High-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) ABHYAS was successfully flight-tested from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday.
The performance of the aircraft at low altitude including sustained level and high manoeuvrability was demonstrated during the test flight. The target aircraft was flown from a ground-based controller in a pre-designated low altitude flight path, which was monitored by various tracking sensors deployed by the ITR, including radar and electro-optical targeting system.
ABHYAS is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The target aircraft is equipped with micro-electromechanical systems based Inertial Navigation System for navigation along with the Flight Control Computer for guidance and control along with Indigenous Radio Altimeter for very low altitude flight and Data Link for encrypted communication between the Ground Control Station and Target Aircraft. The vehicle is programmed for fully autonomous flight.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated all stakeholders for the successful flight trial of ABHYAS and said development of this system would meet the requirements of aerial targets for the Armed Forces.
