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Context: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully conducted the engine ground run for its full-scale demonstrator of the Combat Air Teaming System.
About Combat Air Teaming System (CATS)
- CATS is a semi-autonomous, futuristic combat system designed to operate in collaboration with fighter jets.
- The system consists of a manned fighter aircraft that acts as the “mothership” and a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that are controlled by the mothership.
- It is developed in collaboration with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Newspace Research & Technologies.
Components of CATS
CATS Warrior, CATS Hunter, CATS Alpha-S and CATS Infinity, all have different specific roles.
- CATS Warrior: A semi-autonomous drone capable of working alongside manned fighter jets.
- CATS Hunter: A cruise missile launched by the mother ship, capable of penetrating deep into contested airspace to execute precision strikes.
- CATS Alpha-S: A glider system designed to carry and release swarms of quadcopter drones (ranging from 4 to 20) into enemy territory, 50–100 km beyond the frontlines.
- CATS Infinity: A high-altitude, solar-powered UAV designed for extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Operating at altitudes of ~70,000 feet, it can remain airborne for 2–3 months, providing satellite-like coverage.
Check Here: Drone Technology
Similar Systems Worldwide
- Boeing Loyal Wingman: Royal Australian Air Force.
- Skyborg (USAF): Autonomous wingman program by the United States.