Chandipur: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out four successful flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) – ‘ABHYAS’, from the Integrated Test Range here from January 30 to February 2, 2024, the Ministry of Defence stated here today.
The trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a revised robust configuration using a single booster designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad to provide reduced launch acceleration.
The objectives like a safe release of the booster, launcher clearance and attaining the required end of launch velocity were achieved. During the flight trials, various parameters like required endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude and range were successfully validated.
Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), ABHYAS offers a realistic threat scenario for the practice of 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 and a visual and Infrared augmentation system required for weapon practice. 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.
“ABHYAS requires minimum logistics and is cost-effective compared to imported equivalents,” the Ministry said.
The systems tested recently were realised through Production Agencies – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence. With identified production agencies, ABHYAS is ready for production. The system has export potential and can be offered to friendly countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Armed Forces and the Industry for the successful flight trial of ABHYAS. The development of this system will meet the requirements of aerial targets for the Armed Forces, he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts of the teams associated with the design, development and testing of the system.
– global bihari bureau
