DRDO Kapothaka

Kapothaka is a mini-UAV for reconnaissance. It is a preceder of Nishant UAV system. Following the sussessful deployment of a remotely piloted vehicle by Israel during Lebanon war in 1982 Aeronautical development establishment (ADE) undertook the development of a remotely piloted piloted vehicle kapothaka in 1983 to develop the necessary technologies. During the next 4 years ADE developed a small RPV capable of flying up to 1500 meters for a period of 90 minutes carring a nose mounted tv camera providing real time imagery intelligence. This program enabled ADE to cut teeth on the intricacies of uav design development and deployment. The endeavour culminated in successful demonstration of areal reconnaissance using an RPV during "operation Brass-tacks" in September 1987. Indian Army, impressed by the unique capability provided by an RPV, formulated a "qualitative requirement" for a tactical UAV system for artillery leading to the development of Nishant UAV system.

See also