Aerospace

India to buy 31 Predator drones from the US for $3.5 bn

India has successfully negotiated a big contract to buy 31 Predator drones estimated to cost around $3.5 billion or almost Rs 29,000 crore. During the Prime Minister’s current state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24.

A scientific analysis by the tri-services integrated defense staff, which found that India would need this many drones to effectively monitor its adversaries in both peacetime and combat situations, served as the foundation for the decision to acquire these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

India is currently developing 5 UAVs that it plans to use in the future.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Predators, also known as the MQ-9 Reaper, can fly for up to 36 hours straight and are employed for targeted surveillance of any target or region of interest. Up to 31 Predator drones, which India will shortly purchase from the US, would be operated by the three services collectively.

According to the officer, these drones will be put together in India through a partnership between Indian businesses and drone manufacturer General Atomics, which will produce some components here. The officer said, “The current figure for this is 8 to 9 percent, but there is potential to raise it to 15 to 20 percent.”

This Guy Created a Personal Helicopter at Home by Joining 54 drones together. (Opens in a new browser tab)

In order to serve nations like Australia and Japan as well, General Atomics will establish a comprehensive and cost-effective maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. Within a period of one to two years the contract’s signing, India hopes to introduce the first 10 MQ-9B drones, depending on General Atomics’ production capacity. Every six months, remaining drones will be introduced in batches.

The MQ-9B Reaper drones have strike missiles that can completely and accurately destroy enemy targets, making them high-altitude, long-endurance drones. In addition, these drones will be used for long-range surveillance around the nation’s borders and in its marine regions. For long-range, precise strikes, the drones are fitted with air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.