DRDO Nishant
DRDO / ADE · India · first flew 1995 · reconnaissance aircraft
The DRDO Nishant is an Indian battlefield surveillance UAV developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under DRDO, designed for real-time imagery and reconnaissance over tactical areas. It operates from a rocket-assisted catapult launch and recovers by parachute.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 4.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned twin-boom pusher UAV with rear-mounted piston engine
- High-wing layout with sensor payload in nose and stabilising twin tail fins
- Launched by rocket-assisted catapult and recovered by parachute
The twin-boom pusher configuration with high wing and rear engine is the key recognition feature, typical of battlefield UAVs of its generation.
Specifications
- The DRDO Nishant has a length of 4.6 m (15 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.5 m (21 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 216 km/h (134 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the late 1980s with the first flight in 1995; the Nishant entered limited service with the Indian Army after extended trials. The programme faced delays but ultimately demonstrated India's indigenous UAV capability.
Variants
Incremental development versions were tested with improved payloads and datalinks; no major structural variants are publicly documented.
Where you'll see it
Operated in small numbers by the Indian Army for artillery observation and reconnaissance, though it has largely been superseded by more capable UAV types.
Related aircraft
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