Daily Current Affairs : 5-September-2024

Bengaluru-based company Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has made a significant breakthrough in India’s defense technology by successfully testing the country’s first indigenous combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Named the FWD 200B, this UAV is an important milestone for India’s defense industry, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in developing advanced military technology.

Key Features of the FWD 200B UAV

The FWD 200B is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). It is designed for a wide range of military operations, including surveillance and air strikes. The UAV is equipped with:

  • Optical Payloads for surveillance, allowing it to collect real-time intelligence.
  • Missile-like Weapons for engaging in air strikes and bombing missions.

These features make the FWD 200B a highly capable asset for defense operations.

Performance Specifications

The FWD 200B is designed to operate at high altitudes and speeds, with impressive performance specifications:

  • Cruise Altitude: 12,000 feet.
  • Maximum Altitude: 15,000 feet.
  • Speed: Can reach up to 250 km/h.
  • Range: It has a range of 800 km, allowing for extended operational capabilities.
  • Endurance: The UAV can stay in the air for up to 7 hours, providing long-duration support for military missions.

Operational Flexibility

One of the standout features of the FWD 200B is its ability to operate from shorter airstrips. It requires a runway of only 300 meters for takeoff, making it suitable for deployment in remote and less-developed areas, which can be crucial during military operations in difficult terrains.

A Major Achievement for India’s Defense Sector

The successful maiden flight of the FWD 200B is a major achievement for India’s defense sector. It marks a significant step toward reducing the country’s reliance on foreign military technology and strengthens its self-reliance in defense capabilities. This success is even more significant given the challenges India has faced in the past with similar defense initiatives. The success of the FWD 200B brings India closer to becoming a major player in the global defense industry.

Important Points:

  • FWD 200B is India’s first indigenous combat UAV, developed by Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA).
  • It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) designed for surveillance and air strikes.
  • Key Features:
    • Optical Payloads for real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering.
    • Missile-like Weapons for conducting air strikes and bombing missions.
  • Performance Specifications:
    • Cruise Altitude: 12,000 feet.
    • Maximum Altitude: 15,000 feet.
    • Speed: 250 km/h.
    • Range: 800 km.
    • Endurance: 7 hours of flight time.
  • Operational Flexibility:
    • Requires a runway of only 300 meters for takeoff, enabling operations from short airstrips.
  • Significance:
    • Marks a major achievement for India’s defense sector, reducing dependence on foreign military technology.
    • Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense capabilities.
    • Brings India closer to becoming a key player in the global defense industry.

Why In News

Bengaluru-based company Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) recently announced the successful maiden flight of India’s first indigenous combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense technology development and self-reliance in military innovations.

MCQs about India’s Breakthrough with the FWD 200B Combat UAV

  1. What is the name of India’s first indigenous combat UAV?
    A. FWD 100A
    B. FWD 200B
    C. FWD 300C
    D. FWD 150X
    Correct Answer: B. FWD 200B
    Explanation: The UAV developed by Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) is named the FWD 200B, and it is India’s first indigenous combat UAV.
  2. What is the primary purpose of the FWD 200B UAV?
    A. To provide satellite communication
    B. To perform surveillance and air strikes
    C. To deliver cargo to remote areas
    D. To act as a weather monitoring system
    Correct Answer: B. To perform surveillance and air strikes
    Explanation: The primary purpose of the FWD 200B UAV is to carry out surveillance using optical payloads and to perform air strikes with missile-like weapons.
  3. Which of the following is a key feature of the FWD 200B UAV?
    A. Requires a 5 km runway for takeoff
    B. Can fly up to a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet
    C. Can stay airborne for up to 7 hours
    D. Can only fly at sea level
    Correct Answer: C. Can stay airborne for up to 7 hours
    Explanation: The FWD 200B UAV has a 7-hour endurance, making it capable of long-duration missions.
  4. Why is the successful flight of the FWD 200B significant for India?
    A. It increases India’s dependence on foreign military technology
    B. It marks a step toward reducing India’s reliance on foreign defense technology
    C. It signals the launch of India’s first commercial drone
    D. It only focuses on civil aviation
    Correct Answer: B. It marks a step toward reducing India’s reliance on foreign defense technology
    Explanation: The successful maiden flight of the FWD 200B reduces India’s dependence on foreign military technology and strengthens its self-reliance in defense.

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