New Delhi, June 28 (HS): High Speed Expandable Aerial Target (HEAT) 'Abhyas' has completed all six developmental tests. Now after this, 'Abhyas' is ready for production with identified agencies. Abhyas is a drone, which can be used as a target for evaluating various missile systems. The last two tests were conducted late on Thursday night, in which it was launched twice in an interval of 30 minutes with minimal logistics. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V. Kamat have congratulated the scientists for this achievement.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed all six developmental tests of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target-Abhyas with various mission objectives in a modified robust configuration using a single booster. Its first four flight tests were completed by February this year. All these tests were conducted at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The last two tests have also been conducted by DRDO with improved booster configuration. These tests were conducted with improved radar cross section, visual and infrared enhancement systems.
During the tests, various mission objectives covering safe release of booster, launcher clearance and endurance performance were successfully validated. Two launches were carried out in an interval of 30 minutes, demonstrating ease of operation with minimal logistics. On this occasion, representatives of the forces witnessed the flight tests. 'Abhyas' has been designed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru. It has been developed through production agencies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
This indigenous system is designed for autonomous flight with the help of an auto pilot, aircraft integration, pre-flight check and laptop-based ground control system for autonomous flight. It also has a facility to record data for analysis during flight. The booster has been designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory and Navigation Systems Research Center (Imarat). 'Abhyaas' demonstrated a high subsonic speed trajectory at very low altitude with high endurance during the flight test. The performance of the system during the entire flight period was confirmed by the data captured by various range of instruments.
Abhyaas is a drone, which can be used as a target for evaluation of various missile systems. It is the first indigenous system, which has an inner trial navigation system for navigation with a flight control computer for guidance and control. The air vehicle is checked using a laptop-based ground control station. DRDO said that a single booster and a small turbojet engine were used during the launch. It is used to maintain high subsonic speed for a long time.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has praised DRDO, armed forces and industry for the developmental tests of 'Abhyas'. He said that the successful tests are a remarkable proof of synergy between scientists and industry. Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman, DRDO, Dr. Sameer V. Kamat congratulated the teams involved in the successful flight test and said that this system is cost effective and has immense export potential.
