© ADE
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation announced that it has conducted low-altitude trials (down to 82ft – 25m) with its Lakshya-2 unmanned aerial target.
On a test conducted on 20 December 2010, it flew 5.4nm (10km) at an altitude of 82ft, with an average altitude deviation of less than 3ft. On 23 December it flew for 10.8nm at an altitude of 490ft towing a target that was flown at a height of 164ft.
The tests had four objectives:
- To assess the Lakshya-2’s flight-control system and ability to use autonomous waypoint navigation with GPS updates.
- To asses its ability to fly programmed low-altitude flights in both clean and tow body configurations, and to perform high-g manoeuvres in both regimes.
- To asses the deployment of the Lakyshya-2 on its mobile launcher
- To asses new features in the ground control station.
The DRDO is in discussions with India’s armed forces for a limited series production order, and is also negotiating with potential industry partners about the programme.
Source: Flight Global