Controlled Aerial Delivery System (CADS) flight demonstration by DRDO

On Saturday (December 18, 2021), the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra completed a flying demonstration of the Controlled Aerial Delivery System of 500 kilogramme capacity (CADS-500), according to the Ministry of Defence.

According to the Ministry, ADRDE, Agra is a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) R&D laboratory, and the flight demonstration is part of a series of festivities honouring 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' which marks the 75th anniversary of the country's independence.

The CADS-500 is utilised for precision delivery of payloads up to 500 kg at a predefined point using the Ram Air Parachute's manoeuvrable capabilities (RAP). During its flight, it uses the Global Positioning System for coordinates, altitude, and heading sensors for heading information.

By operating controls, the CADS drives its flight course autonomously via waypoint navigation towards the target site, thanks to its onboard electronics unit.

From a height of 5000 metres, the system's performance was proven at Malpura's Drop Zone. The equipment was parachuted from an AN32 aircraft and then self-steered to a predetermined landing spot. Eleven Indian Army and Indian Air Force paratroopers pursued down the CADS-500 in the air and landed at the same time.