Counter UAV Systems of India
- Thread starter Ankit Kumar
- Start date
I'm seeing some articles show up in my feed regarding Embraer making a sales pitch to the USAF for picking the Tucano with an "AI brain" for counter-drone air patrol. Basically, using 3 droptanks for air patrol, Maven for cueing and 70mm LGRs for the kaboom.
If USAF bites (not sure it will), HAL has an opportunity to pitch HTT-40 in a similar role. Though likely, it will need to design a Mk2 to up the endurance and increase the number of hardpoints.
AI-generated stats below:
| Parameter | A-29 Super Tucano | HAL HTT-40 |
|---|---|---|
| MTOW | ~5,400 kg (GlobalSecurity) | ~2,800 kg (GlobalMilitary.net) |
| External payload (max) | ~1,500–1,550 kg (GlobalSecurity) | Not clearly specified; limited (light weapons capability only) (GlobalMilitary.net) |
| Internal fuel endurance | ~2.6–3.4 hours (typical internal fuel only) (GlobalSecurity) | Not explicitly published; estimated ~2–3 hours class (inferred from trainer role & range ~1000 km) (GlobalMilitary.net) |
| Endurance with external tanks | Up to ~7–8+ hours (GlobalSecurity) | Not specified / typically not configured for long-endurance external fuel ops |
| External hardpoints / stations | 5 (4 wing + 1 centerline) (Air & Space Forces Magazine) | Not officially specified; likely 2–4 light pylons (if armed variant) (limited evidence) (GlobalMilitary.net) |
