India successfully tests indigenous drone

BALASORE (Orissa): India on Thursday successfully tested an improved version of the indigenously developed pilotless target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya from a defence base in Orissa, an official said.

The six-foot long microlight aircraft was test flown from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore, 215 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar, around 12.15 p.m., the official said.
 
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2000, Lakshya is a sub-sonic, reusable aerial target system. It is remote-controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to pilots in engaging airborne targets.

Scientists from Bangalore's Aeronautical Development Establishment were present during the test.