- Introduces Portable Helicopter Drones for Himalayan Operations at HIMTECH
By Sangeeta Saxena
Leh/New Delhi. 29 September 2024. At HIMTECH, Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) met Mohamed Rafeek, CEO and Founder of RFly Innovations, to discuss his company’s groundbreaking work in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With drones becoming a critical asset in defence, surveillance, and industrial applications, RFly is emerging as a leader in designing innovative, high-altitude, and AI-integrated platforms. In this interview, Rafeek shares insights into RFly’s advanced drone technology, market strategy, and the future of UAVs in modern warfare and other sectors. But the surprise package of the interview was trying to speak with the shy younger brother and CTO Dr. Mohamed Rasheed, the young PhD from MIT and the brain behind the technology which is RFly Innovations. All the drones showcased at HIMTECH 204 by them were made by Rasheed.
ADU. What are you showcasing here at HIMTECH?
Md Rafeek. We specialize in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). RFly has a range of platforms, including multi-rotors, fixed-wing drones, and even unmanned helicopters. HIMTECH is a unique event due to the high-altitude conditions, so we’ve brought platforms specifically designed for such terrains. For example, our smallest multi-rotor, weighing around 2kg, can fly at an altitude of 5,000 meters. We design our own flight controllers, propulsion systems, and integrate them with specialized payloads for high-altitude operations.
ADU. Do you offer armed versions of these drones?
Md Rafeek. Yes, we do. However, most of the demand comes from the surveillance market. Our platforms are equipped with integrated software and hardware, ensuring they’re ready for high-altitude and complex missions. We’re also leveraging AI, which is critical in modern applications, from autonomous target detection to situational awareness.
ADU. You mentioned developing helicopter drones. Can you tell us more about that?
Md. Rafeek. Yes, we believe helicopters are essential for high-altitude missions, especially in regions like the Himalayas. We’ve designed a man-portable helicopter drone that can be easily dismantled into two parts, making it convenient for soldiers to carry and assemble. It’s tailored for rugged, high-altitude operations, and can withstand the dust and pressure of such environments. This drone is unconventional in its design, featuring a synchronous main hub and tail motor, adding to its reliability.
ADU. Can these drones operate in extreme temperatures, like -40°C?
Md. Rafeek. Absolutely. Our drones are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C. At high altitudes, the drones offer a minimum of 60 minutes of flight time, and at sea level, they can fly for up to two hours. We also have long-endurance platforms that can run on gasoline propulsion for six to eight hours, ensuring prolonged operations in extreme conditions.
ADU. How much of your product is “Make in India”?
Md. Rafeek. Around 80% of our drones are made in India. We manufacture most components in-house, from the flight controller to the power distribution systems, except for some critical parts like motors and propellers.
ADU. What are your sales plans and how do you plan to break into the defence market?
Md. Rafeek. As a start-up, we’ve focused heavily on getting our drones certified, which is a time-consuming process in India. The defence procurement process requires detailed qualifications, which takes time. However, we are market-ready, and once the government streamlines procurement by introducing more flexible QRs (Qualitative Requirements), we’ll be able to make significant sales. We’ve had interest from both defence and homeland security sectors.
ADU. Are you planning to tap into the international market?
Md. Rafeek. Yes, definitely. Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare, replacing human soldiers in many situations. We’re planning to showcase our products at international air shows, although our current focus remains on the Indian Ministry of Defence, Navy, and Air Force. Maritime applications are especially suitable for our platforms, so we’re positioning ourselves strategically.
ADU. How are your drones equipped for other industries?
Md. Rafeek. Our drones cater to a wide range of sectors. From precision agriculture and mining to oil and gas inspections, our UAVs provide advanced data collection and analysis. We also offer solutions for disaster management and industrial security. AI-driven technologies allow our drones to autonomously detect and respond to situations in real time, providing unmatched versatility.
And after this was the time for the younger brother who preferred to be under the shadows of the older one and after persuasion spoke about his babies, the drones he had created and were displayed at their stand in Leh. And what followed was a great conversation.
ADU. What inspired your journey into the drone industry?
Dr. Rasheed. I did my PhD at MIT, where I was part of the incubation cell. Afterward, I founded Daksha, which was created as part of a competition held by the Indian Air Force called Meher Baba. Eventually, I moved on from Dhaksha and started Rfly Innovations in 2017. It’s been an exciting journey, with our team bringing together a wealth of experience, including world record holders and competition winners in the drone space.
ADU. And how did this journey evolve?
Dr. Rasheed. I hold a world record for the longest drone endurance and am a DARPA challenge winner. I am also a runner-up in the Drone Olympics in Australia. I also own 100% of the IP for all of the designs you see in our products. Together, we follow the Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) approach, focusing not just on building drones but also developing subsystems and components in-house.
ADU. How are you incorporating AI into your systems?
Dr. Rasheed. Artificial Intelligence is a key market focus right now, and we’ve already made significant advancements in integrating AI into our systems. AI enhances the capabilities of our drones, making them more effective in gathering and analyzing data during surveillance missions.
ADU. What makes this helicopter UAV different from conventional designs?
Dr. Rasheed. Our design is unconventional. The main rotor hub and tail motor are not synchronous, which is a unique technology we’ve embedded. This allows for man-portability while maintaining performance at high pressure and altitude levels. The design also ensures that the helicopter is easy to mobilize, making it ideal for soldiers climbing to high altitudes.
ADU. What is the USP of RFly?
Dr. Rasheed. At RFLY, we pride ourselves on our unwavering dedication to quality and performance. Our team of skilled engineers and technicians harnesses the latest advancements in drone technology to create reliable, efficient, and high-performance UAVs. From precision agriculture and surveying to surveillance and search and rescue operations, our drones are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
ADU. What sets you apart in the over crowded space of drone manufacturers?
Dr. Rasheed. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of excellence in both hardware and software integration. Our UAVs are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, cameras, and communication systems, ensuring unparalleled data capture, transmission, and analysis capabilities. We understand the importance of versatility, and our customizable solutions cater to a wide range of industries, providing our clients with the tools they need to succeed in their endeavours. RFLY Innovations is not just a drone manufacturer; we are a partner in progress, committed to helping our clients elevate their capabilities through innovative aerial solutions. As we navigate the skies of tomorrow, our commitment to safety, reliability, and technological advancement remains steadfast, making us the trusted choice for businesses and organizations seeking the next level in UAV technology.
As a crucial component of the Centre for Aerospace Research (CASR) at Anna University-MIT, Dhaksha had its conceptual debut in 2001. Founded by the visionary former Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dhaksha continued to be a component of CASR till 2019, working on important government initiatives. Founded by this MIT alumni, Dhaksha formally became an independent private limited company in April 2019. Coromandel International Ltd., a member of the Murugappa Group, made history in July 2023 when it purchased a significant portion of Dhaksha. And then RFly Innovations was born. The expertise and experts remained the same and RFly started soaring in the sky full of drone manufacturers.
RFly Innovations is at the forefront of drone technology, combining advanced hardware and AI-driven software to meet the unique demands of defence, industrial, and commercial markets. With a focus on high-altitude, high-endurance platforms and a commitment to “Make in India,” RFly is poised to make significant contributions to modern warfare and civil applications. As drones become increasingly integral to operations across sectors, RFly’s innovation-driven approach is set to lead the way in both domestic and international markets.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
