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.
List of Technologies developed by DRDO