Rustom-1

The Rustom-1 is an Indian medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone developed by DRDO for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions. It marks India’s first major step toward creating home-grown UAVs for both military and civilian use.

Created in the early 2000s by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, the Rustom-1 was inspired by the RAE (Rattan Experimental Aircraft) designed by Prof. Rustom Damania, for whom it is named. The goal was to produce a cost-effective, multi-role drone for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Design and Performance

• Twin-boom, propeller-driven UAV with composite body

• Length: ~8 m | Wingspan: ~7.9 m

• Weight: ~750 kg | Endurance: 12–15 hours

• Ceiling: up to 25,000 ft | Speed: 120–150 km/h

• Payload: 75 kg | Engine: single piston (pusher propeller)

It carries electro-optical, infrared, and radar sensors, enabling day-night reconnaissance and communication relay.

Rustom-1 can fly autonomously, including automatic take-off and landing, using GPS navigation and onboard avionics. A ground control station manages missions and real-time video feeds through a line-of-sight link.