The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, has successfully completed the ground integration trial of its Universal Flight-In-Air Material (UFIAM) system, marking a significant step towards the induction of a common air-launch solution for lightweight torpedoes operated by the Indian Navy.

UFIAM is being developed to accurately and safely control the trajectory and altitude of lightweight torpedoes following release from an aircraft. The system is also designed to decelerate the torpedo to the required velocity before splashdown, ensuring smooth water entry and reliable parachute separation.

The project seeks to deliver a technologically advanced single UFIAM configuration capable of replacing all existing Flight-in-Air Material systems used with lightweight torpedoes launched from rotary-wing aircraft, including the Sea King 42B and Ka-28 helicopters. The development is intended to fulfil the operational requirements laid down in the Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR).

All major UFIAM subsystems have already been successfully developed and qualified, enabling progression to full integration activities.

The ground integration trial was conducted at the Naval Flight Test Squadron (NFTS), INS Hansa, Goa, from 20 to 24 July 2026. During the trial, the UFIAM system was integrated with D&P variants of the Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT), as well as the A224S Mod 0 and A224S Mod 3 torpedoes.

Integration activities included the installation and verification of release wires and arming wires using simulated interface locations. The trial also validated the suspension band assembly, demonstrating secure torpedo retention with the Electro-Mechanical Release Unit (EMRU) and the safe release and fly-off of the suspension band assembly through pit-drop testing.

High-speed video recording was carried out by DRDL, Hyderabad, to evaluate the suspension band assembly's fly-off velocity vector and angular pitch rate, providing valuable data for further system refinement and flight qualification.

The successful completion of the trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the integrated subsystems to user representatives and cleared the path for subsequent user trials.

Once fully validated, the UFIAM system is expected to simplify airborne torpedo operations by standardising launch equipment across multiple torpedo types and helicopter platforms, while enhancing operational flexibility and logistical efficiency.

Agencies