ABHYAS: A High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully concluded six consecutive developmental trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) 'ABHYAS' in Chandipur, Odisha.

About ABHYAS:

1. ABHYAS is a HEAT designed and developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, in collaboration with production agencies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
2. Features:
   1. Offers a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice.
   2. Designed for autonomous flying with an autopilot and a laptop-based Ground Control System for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight.
   3. Records data during flight for post-flight analysis.
   4. Booster designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory and navigation system by Research Centre Imarat.

DRDO Key Facts:

1. Formed in 1958 through the amalgamation of Technical Development Establishments of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation.
2. R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, aiming to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.
3. Network of laboratories involved in developing defence technologies in various fields such as aeronautics, armaments, electronics, etc.
4. Headquarters: New Delhi.

Aeronautics:

Aeronautics is the scientific study of flight, including the design and construction of aircraft and other flying machines. Aeronautical engineers must have a comprehensive understanding of four key areas:

1. Aerodynamics: The study of the forces acting on an aircraft in motion.
2. Structures: The design and analysis of aircraft structures to ensure strength and safety.
3. Propulsion: The study of aircraft engines and their performance.
4. Flight Control: The design and analysis of aircraft control systems.

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