to stay airborne for long periods, operate at high altitudes, and serve as a cost-effective alternative to satellites for various applications.
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Source of the information – PIB
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