India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out a flight test of its domestically-developed “Abhyas” high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT).
Conducted at an integrated test range off the coast of Odisha, the unmanned aerial target achieved a high subsonic speed trajectory at a very low altitude in the trial.
Two boosters supplied initial acceleration, while a small turbojet engine integrated into the HEAT ensured high subsonic speed with long endurance.
The target’s data link was also tested throughout the flight.
According to a DRDO spokesperson, the performance of the Abhyas high-speed aerial target was monitored and validated through data collected by several devices positioned along the shore.
“Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh (India’s defense minister) said that the successful test is noteworthy testimony of synergy between scientists and industry,” the defense ministry said in a press release. “Secretary DD R&D & chairman DRDO complimented scientists of the laboratory, their team members and associated industry partners for the successful development efforts.”
About the ‘Abhyas’ Aerial Target
Developed for autonomous flight, the Abhyas aerial target is designed to provide a realistic danger environment for military weapon system training. It is equipped with visual and infrared augmentation systems to assist in ballistic weapons practice.
With the help of two 68-millimeter boosters and a tiny gas turbine, the aerial target can travel at Mach 0.5 and can reach an altitude of more than five kilometers (3.1 miles).
The Abhyas is also guided by a ground-based controller and an indigenous micro-electro-mechanical system, which allows it to follow a precise predetermined path autonomously.
In addition to the Abhyas, the DRDO has also completed tests of its “Pralay” surface-to-surface missile, “Agni Prime” ballistic missile, and vertical launch short-range surface-to-air missile.