Maraal UAVs

The MARAAL is a series of solar powered UAVs that were developed in India by aerospace department of IIT Kanpur.[1] These are multipurpose UAvs, primarily focused on defence requirements.[2]

MARAAL
MARAAL-II
Role Solar UAV
National origin India
Manufacturer Prototype
Designer IIT Kanpur
First flight 1st Feb 2016
Number built 2

Variants

MARAAL-1

MARAAL-1 is India's first[3][4] solar powered UAV. It is a low-altitude long endurance solar-electric powered UAV which increases the endurance with the additional usage of solar cells in combination with batteries to power the UAV. This project was sponsored by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the feasibility study of the solar powered aircraft in Indian atmospheric conditions. The test results of this UAV encouraged the researchers and they developed another solar powered UAV MARAAL-2 having improved capabilities.

It has completed several successful test flights starting with its maiden flight on 1st Feb 2016 to help researchers gather useful real-time flight performance data.

MARAAL-2

MARAAL-2 is a medium altitude, long range (up to 200 km), fully autonomous and mission programmable, successor to MARAAL-1 solar powered UAV. It offers better endurance and quiet operation. It has larger area for solar power extraction than MARAAL-1 and the trim drag is minimized with improved design. The solar power extracted during the cruise in good sunny condition was recorded much more than the power required fto cruise (maximum range conditions). The ground control station console is functionally interchangeable and allows highly interactive mission planning and re-tasking.

Specifications
Maraal-1Maraal-2
Weight16 kg12 kg
Power Required to Cruise210 Watt160 Watt
Solar Power Extraction170 Watt245 Watt
Service Ceiling500m AGL1000m AGL
Endurance11 Hrs18 Hrs
Gliding Ratio (L/D)1820
Payload5 kg7 kg

References
  1. https://www.iitk.ac.in/aero/maraal/
  2. https://www.businessinsider.in/3-Hi-Tech-drones-by-IIT-Kanpur-students-and-professors-that-may-become-a-part-of-Indian-Military-operations-soon/articleshow/52446870.cms
  3. https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-lucknow/20170514/281715499540510
  4. http://epaper.amarujala.com/kc/my/20170512/07.html?format=img

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