Balasore: Lakhsya tested for 3rd time from ITR

Balasore (Orissa), Dec 13: India successfully tested the advanced version of Lakhsya, the indigenously built Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Candipur-on-sea, about 15 km from here, for the third consecutive day today.

According to ITR sources, the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) was test flown from a launching complex inside the ITR at 1115 hours.

An Indian Air Force fighter successfully targetted a tow body suspended from the PTA over the Bay of Bengal.

Lakhsya was also earlier tested consecutively two days from the ITR on December 11 and December 12.

The Lakhsya aircraft has already been inducted into the defence force in 2000.

ITR sources said today's test was of a developed engine version which had been used as aerial reconnaissance of battle field, including the target acquisition.

The six-feet long micro light aircraft designed for practice of target hitting capabilities and locating enemy position was test flown to gauge the accuracy of the anti-aircraft missile.

UNI