MSME Idea Hackathon 5.
0 –
2025
Stealth,Surveillance, and
Cyber Defence Technologies
Title of the Innovation:
SkyShadow: “Radar-Evasive
Autonomous Stealth UAV for Covert
Surveillance”
Contents
Description Page Number
Idea Statement 1
Introduction 2
Objective 3
Product Specifications 4
Expected Outcomes 8
Performance 10
Beneficial to Society 12
Newness/ Uniqueness of the innovation 13
Market opportunity 14
Market Plan 15
Estimated Budget 18
Idea Statement
SkyShadow is a stealth-based autonomous UAV designed to operate undetected
in radar-monitored or hostile environments. It combines radar-absorbent
materials, low-noise propulsion, thermal camouflage, and AI navigation to
support defense, disaster relief, and wildlife surveillance missions with
maximum secrecy and minimal risk.
Introduction
Conventional UAVs are vulnerable to radar and thermal detection, limiting their
use in covert surveillance. SkyShadow addresses this gap by integrating stealth
technologies with intelligent autonomy. This makes it ideal for sensitive
missions in border zones, conflict areas, and environments where traditional
drones fail due to visibility or interference. The solution is lightweight,
scalable, and manufactured at a low cost, making it suitable for both military
and civilian applications.
Objective
• Minimize UAV detectability via stealth design and materials
• Enable autonomous navigation in GPS-denied zones
• Ensure secure, encrypted data transmission during operations
• Create a cost-effective platform producible by MSMEs
Product Specifications
• Radar-Absorbent Material (RAM): Lightweight coating to absorb
radar waves
• Stealth Body Design: Geometrically shaped to deflect radar signals
• Thermal Camouflage: Coating to dissipate heat and reduce IR signature
• Low-Noise Propulsion: Silent brushless motors with noise-dampening
design
• AI-Based Navigation: Real-time obstacle avoidance, mission planning
without GPS
• Encrypted Communications: Military-grade secure data transfer
between drone and base
Expected Outcomes
• A functional stealth UAV prototype with low detectability
• Stable autonomous flight in challenging terrains and GPS-denied zones
• Secure surveillance feed and remote access
• Scalable drone model for both national security and civil aid missions •
Engagement of MSMEs in cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing
Performance
• Radar Cross Section (RCS) below 0.1 m²
• Thermal visibility reduced by 60–80% compared to conventional drones
• Noise output under 40 dB at 10m range
• AI navigation accuracy above 95% in obstacle-rich environments
• Encrypted data link with 256-bit AES security protocol
Beneficial to Society
SkyShadow serves both military and civilian sectors. In defense, it provides
covert surveillance for national security. For civil use, it aids in disaster
response, wildlife tracking, and infrastructure inspections—especially where
silence and stealth are crucial. It reduces human risk, enhances data reliability,
and supports efficient response efforts across sectors.
Newness / Uniqueness of the Innovation
• Integrates stealth and AI in a UAV form factor for the first time in low-
cost settings
• Operates autonomously in GPS and comms-denied environments
• Uses modular, RAM-coated parts built by local MSMEs
• Multi-domain applicability: defense, disaster, wildlife, infrastructure
• Dual stealth system: radar + thermal evasion
• Full-cycle local manufacturability
• Silent surveillance without alerting intruders or threats
• Self-adaptive mission planning using onboard AI
• Mobile control station with real-time visual + thermal feeds
• Plug-and-play AI module adaptable to any terrain or mission type
Market Opportunity
There is rising global demand for stealth drones in defense and homeland
security, especially for border surveillance and low-risk reconnaissance.
Simultaneously, civil sectors like disaster response, environmental
conservation, and smart infrastructure require silent, intelligent UAVs. With
increasing military budgets and smart city expansions, stealth UAVs represent a
new frontier. SkyShadow fills the niche for affordable, multi-purpose stealth
UAVs made in India and deployable worldwide.
Market Plan
1. Target Segments:
o Defense and border security forces o Disaster management
authorities (NDRF, NDMA) o Environmental agencies and
forest departments o Infrastructure companies (railways, oil,
electricity)
2. Pilot Program Rollout:
o Demonstrate to DRDO, Indian Army, and civil defense
bodies o Partner with State Disaster Management Authorities
(SDMAs)
3. Collaboration with MSMEs:
o Assign parts manufacturing to qualified vendors o Develop
plug-and-play stealth modules for wider adoption
4. Scaling Strategy:
o Government tenders via Make in India o Export
opportunities to friendly nations under defense cooperation o
Licensing for private drone manufacturers in civilian sectors
5. Branding and Certification:
o Get certification from DGCA & defense compliance o Build
brand trust with demo missions and user training programs
6. Revenue Model:
o Government procurement contracts o Subscription-based
support for civilian UAV operations o Maintenance, AI
upgrades, and analytics-based add-ons
Estimated Budget
Item Estimated Cost (INR)
Stealth Material R&D + Procurement ₹2,00,000
UAV Frame and Components ₹1,50,000
Propulsion and Battery System ₹1,20,000
AI Chipset + Navigation Sensors ₹1,80,000
Thermal Camouflage & Coating ₹1,00,000
Communication & Encryption Module ₹1,00,000
Software Development & Simulation ₹80,000
Testing and Refinement ₹70,000
Documentation, Demo Setup, Misc. ₹50,000
Total Estimated Budget ₹10,50,000
