Micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on display in Agra

AGRA: Over half a dozen countries, including the US, are displaying their latest technology in Micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) at a show in Agra, said to be the first of its kind in India.

The First US-Asian Technology Demonstration is also being held during the six-day show at the Malpura Air Force dropping zone, which is about 25 kilometers from Agra.

MAVs are classified as the smallest class of UAVs with a wingspan of up to one feet and weighing not more than 300 grams, and costing about 500 dollars a piece.

The MAVs, which can be remotely operated over a kilometer radius for about half-an-hour, are useful in tackling hostage-taking and counter-terrorism strategies while minimizing human loss.

"All countries are very much worried about terrorism. Our plan is to have a micro air vehicle which is around 300 mm wings span which will go towards the hostage building, which will detect the mines and obstacles," said Balram Gupta, director of Agra-based Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).

Martin, a German participant, said: "We will have two aircrafts flying at the same time. They are made of carbon and glass fibre, so that's one of the achievement. We don't have rotor wing, we have fixed wings and we hope we can see obstacles and see mines. We have one aircraft facing forward to see hostages."

India has been scouting for UAVs worldwide.