'Lakshya' test flown successfully

'Lakshya', the micro-light pilotless target aircraft, developed indigenously in India, was successfully test flown to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement.

'Lakshya', the micro-light pilotless target aircraft (PTA), developed indigenously in India, was on Thursday successfully test flown to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement, defence sources said.

HT Image

Fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine, 'Lakshya' was test flown at about 12.15 pm from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, about 15 km from Balasore.

Usually the flight duration of the six feet microlight aircraft is 30-35 minutes.

'Lakshya', a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system, is remote controlled from the ground and designed to train both airborne and air defence pilots.

The PTA has been developed by India's Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore for aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition.

'Lakshya' has been inducted in the Indian Air Force in 2000.