Odisha: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully completed six consecutive developmental trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘Abhyas’ at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha. These trials featured an improved booster configuration, marking a significant milestone for the project.
“With this, Abhyas has successfully completed 10 developmental trials, demonstrating the reliability of the system,” the Indian government stated.
The recent trials included enhancements in Radar Cross Section, Visual, and Infrared augmentation systems. Key mission objectives, such as the safe release of the booster, launcher clearance, and endurance performance, were successfully validated. Notably, two launches were conducted back-to-back within a 30-minute interval, showcasing the system’s operational efficiency with minimal logistics. The flight trials were observed by representatives from the Services.
Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, Abhyas was developed with the collaboration of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
The system provides a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice and is designed for autonomous flight, featuring an auto-pilot system, a laptop-based Ground Control System for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight. Additionally, it includes a feature to record data during flight for post-flight analysis.
The booster was designed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory, and the navigation system was developed by the Research Centre Imarat. With identified production agencies, Abhyas is now ready for mass production.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industry for the successful developmental trials of ‘Abhyas’. He remarked, “The successful tests are a noteworthy testimony to the synergy between scientists and industry.”