Lakshya successfully test-flown

The indigenously developed Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) -- Lakshya -- was on Sunday successfully test flown from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, about 14 km from Balasore in Orissa, according to defence sources.

Lakshya was flown at 1355 IST.

Already inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2000, Lakshya's latest trial was undertaken with an improved engine and other sub-systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Lakshya, a sub-sonic, reusable aerial target system, is remote-controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both airborne and air defence pilots for weapon engagements, the sources said.