Indian Navy’s MQ-9B Predator Drone Crashes Off Chennai Coast Due to Technical Failure
Last week, an MQ-9B Predator drone operated by the Indian Navy crashed into the sea off the coast of Chennai. The crash occurred due to the failure of power generators and batteries on board the drone.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, the drone faced technical issues during a routine surveillance mission. To prevent any damage on the ground, the drone was safely and deliberately ditched into the sea. The Indian Navy confirmed that the drone encountered a technical failure at around 1400 hrs while operating from INS Rajali, Arakonnam, near Chennai.
Actions Taken
The drone, a High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (HALE RPA), was leased from the American firm General Atomics. The Indian Navy has requested a detailed report from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to understand the cause of the failure. The drones are operated by pilots from the vendor side, and the Indian Navy pays only for the services provided.
Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the technical failure.
Doubts Revealed
MQ-9B Predator Drone -: The MQ-9B Predator Drone is a type of unmanned aircraft, which means it flies without a pilot inside. It is used by the military for surveillance and other missions.
Indian Navy -: The Indian Navy is the part of India’s military that operates in the sea. They protect the country’s waters and coastline.
Chennai coast -: The Chennai coast refers to the area along the sea near the city of Chennai, which is a big city in the southern part of India.
Technical Failure -: Technical failure means that something went wrong with the machine’s parts, like the power generator and battery, causing it to stop working properly.
General Atomics -: General Atomics is an American company that makes advanced technology, including drones like the MQ-9B Predator.
Surveillance mission -: A surveillance mission is when the drone is used to watch and gather information, usually to keep an eye on certain areas for safety and security.
Safely ditched -: Safely ditched means that the drone was intentionally landed in the sea to prevent it from crashing on land and causing damage or hurting people.
