View source for TAPAS-BH-201

{{Short description|Indian unmanned aerial vehicle}}
{{Distinguish|DRDO Rustom}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = DRDO TAPAS BH-201
| image = File:Rustom flight 2 (cropped).jpg
| caption = TAPAS-BH-201 in flight
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| type = [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]
| national origin = [[India]]
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Electronics]] <br/>[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
| designer = [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]]
| first flight = {{dts|format=dmy|2016-11-15}}
| introduction = 
| retired = 
| status = User trials
| primary user = [[Indian Armed Forces]]
| produced = 
| number built = 4 (Prototypes) <ref>{{Cite web|title=TAPAS UAV all set for user trials: Know how this will boost India's defence capabilities |date=10 August 2023 |url=https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/tapas-uav-all-set-for-user-trials-know-how-this-will-boost-indias-defence-capabilities-2244528/}}</ref>
| program cost = 
| unit cost = 
| developed from = [[DRDO Rustom|DRDO Rustom-H]]
| variants with their own articles = 
}}
|}

The '''Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance Beyond Horizon-201'''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://euro-sd.com/2023/02/news/29631/aero-india-2023-tapas-bh-makes-history-with-debut | title=Aero India 2023: TAPAS BH Makes History with Debut | date=14 February 2023 }}</ref> or '''TAPAS BH-201'''([[Sanskrit|Sanskrit:]] ''तपस्; [[Literal translation|lit.]]'' Heat) (formerly referred to as '''[[DRDO Rustom|Rustom]]-II''' until 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/582217/tapas8200only-surveillance-may-morphed-combat.html|title=TAPAS only for surveillance, may be morphed for combat duty: DRDO chief|website=Deccan Herald|date=21 November 2016 |access-date=2016-11-21}}</ref>) is a [[Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle|medium-altitude long-endurance]] (MALE)<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAPAS-BH {{!}} Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/tapas-bh |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=www.drdo.gov.in}}</ref> [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV) being developed in India by [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) on the lines of [[General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]].<ref name="ETrustom">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-22/news/31086842_1_ade-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicles-drones|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210131630/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-22/news/31086842_1_ade-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicles-drones|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 December 2013|title=First flight of UAV Rustom-2 scheduled in Feb, 2014|date=22 Feb 2012|newspaper=The Economic Times|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="spsau10">{{cite web|url=http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=164&h=Unmanned:-The-Future-of-Air-Wars|title=Unmanned: The Future of Air Wars|publisher=SP's Aviation|accessdate=10 February 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605165251/http://www.spsaviation.net/exclusive/?id=164&h=Unmanned%3A-The-Future-of-Air-Wars|archivedate=5 June 2013}}</ref><ref name="RN20111115">{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-india-to-soon-have-its-won-predator-drones/20111115.htm|title=India may soon have its own 'Predator drones'|date=15 November 2011|newspaper=Rediff News|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref>

The UAV is a further development of twin-engine Rustom-H, which was a part of Rustom technology demonstrator programme of [[DRDO]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Breaking: BEL to manufacture 20 Archer UAV |url=https://bel-india.in/news-bel/breaking-bel-to-manufacture-20-archer-uav/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=BEL |language=en-US}}</ref>

The first flight of the UAV took place in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms|title=DRDO's combat drone Rustom-2 flies for the first time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-11-18}}</ref> On 14 January 2024, a government source disclosed that TAPAS-BH-201 had been officially closed as a mission mode project due to its inability to achieve the Joint Services Qualitative Requirements (JSQRs) for altitude and endurance.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 January 2024 |title=DRDO to continue with Tapas drone project, to expand its capabilities to operate above 30,000 ft |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/drdo-to-continue-with-tapas-drone-project-to-expand-its-capabilities-to-operate-above-30000-ft20240115215258/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |work=ANI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=2024-01-15 |title=India shelves biggest project to develop advanced UAV |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tapas-failed-to-meet-altitude-requirements/articleshow/106844470.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> ADE will keep developing the UAV, enhancing its designs and boosting its power to better meet the demands of the armed forces, especially on endurance and altitude.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Negi |first=Manjeet |date=16 January 2024 |title=India to continue developing capabilities of indigenous Tapas drones |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-indigenous-tapas-drones-capabilities-development-trials-navy-arabian-sea-karnataka-2489122-2024-01-16 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

==Design==
In October 2010, a senior DRDO official had stated that the [[General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]] is an obvious template for the [[DRDO Rustom|Rustom program]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Raaj |date=30 November 202 |title=Eye in the sky for Indian Navy-Sea Guardians |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/eye-in-the-sky-for-indian-navy-sea-guardians/2139908/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> DRDO had then built a credible unmanned flying platform. According to various statements, "The way the Americans converted a robust surveillance drone into a combat drone is something we are confident we can replicate for the Rustom-H. It will have a great deal of mission flexibility".

In February 2012, ADE Director P S Krishnan stated that designing of ''Rustom-II'' has been completed, purchase orders have been placed and we are on schedule to fly for the first time in February 2014.<ref name=DN549>{{cite news|title=ADE Finalizes Rustom-2 UAV Flight, Reveals Future Drone Projects for Defence|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html|accessdate=9 March 2012|newspaper=Defence Now|date=February 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620184142/http://www.defencenow.com/news/549/ade-finalizes-rustom-2-uav-flight-reveals-future-drone-projects-for-defence.html|archivedate=20 June 2012}}</ref> In contrast to Rustom-I, the next generation version is equipped with enhanced aerodynamic configuration, [[Aircraft flight control system#Fly-by-wire control systems|digital flight control]], [[navigation system]], [[communication intelligence]], medium and long-range [[Electro-optics|electro-optic]] payloads and [[synthetic aperture radar]] that will enable it to see through the clouds. Rustom-2 is capable of carrying different combinations of payloads depending on the mission objectives including [[Electronic intelligence|electronic intelligence systems]] and situational awareness systems. It has a satellite communication link to relay situation in the battle theatre on real time basis.

The project started at the cost of {{INRConvert|1540.74|c|lk=on|year=2011}} but later revised to {{INRConvert|1786|c|lk=on|year=2022}} as of 2022.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Sagar |first=Pradip R |date=24 April 2022 |title=India will soon get a combat drone |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2022/04/22/india-will-soon-get-a-combat-drone.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Despite MQ9B purchase, the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy revive TAPAS |url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/despite-mq9b-purchase-the-indian-air-force-and-indian-navy-revive-tapas |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=orfonline.org |language=en}}</ref>

==Development==
In September 2013, the Rustom-II began full power taxi trials at the [[Kolar, Karnataka|Kolar]] airfield near [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]]. It would carry out [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) roles for the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. Once inducted, this indigenous [[Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV|medium altitude long endurance]] (MALE) multirole drone is likely to be an asset for Indian armed forces for its surveillance capability as well as for its use as an [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 July 2016 |title=India's Rustom MALE UAS Lifts Off This Month - Livefist |url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/indias-rustom-male-uas-lifts-off-this-month/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Livefist Defence |language=en-US}}</ref>

TAPAS-BH-201 had a successful maiden flight on 16 November 2016 at [[Challakere]], 200&nbsp;km away from Bengaluru in the district of [[Chitradurga district|Chitradurga]] in south Indian state of [[Karnataka]]. It was tested for take off, landing and other parameters. Ten pilotless UAV's would be produced per year. Nine prototypes more advanced than the initial one would follow for testing prior to the beginning of certification process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-combat-drone-Rustom-2-flies-for-the-first-time/articleshow/55450539.cms|title=DRDO's combat drone Rustom-2 flies for the first time - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2016-11-16}}</ref> Initially DRDO Chief [[S. Christopher]] denied arming Rustom-II.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vasuki |first=Kestur |date=21 November 2016 |title=Tapas has no combat capabilities: DRDO |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/india/tapas-has-no-combat-capabilities-drdo.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Pioneer |language=en}}</ref> There was news of Rustom-II using power plant of [[Austro Engine]] but no confirmation from DRDO side considering a Chinese company [[Wanfeng Auto Holding Group]] acquired it through [[Diamond Aircraft Industries]] in 2016.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Rob |date=2016-12-20 |title=Chinese Company Buys Majority Stake of Diamond Aircraft Canada |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/chinese-company-buys-majority-stake-diamond-aircraft-canada/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=FLYING Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

Although it was reported that from prototype AF-5, ADE replaced 125&nbsp;hp [[Rotax 914]] with 180&nbsp;hp engine from Austro. ADE was also planning to use 200&nbsp;hp power plant from [[Lycoming Engines]] to improve [[power-to-weight ratio]]. In the meantime, [[Vehicle Research and Development Establishment]] (VRDE) and [[Tech Mahindra]] started working on an Indian engine for Rustom-II.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Saurav |date=2014-02-10 |title=Desi UAV efforts taking flight for India |url=https://www.news18.com/blogs/india/saurav-jha/desi-uav-efforts-taking-flight-for-india-10879-748301.html |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=News18}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Anantha |first=Krishnan M |date=8 February 2020 |title=Rustom-II UAV, loaded with new features, set to fly soon |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2020/02/08/rustom-ii-uav-loaded-with-new-features-set-to-fly-soon.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=OnManorama}}</ref>

During the test phase, five additional prototypes were manufactured close to production variant powered by twin [[NPO Saturn|NPO-Saturn]] 36MT turboprop engines rated 74.57&nbsp;kW (100&nbsp;hp). ADE is also trying to decrease weight of Rustom-II by 260&nbsp;kg. The platform is now being developed as a long endurance surveillance platform capable of deploying precision weapons. With an overall length of 9.5 m and a wingspan of more than 20.6 m, the UCAV needs a runway to takeoff and land unlike traditional UAVs. Initially 1,800&nbsp;kg was planned but the prototypes are weighing 2,200&nbsp;kg.<ref name=":4" /> Rustom-II has a cruising speed of 135 kn carrying 350&nbsp;kg of payload.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Kadidal |first1=Akhil |last2=Majumdar |first2=Oishee |date=25 March 2022 |title=DRDO seeks greater endurance for Rustom II |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-28000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-18-hours |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref>

The drone can loiter autonomously at high altitudes performing real-time, high-resolution [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) with its [[Synthetic aperture radar|SAR]] and [[Electro-optical sensor|EO]] sensors. When a target is identified, it will either illuminate the target with a [[laser designator]] for other [[Attack aircraft|strike aircraft]], or descend to lower altitude and attack the target with its own [[Air-to-surface missile|air-to-surface missiles.]]<ref name=":0" />

[[Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment]] (CVRDE) successfully conducted low speed and high speed taxi trial of Tricycle Nose Wheel Type Retractable Landing Gear System for Rustom-2 at Chitradurga on 2 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=V. |first=Ayyappan |date=2 August 2018 |title=CVRDE holds speed taxi trial of indigenously developed landing gear for Rustom 2 UAV |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cvrde-holds-speed-taxi-trial-of-indigenously-developed-landing-gear-for-rustom-2-uav/articleshow/65248304.cms |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Rustom-2 prototype AF-6 crashed on 17 September 2019 due to link loss with the ground station that activated 'return home mode' but rough turbulence beyond the capacity of control law made the platform unstable.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2019 |title=DRDO's Rustom-II UAV crash-lands near Challakere |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2019/sep/18/drdos-rustom-ii-uav-crash-lands-near-challakere-2035337.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> This problem was later rectified in prototype AF-6A with upgraded features like a solid state relay-based low weight power distribution unit, an Indian inertial navigation system and lithium-ion batteries with satellite communication (SATCOM) link.<ref name=":3" />

DRDO flight tested the Rustom-2 and achieved eight hours of flying at an altitude of 16,000&nbsp;ft at Chitradurga, Karnataka in October 2020. The prototype expected to achieve an altitude of 26,000&nbsp;ft and endurance of 18 hours by the end of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shishir |date=2020-10-10 |title=DRDO's Rustom-2 drone takes-off, India goes for armed Heron |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-s-rustom-2-drone-flight-tested-india-goes-for-armed-heron-uavs/story-CZ5jd9tRo6Ph2jcq2HOpmM.html |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Till now Rustom-2 completed 77 developmental test flights.<ref name=":3" />

On 13 November 2021, Rustom-2 demonstrated autonomous take-off and landing capability using [[GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation]] (GAGAN). It has T-shaped tail assembly and shoulder-mounted wings to improve perceptibility of payloads.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahmat |first=Ridzwan |date=15 November 2021 |title=India demonstrates autonomous take-off, landing capabilities of Rustom II UAV |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/india-demonstrates-autonomous-take-off-landing-capabilities-of-rustom-ii-uav |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref> The platform uses Tricycle Nose Wheel Type Retractable Landing Gear System which is designed for high touchdown speeds and sink velocity during landing.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Aksheev |date=2022-07-27 |title=Bengaluru: HAL to start making airframes for TAPAS combat drones |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-hal-to-start-making-airframes-for-tapas-combat-drones-8053297/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On 16 December 2021, TAPAS-BH-201 successfully crossed 25,000&nbsp;ft and 10 hours endurance milestone. In March 2022, TAPAS-BH-201 successfully demonstrated 28,000&nbsp;ft and 18 hours of endurance. The Indian Armed Forces are impressed by the advance ground control and image exploitation system of Rustom-2.<ref name=":2" />

In May 2022, TAPAS-BH-201 system was expected  to be handed over to [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) and [[Bharat Electronics Limited]] (BEL) for limited production.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2021-12-15|title=Rustom-2 indigenous UAV crosses a milestone|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rustom-2-indigenous-uav-crosses-a-milestone/article37963891.ece|access-date=2021-12-16|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Manish Kumar |title=DRDO's Rustom II UAV Has Reached The Target Altitude Of 28,000 ft; No Need to Import ISR Drones: G Satheesh Reddy |url=http://businessworld.inhttps//www.businessworld.in/article/DRDO-s-Rustom-II-UAV-Has-Reached-The-Target-Altitude-Of-28-000-ft-No-Need-to-Import-ISR-Drones-G-Satheesh-Reddy/13-03-2022-422723 |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=BW Businessworld |language=en}}</ref>

The drone was tested at Aero India 2023 during public demonstrations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/02/16/indian-drone-public-flight/ | title=Indian Indigenous Drone Makes Maiden Public Flight | date=16 February 2023 }}</ref>

On 16 June 2023, DRDO and [[Indian Navy]] team successfully demonstrated transferring of [[Command and control|command & control]] capabilities of TAPAS UAV from a distant ground station to onboard [[INS Subhadra (P51)|INS Subhadra]], 148&nbsp;km from [[INS Kadamba|Karwar naval base]]. The UAV was flying around an altitude of 20,000&nbsp;ft. One Ground Control station and two Ship Data Terminal were installed in INS Subhadra for controlling the UAV.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-18 |title=TAPAS UAV achieves major milestone off Karwar |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tapas-uav-achieves-major-milestone-off-karwar-coast/article66982588.ece |access-date=2023-07-02 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

On 27 June 2023, DRDO demonstrated 200th flight of Tapas to the tri-services team for the first time at ATR Chitradurga. Tapas was now ready for user evaluation trials.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-29 |title=Tapas UAV ready for user evaluation trials: DRDO |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/tapas-uav-ready-for-user-evaluation-trials-drdo/articleshow/101353104.cms |access-date=2023-07-02 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

=== Manufacturing ===
As per chairman and managing director of HAL, R Madhavan, six air-frames will be made in 2022 for user evaluation trials in which platform must reach 30,000&nbsp;ft with an endurance greater than 16 hours. By 2023, DRDO would complete all development work related to Rustom-2 and HAL would start mass production after the completion of user trials. ADE will train HAL technicians for the integration of first two units and later monitor the production process for quality control.

The final product will have combat range of 250&nbsp;km. A total of 76 TAPAS drones was expected  to be inducted initially into the armed forces in which 60 is for Army, 12 for Air Force and 4 for Navy.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />

==Mission Mode Project status==
The Tapas project by DRDO had an August 2016 target, however due to a number of concerns, including the UAV's increased "all-up weight" of 2,850&nbsp;kg, an imported engine, and payload problems, the original date was missed and the project's final cost was revised to [[₹]]1,786 [[crore]]. Additionally, Tapas did not meet the Joint Services Qualitative Requirements (JSQRs) of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] regarding its operational endurance and the height at which it should operate. While DRDO was able to accomplish flying endurance at 28,000 feet for almost 18 hours, their goal was to reach a flight height of up to 30,000 feet and sustain it for at least 24 hours.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2024-01-15 |title=India shelves biggest project to develop advanced UAV |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tapas-failed-to-meet-altitude-requirements/articleshow/106844470.cms |access-date=2024-01-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Vijainder K. |date=2024-01-11 |title=India's UAV Dream Shattered! DRDO's 'Indigenous' TAPAS Drone Plagued By Poor Design & Bad Decisions - OPED |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/thankfully-it-has-gone-the-mission/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=The EurAsian Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Tapas programme was demoted from '''Mission Mode Project status''', a move that sparked controversy. Some claimed that the move was made to undermine the indigenous effort, driven by special interests, following the delivery of the [[Drishti-10|Drishti-10 Starliner]], which was made by local commercial vendor [[Adani Enterprises#Adani Defence & Aerospace|Adani Defence and Aerospace]] in partnership with [[Elbit Systems]].<ref name=":5" />

ADE will continue to develop the UAV after its removal from mission mode project status. It received a boost when the [[Indian Navy]]  expressed its interest in using TAPAS-BH-201 from the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] for observation and [[aerial reconnaissance]] missions.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Kamal |date=2024-01-15 |title=DRDO To Extend Tapas Drone Project, Enhancing Operational Capabilities Beyond 30,000 Ft |url=https://english.jagran.com/india/drdo-to-extend-tapas-drone-project-enhancing-operational-capabilities-beyond-30000-ft-10127398 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref> In one of the trials, Indian Navy operated the drone over [[Arabian Sea]] after taking flight from [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]] (CATR). Due to the requirement of shorter runway, small airfields in the island territories can be used to station TAPAS-BH-201.<ref name=":6" />

Now that the platform needs to be certified in order to be used, DRDO has been ordered to "freeze the configuration" because it is believed that work on a platform cannot go on forever without a deadline. The developers have contacted the [[Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification]] (CEMILAC). For certification, four fundamental parameters—aerodynamics, controllers, propulsion, and structural—will be put to the test. TAPAS-BH-201 will only be accepted by the Indian Navy once the drone has been certified as airworthy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sagar |first=Pradip R. |date=10 February 2024 |title=How India is trying to revive its nosediving ambitious military drone project |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/how-india-is-trying-to-revive-its-nosediving-ambitious-military-drone-project-2500163-2024-02-10 |access-date=2024-02-11 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Two Tapas drones from the DRDO inventory will probably be sent to the Indian Navy for testing and performance evaluation.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Negi |first=Manjeet |date=14 February 2023 |title=Indian Navy, Air Force show interest in 'Made in India' Tapas drones: Officials |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tapas-drone-indian-navy-air-forces-made-in-india-drone-system-drdo-2502282-2024-02-14 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

[[India Today]] stated on 14 February 2023, that the Indian Air Force has formally shown interest in exploring the capabilities of TAPAS-BH-201 to the DRDO.<ref name=":9" />

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

=== Planned Operators ===
* {{flag|India}}: Indian Air Force (6 units), Indian Navy (4 units)<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=23 June 2024 |title=Indian Navy to order 4 made-in-India Tapas surveillance drones from DRDO |url=https://www.business-standard.com/amp/external-affairs-defence-security/news/indian-navy-to-order-4-made-in-india-tapas-surveillance-drones-from-drdo-124062200619_1.html |access-date=23 June 2024 |website=Business Standard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-23 |title=IAF to acquire 6 Tapas drones, lead military acquisition for Made-in-India UAVs |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/iaf-to-acquire-6-tapas-drones-lead-military-acquisition-for-made-in-india-uavs20240623180601/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=[[Asian News International|ANI News]]}}</ref>

=== Potential Operators ===
* {{flag|Armenia}}: In July 2022, Armenia had expressed interest to acquire the TAPAS-BH-201.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.turdef.com/Article/armenia-to-buy-armed-uav-from-india/1907 | title=Armenia to buy armed UAV from India }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://fip.am/en/22072 | title=Armenian orders for Indian weapons: Brief overview | date=13 March 2023 }}</ref>

=== Formerly Planned Operators ===
* {{flag|India}}: Indian Army had plans to purchase 60 drones.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |date=26 July 2022 |title=Bengaluru: HAL to start making airframes for TAPAS combat drones |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/bengaluru-hal-to-start-making-airframes-for-tapas-combat-drones-8053297/}}</ref>

==Specifications==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Defstrat.com'',<ref name=DEFSTRAT/> ''stargazer2006.online.fr''<ref name=Stargazer>{{cite news|title=DRDO-ADE 'Rustom-I' and 'Rustom-H'|url=http://stargazer2006.online.fr/derivatives/rustom.htm|access-date=9 March 2012|newspaper=Stargazer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730134046/http://stargazer2006.online.fr/derivatives/rustom.htm|archive-date=30 July 2012}}</ref> and ''Times of India.com''<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tapas-failed-to-meet-altitude-requirements/articleshow/106844470.cms?from=mdr |title=India shelves biggest project to develop advanced UAV |website=Times of India|date=15 January 2024 |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|capacity= {{cvt|350|kg|0}} payload
|length m=9.5<ref name=DEFSTRAT>{{cite news|title=Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Made in India |url=http://www.defstrat.com/exec/frmArticleDetails.aspx?DID=234 |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=South Asia Defence Strategic Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514023950/http://www.defstrat.com/exec/frmArticleDetails.aspx?DID=234 |archive-date=14 May 2012 }}</ref>
|length note=
|span m=20.6
|span note=
|height m=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=1800
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[NPO Saturn|NPO-Saturn]] 36T engines
|eng1 type=wing-mounted turboprop
|eng1 kw=74.57<ref name=Janes>{{Cite web |last1=Kadidal |first1=Akhil |last2=Majumdar |first2=Oishee |date=25 March 2022 |title=India's Rustom II UAV can reach 30,000 ft, plans to stay aloft for more than 24 hours |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-30000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-24-hours |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325223658/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/air-platforms/latest/indias-rustom-ii-uav-can-reach-30000-ft-plans-to-stay-aloft-for-more-than-24-hours |archive-date=25 March 2022 |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref>
|eng1 note= (Prototype)
|eng2 number=2
|eng2 name=[[VRDE]] indigenous
|eng2 type=
|eng2 hp=220
|eng2 note= (Production)
|eng2 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|prop blade number=3
|prop name=constant-speed propeller
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=224
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=1000
|ferry range note=
|endurance=18 hours<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/tapas-failed-to-meet-altitude-requirements/articleshow/106844470.cms?from=mdr |title=India shelves biggest project to develop advanced UAV |website=Times of India|date=15 January 2024 |access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref>
|ceiling m=
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
|avionics=

|ceiling ft=32000 <ref>{{cite web |url=https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1799336137594642769 |title=Tapas BH-201 Trials at ATR Chitradurga |website=X}}</ref>}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
* [[Unmanned Air Vehicle]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
* [[DRDO Rustom]]
* [[MQ-1 Predator]]
* [[IAI Heron]]
* [[Drishti-10]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of unmanned aerial vehicles]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->

}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:TAPAS}}
[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]]
[[Category:Proposed vehicles]]