ABHYAS

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Context

DRDO carries out successful flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target ‘ABHYAS’ from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

Details

ABHYAS

• Four flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) - ABHYAS were successfully carried out by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha during January 30 to February 02, 2024.
• 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 safe release of 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.

Significance

• Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), ABHYAS offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapon systems.
• It is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto pilot indigenously made by the ADE.
• It has Radar Cross Section, 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 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.