Lakshya test flight successful

Lakshya, the micro-light pilotless target aircraft (PTA), developed indigenously in India, was successfully test flown on Thursday to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement, defence sources said.

    
Fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine, Lakshya was test flown at about 1215 hrs from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Orissa.

    
Usually the flight duration of the six-foot microlight aircraft is 30-35 minutes.

Lakshya is a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system, which is remote controlled from the ground and is designed to train both airborne and air-defence pilots.

The PTA has been developed by India's Aeronautic Development Establishment, Bangalore for aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition.

    
Lakshya had been inducted in the Indian Air Force in 2000.