Solar Powered Drone Unveiled at Aero India 2023

Garuda Aerospace, an Indian startup that makes drones, unveiled its solar-powered drone- “SURAJ”, at Aero India 2023, that was held in Bengaluru. Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO Chairman and current Principal Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, unveiled the drone.

As per the startup, the solar drone is designed for surveillance operations, offering “real-time information to the high command and protecting jawans on the ground.”

Some of the unique features of ‘SURAJ’ include unique J-shaped wings that are equipped with solar cells, while an auxiliary battery provides additional propulsion or decreased speed as needed. The drone has an endurance of 12 hours and can fly at an altitude of 3,000 ft. Further, ‘SURAJ’ is an Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) high-altitude drone designed specifically for surveillance operations, providing real-time information to the high command. It is equipped with high-resolution zoom cameras with thermal imagery and foliage-penetrating LIDAR sensors, with a maximum payload capacity of 10 kg. The technology in the drone allows it to capture, process, and transmit photos and videos in real-time, providing valuable information to headquarters and base before planning strategic operations. The drone has been designed to cater to the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, DRDO, MOD, and MHA.

Garuda Aerospace had recently raised $22m in funding, which it will use to develop a prototype of the SURAJ, set to be ready to fly by August 2023.

The startup has been working with a team of scientists and experts from the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), DRDO, and other organizations to develop the SURAJ drone. The drone will be equipped with AI, ML, and Bionic Chip for advanced real-time processing, making it a critical component in safeguarding the security of India.

“SURAJ will have ISR capability and will be equipped with Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and bionic chip for advanced real-time processing,’‘ said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace.