Jerusalem: India and Israel have begun joint development of an unmanned helicopter capable of operating in severe weather conditions, local media has reported.

The chopper will have an automated takeoff and landing systems for use on unprepared fields on land and from aircraft carriers at sea.

Being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries unmanned air vehicle division, Malat, the helicopter will also have a dual automated sophisticated operating systems for enhanced safety, business daily Globes reported.

The helicopter was unveiled at an air show in India last month, it said.

The unmanned helicopter meant primarily for use by the navy will carry payloads such as day-and-night-imaging systems and various radar systems.

Its main advantage over unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) is its ability to takeoff from and land anywhere, including from ships, the report added.

Source : PTI