India Successfully Tests ‘Abhyas’ High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed six consecutive development trials of High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ with improved booster configuration from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

What is ABHYAS?

Abhyas is a High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) being developed at ADE. It offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapon systems. Abhyas is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot, under development at ADE. Abhyas has RCS, Visual  and  IR  augmentation  systems  required  for weapon practice. Abhyas was successfully flight tested on 13 May 2019.

Successfully completed 10 development trials

ABHYAS has successfully completed 10 development trials demonstrating the reliability of the system, a statement added. 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, it said. Two launches were conducted back-to-back within a gap of 30 minutes, demonstrating the ease of operation with minimum logistics. Representatives from the Services witnessed the flight trials, the statement added.

Designed by DRDO

ABHYAS, designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro, offers a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice. This 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.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• DRDO was founded: 1958
• Headquarters of DRDO: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi, India
• DRDO’s Aircraft designed: DRDO Nishant, DRDO Lakshya, Avatar
• DRDO Agency executive: : Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO;
• Employees: 30,000 (5,000 scientists)