Skyhawk Aerospace, an Indian-based company, captured the attention of spectators at the recent 4th Drone International Expo in Delhi. They unveiled the C35-E and Pushpak drones which are fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) multirole unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Pushpak, a tactical UAV, has been designed to excel in high-altitude cargo missions. With a remarkable skid landing gear system, this UAV can reach astonishing heights of up to 5,700 meters, even braving “near gale conditions” and extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to +55°C.
In an exclusive interview with Janes, the CEO of Skyhawk Aerospace, Jayesh, shared fascinating insights into the origins of the Pushpak drone.
Development for this impressive UAV began in November 2020, driven by the requirements laid out by the Army Design Bureau (ADB) to enhance cargo operations.
Pushpak UAV features shoulder-mounted moderately tapered straight wings that extend over a length of 6.28 meters, complemented by a twin-boom-mounted tail with vertical stabilizers connected through a top horizontal stabilizer. To enable seamless VTOL operations, the UAV’s inner wing section comprises twin booms, each equipped with four electrically powered rotors – two facing upwards and two facing downwards. Additionally, there is a strategically positioned cargo-carrying hook below the fuselage, near the wing section.
Pushpak UAV is powered by an 80-horsepower turboshaft engine, with a fuel capacity of 20 litres, and drives a pusher propeller for forward flight. This impressive engine is sourced from a reputable European manufacturer and offers an outstanding time between overhauls, approximately 1,000 hours.
The combination of cutting-edge technology, ingenious design, and attention to detail makes the Pushpak and C35-E a testament to Skyhawk Aerospace’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.