ABHYAS-High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)

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ABHYAS- Relevance for UPSC Exam

ABHYAS: ABHYAS-High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) is important for the Armed forces in India for protecting the nation from outside threats and maintaining peace and stability in the country. ABHYAS-High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) will come under UPSC Main GS Paper 3 (Security- Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism).

ABHYAS in News

Recently, ABHYAS – High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) was successfully flight-tested from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on June 29, 2022.
The performance of the aircraft at low altitude including sustained level and high manoeuvrability was demonstrated during the ABHYAS test flight.

Key Facts about ABHYAS

About: ABHYAS is designed & developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
ABHYAS Launch Vehicle: The ABHYAS air vehicle was launched using twin under-slung boosters which provide the initial acceleration to the vehicle.
- It is powered by a small gas turbine engine to sustain a long endurance flight at high subsonic speed.
- The ABHYAS vehicle is programmed for fully autonomous flight.
Features: The target aircraft is equipped with-
- Micro-Electromechanical Systems-based Inertial Navigation System for navigation along with the Flight Control Computer for guidance and control;
- Indigenous Radio Altimeter for very low altitude flight and
- Data Link for encrypted communication between the Ground Control Station and Target Aircraft.
Significance: Development of ABHYAS – High speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) will meet the requirements of aerial targets for the Armed Forces.

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About DRDO

Background: DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
Parent Ministry: DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.
Vision and Mission:
- DRDO’s vision is to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies.
- DRDO’s mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services.
Key Achievements: DRDO’s pursuit of self-reliance and successful indigenous development and production of strategic systems and platforms such as –
- Agni and Prithvi series of missiles;
- Light combat aircraft, Tejas;
- Multi-barrel rocket launcher, Pinaka;
- Air defence system, Akash;
- A wide range of radars and electronic warfare systems; etc.