India tests pilot-less target aircraft

Laskshya, the pilot-less target aircraft, was flight tested from the Interim Test Range at Chandipur, about 15 km from Balasore on Monday, defence sources said.

The PTA, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bangalore, is designed to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battlefield and target acquisition.

The sub-sonic and re-usable aerial flight system was remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air-borne and air-defence

pilots, the sources said.

Usually the flight duration of the six-feet long microlight aircraft is 30 to 35 minutes and after making three to four laps in the sky it drops down to the ground with the help of a parachute, they said.

Fitted with advanced digitally controlled engine, PTA had been tested earlier and Monday's flight was carried out to check the viability of the engine and duration enhancement.