Lakshya test flown successfully at Chandipur

Chandipur (Orissa), Apr 30 : India's indigenously developed micro-light and pilotless target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya, was successfully test flown on Wednesday at Chandipur, about 15 km from Orissa from a defence base. "Lakshya fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine was test flown at about 12 noon successfully and it was carried out to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement," integrated test range (ITR) Director A. Checker said.

Usually, the flight duration of the six feet long micro light aircraft is 30 to 35 minutes.

Lakshya is designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots. It is a sub-sonic and re-usable aerial target system, which is remote controlled from the ground. The PTA has been developed by India's Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battlefield and target acquisition.

Lakshya was introduced in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2000.

ANI