Army tests delivery via drones in Punjab

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 19

In an important development, the Indian Army has successfully tested an indigenous UAV for delivery of essentials in Punjab. The test was carried out for delivery of Covid-19 items.

The test proved the ability to operate at far-off ranges and beyond visual line of sight, meaning the drone was remotely controlled by either radar or another bigger UAV above it, and possibly the payload the drone could carry.

Cargo successfully sent 25 km away

Loaded with medical cargo, autonomous drones successfully released the payload with pinpoint accuracy at Gobindgarh, Balluana and Malukpura villages in Abohar, located 25 km from the launch point

On April 16, three such ‘Made in India’ drones were tested over three villages of Abohar in Fazilka district. The task was ‘anti-covid’ operations and to deliver essential supplies, including masks, liquid-sanitiser and medical canisters, sources confirmed.

They said the Army coordinated these tests with the district administration, indicating operations can be carried out on a large scale by increasing the number of drones. The Army uses a few bigger drones for surveillance.

The villages of Gobindgarh, Balluana and Malukpura are located at distance of up to 25 km from the launch point and fall beyond visual line of sight range from base. These tests would probably have been one of the first of its kind in India with a large medical delivery cargo carried by autonomous drones. Sources said the crucial part was releasing the payload with pinpoint accuracy and in good order.

The entire operation did not involve any human contact at the village zone. Such a drone could be used to send supplies to small locality or a village without exposing the relief workers to people infected with the virus. It can also transport back crucial blood samples and other supplies from isolated places. The civil administration and elected members of the three villages participated in the trials. 

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.