FWDA announces successful maiden flight of indigenous bomber | External Affairs Defence & Security News

Representative image: The FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance. (Photo: PTI)

2 min read Last updated: September 3, 2024 | 12:35 p.m. IST

Bengaluru-headquartered Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) on Tuesday announced the successful maiden flight of an indigenous unmanned bomber, the FWD 200B.

Classified as a medium altitude (15,000 feet) long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for airstrikes and bombing, FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda told reporters here.

“The aircraft’s aerodynamic design, airframe, propulsion systems, control systems and electronics are all manufactured in India at FWDA’s 12,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility built on 1.5 acres of land, located in Electronic City, Bengaluru,” he said.

The FWD 200B has a wingspan of five metres and a length of 3.5 metres. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 102 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg, the company said.

It can fly at a cruising speed of 152 kmph, with a maximum speed of 250 kmph. Its landing strip requires only 300 metres, allowing it to operate from shorter runways, Tejaskanda said.

“With an endurance of seven hours and a range of 800 km, the FWD 200B ensures extended mission capabilities, providing substantial coverage without the need for frequent refueling or landing,” he said.

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First published: September 3, 2024 | 12:35 p.m. IST