India has successfully conducted a series of flight tests for the high-speed expendable aerial target Abhyas, a testament to the prowess of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This indigenous technology, a result of DRDO’s relentless efforts, was tested at the integrated test range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. Abhyas serves as a target for testing missile systems, a role it fulfills with precision and excellence.
The Defence Ministry said in its statement that the DRDO has completed six consecutive developmental trials of the High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘Abhyas’ with improved booster configuration from the integrated test range, Chandipur. The successful flight tests have paved the way for the production of the Abhyas systems. With this, it said Abhyas has completed ten developmental trials demonstrating the system’s reliability. The Ministry said the trials were conducted with “improved radar cross-section, visual and infrared augmentation systems.”
The Abhyas system offers a realistic threat scenario for missile testing. This indigenous system is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot, a laptop-based Ground Control System for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight. It also has a feature to record data during flight for post-flight analysis.
“During the trials, various mission objectives covering the safe release of the booster, launcher clearance, and endurance performance were successfully validated,” the MoD said in a statement.
“Two launches were conducted back-to-back within a gap of 30 minutes, demonstrating the ease of operation with minimum logistics,” it added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO, the armed forces, and the industry on the developmental trials of Abhyas. The successful tests are noteworthy testimony of synergy between scientists and industry, he said. DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the successful flight trial and said the system is cost-effective and has huge export potential.
Team BharatShakti
