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.
![4th Drone International Expo C35-E Drone](http://thedefencetimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/c35-e-drone-1024x666.jpg)
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.