ABHYAS: A Leap Forward in Aerial Target Technology by DRDO

Overview

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed six consecutive developmental trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target ABHYAS with an improved booster configuration. These trials were conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, marking a significant milestone as ABHYAS has now completed 10 developmental trials, demonstrating the system’s reliability.

Key Highlights

• Improved Features: The trials featured enhancements in Radar Cross Section, Visual, and Infrared augmentation systems. These improvements are critical for creating realistic threat scenarios for weapon systems practice.
• Mission Objectives: Various mission objectives including the safe release of the booster, launcher clearance, and endurance performance were successfully validated during the trials.
• Operational Efficiency: Two launches were conducted within a 30-minute gap, showcasing the system’s ease of operation with minimal logistics.

Design and Development

• DRDO’s Role: ABHYAS has been designed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO in Bengaluru and developed through production agencies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
• Autonomous Operation: The system is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an autopilot and a laptop-based Ground Control System. This setup facilitates aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight operations.
• Data Recording: ABHYAS features the capability to record data during flight, which is useful for post-flight analysis.

Technical Contributions

• Booster Design: The booster has been designed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory.
• Navigation System: The navigation system has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat.

Production Readiness

With the successful completion of these trials and the identification of production agencies, ABHYAS is now ready for production. This marks a significant step towards operational deployment and potential export opportunities.

Conclusion

The successful developmental trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target ABHYAS represent a significant achievement for DRDO and its associated partners. With its advanced features, ease of operation, and readiness for production, ABHYAS is poised to enhance India’s defense capabilities and offer substantial export opportunities.