For the second time, Defence authorities had successfully test fired the country’s indigenously developed micro-light pilot-less target aircraft Lakshya-1 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near Balasore coast in Odisha today.

Though it was a routine trial, the test gains significance as it was meant to enhance the flight duration and to check other parameters, according to Defence scientists. Earlier, it was test fired from a mobile launcher from launch pad-2 of the ITR. The original flight duration is 30 to 35 minutes and today’s trial was aimed at increasing it.

The machine, developed by the Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE), is a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system and operated through remote control systems on the ground. Air borne and air defense pilots are being trained on the machine.  (JUBS)