Abhyas offers a realistic threat scenario for the practice as a target for the testing of missile weapon systems
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the successful flight testing of Abhyas, a high-speed expendable aerial target developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday. The tests took place at the integrated test range in Chandipur, located off the coast of Odisha.
“Four flight trials of the high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) Abhyas were successfully conducted between January 30 and February 2 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, located off the coast of Odisha, to achieve mission objectives,” the MoD said.
It said the trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a “revised robust configuration”. “The objectives like the safe release of the booster, launcher clearance, and attainment of the required end of launch velocity were achieved,” it said. “During the flight trials, various parameters like required endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude and range were successfully validated,” the ministry said in a statement.
Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Abhyas offers a realistic threat scenario for practice as a target for the testing of missile weapon systems.
“It is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot indigenously made by the ADE. It has a radar cross-section, visual and infrared augmentation system required for weapon practice,” the statement said.
“It has a laptop-based ground control system with which the aircraft can be integrated and pre-flight checks, data recording during the flight, replay after the flight and post-flight analysis can be carried out,” it said.
Abhyas requires minimal logistics requirements and cost-effectiveness when compared to imported counterparts. According to the Ministry, recently tested systems were realised through Production agencies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence. The Ministry stated, “ABHYAS is ready for production with identified production agencies. The system has export potential and can be offered to friendly countries.” The development of this system will meet the requirements of aerial targets for the armed forces, it added.
Ravi Shankar
