India successfully test fires Lakshya-1

India on Wednesday successfully test flown indigenously developed micro-light pilot-less target aircraft 'Lakshya-1' from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore in Odisha, as part of a routine trial. Lakshya, a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system is remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots.
Lakshya-1, fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine, was once again test flown at about 1.10 pm from launch complex number 3 of ITR. The flight duration of the micro light aircraft was about 30 minutes and the test was conducted for enhancement of the flight duration and to check other parameters.
The Pilotless Target Aircraft has been developed by India's aeronautic development establishment (ADE), Bangalore to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition. Lakshya has been inducted into the Indian Air Force since 2000. A successful trial of Lakshya was conducted on January 30 last, Lakshya-2 had been test flown on January 25 and 27 last successfully from the same ground.