Article Posted on : - Feb 08, 2012

A file photo.

BALASORE, ODISHA (PTI): India's indigenously developed micro-light pilot-less target aircraft 'Lakshya-I' was successfully test flown from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near here Wednesday as part of a routine trial.

'Lakshya-I', fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine was once again test flown at about 1.10 pm IST successfully. It was flight tested from a mobile launcher from launch pad-II of ITR, defence sources said.

"The flight test was a routine trial by the users," they said.

Usually, the flight duration of the micro light aircraft is 30 to 35 minutes. But test is conducted for enhancement of the flight duration and to check other parameters, the sources said.

'Lakshya', a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system is remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots.

The PTA 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 into the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2000.

While a successful trial of Lakshya was conducted on January 30, Lakshya-II had been test flown on January 25 and 27 successfully from the same ground.