India successfully test flies 'Lakshya'

Balasore (Odisha), Jan 31: Indigenously developed micro-light and pilot-less target aircraft ‘Lakshya-1’ was successfully test flown from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near here on Tuesday.

'Lakshya-1’, fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine was successfully test flown at about 11.40 AM to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement, defence sources said here. "It is a routine trial by the users," the sources said.

‘Lakshya’ is a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots. The flight duration of the micro light air-craft is usually 30-35 minutes.

The aircraft has been developed by India’s aeronautic development establishment (ADE), Bangalore to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition. ‘Lakshya’ has been inducted in to the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2000. The trial was significant as Lakshya-11 PTA was successfully flight tested from the same ground on January 25 and 27.

PTI