Bhubaneswar: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed six consecutive developmental trials of High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha’s Balasore district.
The Ministry of Defence, in a press release on Thursday, said the developmental trials of ABHYAS with improved booster configuration from the ITR were successful. With this, ABHYAS has completed 10 developmental trials demonstrating the reliability of the system.
The trials were carried out with improved radar cross section, visual and infrared augmentation systems. During the trials, various mission objectives covering safe release of booster, launcher clearance and endurance performance were successfully validated. Two launches were conducted back-to-back within a gap of 30 minutes, demonstrating the ease of operation with minimum logistics. Representatives from Defence Services witnessed the flight trials.
ABHYAS has been designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru, and developed through Production Agencies – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
It offers a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice. The indigenous system is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto pilot, 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. The booster has been designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory and the navigation system by Research Centre Imarat. With identified production agencies, ABHYAS is now ready for production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, Armed Forces and the industries for the developmental trials of ‘ABHYAS’. The successful tests are noteworthy testimony of synergy between scientists and industry, he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams associated with the successful flight trial.
