Pilotless aircraft Lakshya flight-tested

New Delhi: Laskshya, the pilotless target aircraft (PTA), was flight tested from the Interim Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Orissa.

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, the PTA 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, PTI quoted sources as saying.

Usually the flight duration of the six-feet long micro-light 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 today's flight was carried out to check the viability of the engine and duration enhancement.