Optiemus Unmanned Systems Private Limited (OUS), a subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom Limited, has achieved a significant milestone in unmanned aerial technology. During the Him Drone-A-Thon 2024, organized by the Indian Army, OUS showcased its Vajra 65 and Vajra 100 drones, which successfully cleared the formidable height of 19,200 feet at Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass. This landmark event underscores India’s growing prowess in the development of advanced unmanned systems.
Advanced Capabilities on Display
The Him Drone-A-Thon 2024, held from 16th to 24th September in Leh-Ladakh, tested the limits of India’s most advanced unmanned systems under some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Companies with successful demonstrations at the Wari La Pass were invited to further test their drone capabilities at Umling La, situated at an altitude of 19,200 feet above sea level.
OUS’s Vajra 65 and Vajra 100 quadcopter drones stole the show with their loitering munitions (bomb drop capabilities) and long-range surveillance features. The trial results demonstrated the incredible endurance and precision of the Vajra series, establishing new benchmarks in critical mission parameters. The drones’ exceptional performance in these tests highlights the reliability and strength of the Vajra series under extreme high-altitude conditions.
Successful Trials at Wari La Pass
The first phase of trials at Wari La Pass, located at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet, witnessed the Vajra 65 completing a loitering munitions mission. The drone traveled 5,000 meters in one direction and achieved a maximum altitude of 17,460 feet, with a flight endurance of 50 minutes. The highlight of the trial was a bomb drop from a height of 328 feet. Meanwhile, the Vajra 100 impressed in surveillance tasks, achieving a range of 5,000 meters and reaching an altitude of 18,280 feet, with an endurance of 80 minutes. The drone also reached a service ceiling of 19,921 feet.
Pushing Boundaries at Umling La
At Umling La Pass, the Vajra 65 and Vajra 100 further pushed their performance boundaries. The Vajra 65 soared to an impressive altitude of 21,300 feet, completing a bomb drop from 1,049 feet, with a range of 7,000 meters and a flight endurance of 40 minutes. The Vajra 100 outdid its own record by achieving a range of 10,000 meters and reaching a staggering altitude of 23,000 feet. Despite the harsh conditions at the pass, it demonstrated a flight endurance of 70 minutes.
Optiemus’s Commitment to India’s Defence and Innovation
Mr. Ashok Gupta, Executive Chairman of Optiemus Infracom Limited, expressed his pride in leading homegrown drone technology innovations that will significantly advance India’s defense and surveillance capabilities. “Our participation in Him Drone-A-Thon 2024 reaffirms our commitment to developing high-performance unmanned systems that meet the evolving challenges of modern defense and industrial applications,” said Gupta.
The OUS Vajra series has established new benchmarks in high-altitude drone capabilities, showcasing India’s strides in unmanned technology innovation. By pushing the boundaries of endurance, altitude, and mission performance, the Vajra drones are set to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s defense and surveillance operations.
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