DRDO Test Lakshya Drone

• The homegrown micro-light pilotless target aircraft 'Lakshya' has successfully been flight-tested this week from the test range at Balasaore in Orissa. 'Lakshya' has been developed by state-owned Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore.
• 'Lakshya' is primarily a sub-sonic and re-usable aerial target system remote controlled from the ground and designed to destroy air borne incoming enemy targets. It is also designed to train pilots and air defence personnel in engaging targets. 'Lakshya' will enable the Indian Armed Forces to conduct discreet aerial reconnaissance of battlefield and target acquisition. The current version of the drone is called Digital Lakshya.
• The pilotless drone 'Lakshya' is launched by a solid propellant rocket motor, and sustained by a turbojet engine in flight. It has a radar, IR and visual signature augmentation. Lakshya can be launched from land or ship and be recovered by a parachute system safely on land or sea. Lakshya's Ground control station and telemetry station allows pilotless control of aircraft and real time data acquisition.
• 'Lakshya' drone is already employed in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army and the Indian Navy to train land or ship-based gun and missile crews in weapons engagement. Till date, over 200 'Lakshya' launches have taken place. With rocket-assisted take-off, 'Lakshya' can reach altitudes of 100 kilometres. It can be recovered by parachute and can be reused for 15 missions. A hybrid autopilot provides pitch, roll and yaw control in flight.