HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Program - Updates and Discussion
- Thread starter SammyBoi
- Start date
HAL-Newspace CATS Warrior:
HAL's internal project to convert HAL built Cheetal/Cheetak helos into an UAV:
HAL's internal project to convert HAL built Cheetal/Cheetak helos into an UAV:
(pic @ newspace) 
wish their product matched their slides, we have been hearing abt this combat wingman for long time but only on paper.
Tbh this is complex, as a market person many like me would be quite reserved about the prospect of this particular project which is not just about autonomous flying, but also teaming and everything. Considering their record and the building blocks involved to complete this even as a tech demo, would be quite an achievement.
too much speculation. HVT mentioned "There's always some CATS prowling nearby". Could've just meant jaguars.
Let's gooo!
The prototype will be unveiled at AeroIndia!
The prototype will be unveiled at AeroIndia!
The build quality looks good, it needs to be flight-tested ASAP. If it's only a model without an engine, then HAL should put fire on it on this Sankranti.
No side IWBs? Mockups had one IWB on each side.
I don't know if even the main IWB is there.
I guess all that will show up on future prototypes. Right now with PTAE-7s I doubt it can do much performance-wise besides serving as a flying platform to prove the teaming software.
To be a real CCA/Loyal Wingman that can keep up with fighters, it needs 2 x engines in the HTFE 25 class (or a single KDE). CCAs that perform similar roles like MQ-28 have ~45kN thrust.
So I think 2 x HTFEs is indeed the plan for the definitive version, but until it's ready we may have to use a few foreign engines in the 25kN class (x2) to take testing forward.
HAL is planning 2 models of the warrior. One, smaller model powered by 2 PTAE-7W engines. This smaller model will also be armed. This CAD model is from HVT:
Both versions have their purpose. The lighter variant could do armed UAV patrol jobs.
