NAL/ADE Black Kite
A joint Indian MAV technology demonstrator under the NP-MICAV program.
The NAL/ADE Black Kite is a technology demonstrator for an unmanned Micro Air Vehicle (MAV). It was created through a joint effort by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) of CSIRI, with help from private vendors. This airframe is one of several designs explored under the National Program on Micro Air Vehicles (NP-MICAV).
The Black Kite is a fixed-wing aircraft with a Modified Inverse Zimmerman planform. Its body is built from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and Rohacell. It is battery-powered and uses an AXi2204/54 Brushless Motor with an APC 7"x6" propeller in a tractor configuration, where the motor and propeller face forward. Flight endurance is 30 minutes.
The vehicle carries a miniature daylight video camera as its payload. From an altitude of 80 to 100 meters, it can capture video of the ground below and send the imagery to a Ground Control Station during flight. The video and telemetry range is about two kilometers. The Black Kite is controlled remotely by radio. It also has an autopilot: if the link to the Ground Control Station is lost, the vehicle is programmed to return to base. Three versions of the Black Kite exist, and the prototypes are currently undergoing user trials.
- Type
- Fixed-wing Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) technology demonstrator
- Developers
- Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) of CSIRI
- Airframe material
- Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and Rohacell
- Propulsion
- Electric battery, AXi2204/54 Brushless Motor, APC 7"x6" propeller
- Configuration
- Tractor configuration with forward-facing propeller
- Flight endurance
- 30 minutes
- Payload
- Miniature daylight video camera
- Video/telemetry range
- About 2 km
- Operating altitude
- 80–100 m
- Control
- Radio-controlled with autopilot; returns to base if link with Ground Control Station is lost
Lore & Background
The Black Kite features a fixed-wing design with a Modified Inverse Zimmerman planform. Its airframe is constructed from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and Rohacell, and it is powered by an electric battery driving an AXi2204/54 brushless motor with an APC 7"x6" propeller in a tractor configuration. The vehicle carries a miniature daylight video camera as its payload, capable of capturing imagery from an altitude of 80–100 meters and relaying it to the Ground Control Station over a range of about two kilometers. The aircraft is remotely radio-controlled and includes an autopilot that, upon loss of link with the Ground Control Station, is programmed to return to base. Three versions of the Black Kite exist, and the prototypes are currently undergoing user trials.
Reader's Guide
The NAL/ADE Black Kite serves as a technology demonstrator within India's National Program on Micro Air Vehicles (NP-MICAV), a collaborative effort between ADE (DRDO) and NAL (CSIRI) with private vendor support. Its significance lies in validating the Modified Inverse Zimmerman airframe design for small, fixed-wing UAVs, along with integrated subsystems such as a miniature daylight video camera, a two-kilometer-range telemetry and video link, and an autopilot with return-to-base capability. The 30-minute endurance and electric propulsion reflect the program's focus on compact, low-signature platforms for short-range reconnaissance. As prototypes undergo user trials, the Black Kite contributes to the development of operational MAV capabilities, complementing other airframe designs in the NP-MICAV portfolio like the Golden Hawk and Pushpak. Its legacy is tied to advancing indigenous micro air vehicle technology for potential military and civilian applications.
Did You Know?
- The Black Kite has a Modified Inverse Zimmerman planform.
- Its airframe is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and Rohacell.
- The vehicle is programmed to return to base if it loses link with the Ground Control Station.
- Three versions of the Black Kite exist and are under user trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NAL/ADE Black Kite?
It is a fixed-wing Micro Air Vehicle technology demonstrator built in India to prove out concepts for very small unmanned aircraft. It represents one of several airframe designs investigated to push the boundaries of MAV flight.
Who developed the NAL/ADE Black Kite?
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under DRDO and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) under CSIRI collaborated on the project, with additional contributions from private-sector vendors.
What materials and propulsion system does the Black Kite use?
The airframe is built from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and Rohacell foam, and it flies on a battery driving an AXi2204/54 brushless motor with an APC 7×6 propeller mounted in a tractor configuration.
How long can the NAL/ADE Black Kite stay airborne?
The demonstrator achieves approximately 30 minutes of endurance on its electric battery, which is a notable figure for an aircraft of this micro-scale class.
What program does the Black Kite belong to?
It was developed as part of India's National Program on Micro Air Vehicles (NP-MICAV), a multi-design effort aimed at maturing technology for tiny unmanned fixed-wing aircraft.
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