DRDO's Aerial Target 'ABHYAS' Cleared for Production

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on Monday that it has successfully conducted four flight trials of the High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT), known as 'ABHYAS.' manoeuvrability

The flights of ABHYAS, developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), were carried out at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, from January 30 to February 2, as officially stated. The HEAT serves as an airborne target for missiles and other payloads during trials and practice sessions.

DRDO detailed that the trials were conducted with four distinct mission objectives, featuring a revised robust configuration using a single booster designed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad to ensure reduced launch acceleration. The objectives, including the safe release of the booster, launcher clearance, and achieving the required end-of-launch velocity, were successfully met. The flight trials confirmed various parameters such as endurance, speed, maneuverability, altitude, and range.

Highlighting the cost-effectiveness and minimal logistics requirements of HEAT compared to imported equivalents, DRDO expressed that the recently tested systems were produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence. With identified production agencies, ABHYAS is now prepared for production and holds export potential for friendly countries, according to DRDO.