ABHYAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed six consecutive developmental trials of High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ in Chandipur, Odisha.

ABHYAS

• About: It is designed to provide a realistic threat scenario for the practice of weapon systems, enhancing the effectiveness of training exercises. It is High-speed Expendable Aerial Target.
• Purpose: Designed for realistic threat scenario practice of weapon systems
• Development: Conceptualized and designed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)
• Trial location: At Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
• Mission Objectives: Achieved safe release of booster, launcher clearance, and required end-of-launch velocity.
• Features:

oConfiguration: Utilized a revised robust configuration with a single booster. 

oAutonomous Flying: Equipped with an indigenous autopilot system developed by ADE for autonomous flight.

oAugmentation Systems: Features Radar Cross Section, Visual, and Infrared augmentation systems necessary for weapon practice.

oGround Control System: Laptop-based system for integration, pre-flight checks, data recording, flight replay, and post-flight analysis.

• Production Agencies: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence.