Indian Navy Predator Drone crashes off Chennai coast due to power failure
The drone, an MQ-9B Predator leased from the American firm General Atomics, suffered a technical malfunction that could not be resolved mid-flight.
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Manjeet NegiNew Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 23, 2024 23:38 ISTPosted By: Vadapalli Nithin Kumar
In Short
Power generator and battery failures caused the drone’s crashDrone was on a routine surveillance mission when the malfunction occurredGeneral Atomics is obligated to replace the crashed drone soon
A Predator drone operated by the Indian Navy crashed into the sea off the Chennai coast last week due to a failure of its power generators and onboard batteries, defence officials told India Today.
The incident occurred last Wednesday afternoon during a routine surveillance mission. The drone, an MQ-9B Predator leased from the American firm General Atomics, suffered a technical malfunction that could not be resolved mid-flight. As a result, the drone was deliberately guided to a safe area over the sea, where it was ditched in a controlled manner.
Under the terms of the contract, General Atomics is now required to replace the crashed drone to meet its operational obligations. The Indian Navy’s agreement with the US firm, signed in 2020, mandates a specific number of flight hours each month. Officials noted that the missions cannot be completed by one drone alone, and the replacement is expected soon.
The Indian Navy, which operates these drones from INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, is seeking a detailed report from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to determine the cause of the crash.
India also plans to procure 31 more similar drones to enhance its high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance capabilities.
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