DRDO Developing Motorized Universal Weapon Loading Trolley for LCA Tejas Aircraft

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has been developing a Motorized Universal Weapon Loading Trolley (MUWLT) to support weapons loading and unloading for the LCA-Mk1 and the LCA-Mk1A. DRDO/ADA intend to hand the design to Indian private manufacturers so the trolley can be produced to the exact technical specifications supplied by the agency.

What the MUWLT is meant to do

A MUWLT is ground-support equipment designed to assemble, transport, precisely position and load various stores (bombs, missiles, external fuel tanks, pylons, etc.) onto aircraft weapon stations. The “motorized” and “universal” parts of the name indicate two linked goals:

1. Powered mobility and lifting to reduce manual handling and speed up sorties

2. Adaptability to different store types and station geometries so a single trolley can support multiple aircraft and multiple hardpoints. The ADA/DRDO effort frames the MUWLT for the LCA family but with an eye to reusability and standardization across ground fleets. 

Why India is developing MUWLT now

India is increasing deliveries of Tejas (LCA) variants and modernizing ground-support infrastructure. Having a locally designed MUWLT supports faster turnarounds, improves safety, and aligns with the “make in India” objective by moving from imported/third-party equipment toward indigenously produced GSE built to the airframe’s exact needs. DRDO’s plan to transfer the design to private manufacturers aims to create suppliers who can deliver MUWLTs exactly to ADA’s drawings and quality requirements. 

Main advantages of a motorized universal loader

1. Reduced manpower and time per sortie. A powered loader cuts the number of personnel and the time required to move, lift and align heavy stores compared with manually manoeuvred trolleys. This improves sortie generation and reduces personnel fatigue. 

2. Improved safety and repeatability. Motor drive, hydraulic or electric lifting and fine positional controls reduce the risk of accidental drops or misalignment during mating to aircraft suspension lugs and pylons. Built-in brakes, interlocks and ground-ing/earthing features further lower risk. 

3. Universal fit and quick reconfiguration. Adjustable saddles, modular adapters and height/tilt/rotation capability allow one MUWLT to handle multiple store types and aircraft stations, simplifying logistics and inventory. 

4. Human factors and ergonomics. Motorized steering, remote or joystick control and powered lift reduce operator strain and help in operations in extreme weather/airfield conditions. 

5. Compatibility with modern aircraft workflows. As aircraft integrate more advanced weapons and require faster turnaround, powered loaders that can precisely position heavy, awkward stores become operationally necessary. 

Problems with current (older/manual) weapon loading trolleys

• Manual handling and slow turnaround. Many legacy trolleys rely on manual pushing, scissor-lift hand pumps, or limited powered features; these are slower and require more crew. 

• Limited precision. Manual or basic hydraulic systems can lack the fine control needed for sensitive weapon-to-pylon mating, increasing the chance of damage to expensive stores or aircraft fittings.

• Poor universal adaptability. Older trolleys are often specific to a store type or aircraft family; multiple different trolleys are needed on a busy flight line, complicating logistics. 

• Safety and maintenance burden. Manual systems place more physical stress on crews and may lack modern safety interlocks, while aging mechanicals need increased maintenance and can be liability points. 

Do other countries use motorized weapon loading trolleys?

Yes. Ground-support equipment (GSE) manufacturers worldwide produce powered weapon loaders and automated loading systems used by air forces in the US, Europe, Turkey and elsewhere. Companies offer electrically-driven or hydraulic weapon loaders, linkless ammunition loaders, and automated handling systems tailored to aircraft like fighters and transport aircraft. The global suppliers and catalogues show that motorized/automated weapon loaders are an established class of GSE; ADA’s MUWLT represents an indigenous design targeted to LCA specifics and Indian production. 

Typical technical specifications 

The ADA/DRDO specification and related procurement SOWs set out technical and functional requirements for MUWLTs; while manufacturers will implement the detailed design, the key specification items listed or commonly required are: 

• Load capacity: sized to safely lift and position typical fighter stores — industry documents commonly specify capacities in the 500–1,000 kg class for single-store trolleys (exact capacity in the DRDO specification should be followed). 

• Lifting mechanism: hydraulic scissor or linear actuator with fine control and zero-drift holding; rated stroke to match aircraft hardpoint height with safety margins. 

• Mobility: battery-powered electric drive for airfield use, with manual tow option and parking brakes; suitable tyre/wheel assembly for apron surfaces. 

• Positioning: powered rotation, tilt and lateral adjustment; micrometer or encoder feedback for repeatable alignment. 

• Adapters: modular saddles, pylon adapters and soft supports to accept different store geometries (bombs, missiles, tanks, pylons). 

• Controls & safety: joystick/remote control, emergency stop, overload protection, interlocks, earthing/anti-static provision and clear operator interface. 

• Environmental & maintenance standards: corrosion protection, IP rating for electronics, simple maintenance access and spares support per the DRDO SOW. 

(Manufacturers contracted by DRDO/ADA must deliver MUWLT units exactly to the supplied design and tolerance levels; the procurement documentation spells out tests, trials and acceptance criteria.)

What to expect next

With the design transfer model, private Indian manufacturers will be expected to produce MUWLTs to DRDO/ADA drawings and pass acceptance trials. Adoption across squadrons will depend on production rate, training for GSE crews, and induction into maintenance cycles. If produced at scale, MUWLTs can standardize weapons-handling on Tejas squadrons and reduce reliance on imported or ad-hoc GSE.