- The DRDO conducted a successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) drone, from Interim Test Range-ITR Chandipur in Odisha.
- “The flight test was tracked by various RADARS and Electro Optic Systems and proved its performance in fully autonomous waypoint navigation mode,”.
- ABHYAS is drone involving designed for an autonomous flight with the help of an autopilot. “The configuration of ABHYAS is designed on an in-line small gas turbine engine and uses indigenously developed MEMS-based navigation system for its navigation and guidance.
- The first experimental launch (minus the engine) was conducted in 2012. The project was sanctioned with initial funding of Rs 15 crore. The project picked up pace after three services floated a global tender for procurement of 225 HEAT drones.
- The design of the fuselage is based on Lakshya, a high-speed target drone system developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO.
Published On : 14 May 2019
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