Kanpur: IIT Kanpur is preparing to roll out one of the most advanced drones ever developed in India named 'Sabal-50' which is being touted as potentially the most powerful of its kind globally. Still in the pilot phase, this drone is being built for military use, with capabilities tailored for both combat operations and emergency logistics.
Developed under the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Sabal-50 is an advanced upgrade over its predecessor, Sabal-20. According to Professor Abhishek, who is heading the project, Sabal-20 was a 20 kg drone that could carry an equivalent payload and was already provided to the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
Sabal-50 weighs approximately 150 kg and is capable of carrying up to 50 kg of payload. It has been designed to operate in extremely harsh environments, including the turbulent weather conditions of Siachen. Trial flights have reportedly been conducted at altitudes of up to 17,000 feet.
Unlike earlier drones that were limited to surveillance or supply delivery, Sabal-50 is multipurpose.
It can deliver supplies or be used in coordinated aerial attacks. Equipped with AI and high-visibility cameras worth several lakhs, the drone can remain airborne for 3 to 4 hours, carry out surveillance in dust or snowstorms, and return with high-resolution imagery.
The military has shown strong interest, and the drone is expected to be inducted for use soon.
