Maiden Flight of Panchi

Panchi, the wheeled version of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)Nishant capable of taking-off and landing using small airstrips had its maiden flight lasting about 20 minutes. Todays flight was preceded by a series of high speed taxi trials. SA to RM, Secretary. Department of Defence R&D & DG DRDO DrAvinashChander, congratulated the team for the success. The UAV Panchi has all the surveillance capabilities of UAV Nishant. However, it will have longer endurance as it does not have to carry the air bags and parachute system as in the case of UAV Nishant. DS and DG Aeronautical SystemsDr K Tamilmani said, Aggressive efforts by the ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment) team during the past 8 months in creating this version are commendable.