(i) Brig. SPS Parhar (Commander 4 Sector RR) of the Indian Army had presented a need for a fixed-wing UAV to assist in counterinsurgency operations near the Doda Army Base in Kashmir, India. The UAV needed to meet specific needs for tactical surveillance and operations on a strictly limited budget which eliminated the possibility for the army to procure UAVs developed by major aerospace companies. Upon hearing of the need, I proceeded in gathering a team of students with experience in aeromodelling and varied experience in different collegiate teams. In a course of 6-months, the team led by me and Vishnu Ganesh designed, developed and delivered a fixed-wing UAV to the Army base meeting all requirements.

(ii) Upon completion of the project by the India Army, The India Maritime Foundation presented a requirement for an autonomous UAV for reconnaissance of the Vishakhapatnam Coastline in India. The coastline in recent years has seen increased poaching activity, the India Maritime Foundation believes constant aerial monitoring of the coastline would help curb such illegal activities. As the requirements for the project were similar to the Army project, the team proceeded to use the same design with some modifications. The team designed, fabricated and tested a technology demonstrator with autonomous flight capabilities. The team is currently changing the technology demonstrator to accommodate the updated requirement of water-takeoff and landing capabilities and awaiting budget approval.