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HAL HPT-32 Deepak

2022-10-20T20:57:55Z

2405:201:E021:4981:99C7:AEC9:F159:C12C: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = HPT-32
|image = File:HAL Deepak.jpg
|caption =
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = [[Primary trainer]]
|manufacturer = [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
|designer =
|first flight =6 January 1977<ref name="Taylor96" />
|introduced =
|retired =
|produced =
|number built =
|status =
|primary user = [[Indian Air Force]]
|more users =
|developed from =
|variants with their own articles =
}}
|}

The '''HAL HPT-32 Deepak''' ("lamp" in [[Sanskrit]]) is an Indian prop-driven [[primary trainer]] manufactured by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]. It has two seats in [[side-by-side configuration]].

==Operational history==
The Deepak is used for primary training, observation, liaison and target towing.

When it flies upside-down fuel flows from a collector tank in the fuselage and the inverted flight is limited to 1 min. Deepak has a theoretical [[glide ratio]] of 8.5:1. The IAF and HAL are looking into new safety systems such as [[Ballistic Recovery Systems]] to enable it to descend safely in the event of an engine failure. On 16 May 2010 the IAF cleared the installation of a parachute recovery system.<ref name=iafrev>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article431223.ece|title=IAF gives nod for HPT-32 revival|work=The Hindu|date=May 16, 2010 | access-date=May 17, 2022}}</ref> The HPT-32 aircraft has been replaced by the [[Pilatus PC-7|Pilatus PC-7 Mk II]] in the IAF, as its workhorse as a Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) in 2013.

==Accidents==

In 17 Deepak crashes so far, 19 pilots have died.<ref name="business-standard.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/scrabbling-for-solutions/390823/|title = Scrabbling for solutions|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 5 April 2010|last1 = Shukla|first1 = Ajai}}</ref> The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has been reported as saying the aircraft is "technologically outdated and beset by flight safety hazards" when discussing the grounding of the fleet in 2009.<ref name="thaindian.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/crashes-engine-failures-ground-iaf-trainer-aircraft_100240304.html |title=Crashes, engine failures ground IAF trainer aircraft - Thaindian News |access-date=2010-04-14 |archive-date=2018-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430045337/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/crashes-engine-failures-ground-iaf-trainer-aircraft_100240304.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[HAL HTT-40]] is going replace HAL HPT-32 Deepak as primary trainer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2022-10-18 |title=Made in India Takes Off: Intermediate Jet Trainer HJT-36 to be Certified Soon, HAL Eyes Export of HTT-40 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/made-in-india-takes-off-intermediate-jet-trainer-hjt-36-to-be-certified-soon-hal-eyes-export-of-htt-40-6191113.html |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

==Versions==
;HPT-32
:Basic version.
;HTT-34
:Turboprop version, powered by {{convert|420|shp|kW|order=flip|abbr=on}} [[Allison 250]]-B17D engine. First flew on 17 June 1984.<ref name="jawa90p108">{{Harvnb|Lambert|1990|p=198}}</ref>

==Operators==
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]]
* [[Indian Navy]]<ref name="Taylor96">{{harvnb|Taylor|1996|p=401}}</ref> 8 for basic training

==Specifications (HPT-32)==
{{aircraft specifications/switch



|plane or copter?=plane
|jet or prop?=prop
|ref=Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide <ref>{{cite book|title=Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide|last=Rendall|first=David|pages=[https://archive.org/details/janesaircraftrec0000rend/page/505 505]|year=1995|isbn=0-00-4709802|publisher=HarperCollinsPublishers|location=Glasgow, UK|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/janesaircraftrec0000rend/page/505}}</ref>


|crew=2: student, instructor
|length main=7.7 m
|length alt=25 ft 4 in
|span main=9.5 m
|span alt=31 ft 2 in
|height main=2.9 m
|height alt=9 ft 7 in
|area main=162 ft² <ref name="Brassey's99-00 p.433">Taylor 1999, p.433</ref>
|area alt=15.0 m²
|empty weight main=1,034 kg
|empty weight alt=2,280 lb
|loaded weight main=
|loaded weight alt=
|useful load main=
|useful load alt=
|max takeoff weight main=1,322 kg
|max takeoff weight alt=2,915 lb
|engine (prop)=[[Lycoming AEO-540]]-D4B5
|type of prop= piston engine
|number of props=1
|power main=194 kW
|power alt=260 hp
|max speed main=281 km/h
|max speed alt=175 mph
|max speed more=
|never exceed speed main=
|never exceed speed alt=
|range main=1,400 km
|range alt=755 nm
|ceiling main=
|ceiling alt=
|climb rate main=
|climb rate alt=
|loading main=
|loading alt=
|thrust/weight=
|armament=Four hardpoints; 255 kg warload; machine gun pods; bombs; rockets
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|India}}
[[HAL HTT-40]]

==References==
{{commons category|HAL HPT-32 Deepak}}

===Notes===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book |editor-last=Lambert |editor-first=Mark |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1990–91 |year=1990 |location=Coulsdon, UK |publisher=Jane's Defence Data |isbn=0-7106-0908-6 }}
*{{cite book|last= Taylor|first= Michael J. H.|title= Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory|year= 1996|publisher= Brassey's|location= London, England|isbn= 1-85753-198-1|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/brasseysworldair0000unse}}
*Taylor, M.J.H. (ed,). ''Brassey's World Aircraft Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition''. London: Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}.
{{refend}}

{{HAL aircraft}}

[[Category:HAL aircraft|Deepak]]
[[Category:1970s Indian military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1977]]

DRDO Abhyas

2022-10-20T17:32:09Z

2405:201:E021:4981:99C7:AEC9:F159:C12C: robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

{{Short description|Aerial target drone}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name=DRDO Abhyas
|image=DRDO Abhyas successfully flight test from Interim Test Range, Chandipur on 22 October 2021.jpg
|caption=DRDO Abhyas successfully flight test from Interim Test Range, Chandipur on 13 May 2019.
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type=[[Unmanned Aerial Vehicle]]
|manufacturer=[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
|designer=[[Aeronautical Development Establishment]]
|first flight= 23 June 2012
|introduced=
|unit cost=
|variants with their own articles=
}}
|}

'''DRDO Abhyas''' is a high-speed [[target drone|expendable aerial target]] (HEAT) being built by the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) for the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 September 2020|title=DRDO successfully tests Abhyas: What is it and why is it important for India's air defence mechanism?|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-successful-tests-abhyas-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important-for-india-s-air-defence-mechanism/656888|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Times Now News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ABHYAS |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/abhyas |website=Defence Research and Development Organisation |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:DRDO Abhyas 01.jpg|thumb|DRDO Abhyas test flight on 23 December 2021.]]
As of January 2013, the proof of concept and pre-project trials were completed. The first experimental launch without the main [[turbojet engine]] of the Abhyas was held at the [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]] on 23 June 2012 to check the launch and configuration capability. The gas turbine engine has been identified and integrated on the Abhyas airframe and its test run with the aircraft fuel system and s-airtake has been completed. The project was sanctioned with an initial DRDO funding of ₹15 crore. [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) will carry out 15 technology demonstrators (TDs) till 2015.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=M|first=Anantha Krishnan|date=19 February 2013|title=DRDO developing high-speed target drone Abhyas|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/feb/19/drdo-developing-high-speed-target-drone-abhyas-451687.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> After the acceptance of the prototypes or TDs by the [[Indian Armed Forces]], serial production will start. The Indian Defense Services have also revealed a combined global tender projecting the requirement of 225 HEAT drones.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=13 May 2019|title=DRDO conducts successful flight test of ABHYAS drone|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-abhyas-drone/418202|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-26|website=Times Now News|language=en}}</ref> Abhyas can be used as aerial target for missile systems. DRDO successfully test fired Abhyas from [[Integrated Test Range]], Odisha on 13 May 2019. The test was conducted to check low altitude flight capability with [[radar altimeter]] in loop demonstration in autonomous flight mode.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Negi|first=Manjeet|date=22 October 2021|title=DRDO successfully tests high-speed expendable aerial target Abhyas in Odisha|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-successful-flight-test-abhyas-odisha-1868083-2021-10-22|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-26|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

On 23 December 2021, DRDO successfully flight tested Abhyas from [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]]. A locally developed [[data link]] was proved along with demonstration of high subsonic speed trajectory at a very low altitude and long endurance.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight Test of Indigenous Expendable Aerial Target 'Abhyas' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-test-of-indigenous-expendable-aerial-target-abhyas-4587422.html |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=New18 |date=23 December 2021}}</ref> Abhyas uses [[Inertial_navigation_system#MEMS_gyroscope|MEMS gyroscope]] based [[inertial navigation system]] for guidance and a flight control computer linked to ground station for autonomous operation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=23 December 2021|title=DRDO successfully conducts flight test of HEAT Abhyas|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-test-of-heat-abhyas/articleshow/88459964.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Manufacturing ===
HAL on 17 December 2021, secured order for manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing and supply of DRDO Abhyas from ADE. The order will be completed under Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) with a private sector industry. This order marked the beginning of series production of the platform.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Negi |first1=Manjeet |title=HAL bags DRDO supply order for ABHYAS target platform |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hal-bags-drdo-supply-order-abhyas-target-platform-1889046-2021-12-17 |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=India Today |date=17 December 2021}}</ref> The per unit cost of DRDO Abhyas including the launcher is ₹40 lakh.<ref name=":3" /> HAL at DefExpo-2022 received Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) / Production Agency (PA) certificate for ABHYAS from DRDO on 20 October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2022 |title=PM Modi unveils HTT-40, HAL’s indigenous trainer aircraft |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/oct/20/modi-unveils-htt-40-hals-indigenous-trainer-aircraft-2509965.html |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> 

==Design==
The fuselage for the Abhyas was designed by adopting the [[DRDO Lakshya]] tow body.<ref name=":1" /> The fuselage consists of five sections, namely the [[nose cone]], equipment bay, fuel tank bay, air intake bay and tail cone.
The material for the nose and tail cones are made up of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), whereas the material of the equipment bay, air intake bay and fuel tank are made up of an aluminum steel [[alloy]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=SV|first=Vikas|date=2019-05-13|title=ABHYAS successfully flight tested|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/abhyas-successfully-flight-tested-2890896.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=One India|language=en}}</ref> The wings and tail plane of the Abhyas have been derived from the Lakshya by downsizing them, however the wings of the Abhyas are positioned on the upper-side of the body whereas the Lakshya has under-body wings. For propulsion it is fitted with a gas-turbine engine weighing 19 kg, having a thrust of 25 kg, with an endurance of 30–45 minutes that can cover distance of 400 km. Abhyas is [[GPS]]-enabled, has an on-board flight control computer and a miss-distance indicator. It is also designed for autonomous flight with the help of an [[autopilot]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2021-10-23|title=DRDO successfully tests high-speed expendable aerial target ABHYAS|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/drdo-successfully-tests-high-speed-expendable-aerial-target-abhyas-11634946776645.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Mint|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Sagar |first1=Pradip R |title=Abhyas: A drone or a destroyer? |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2019/09/02/abhyas-drone-that-acts-as-decoy-aircraft-subsonic-missile.html |access-date=26 December 2021 |publisher=The Week |date=2 September 2019}}</ref> The radar cross section is increased 50 times to emulate a [[fighter aircraft]].<ref name=":3" />

===Flight Profile===
[[File:DRDO Abhyas 04.webm|thumb|DRDO Abhyas launched from [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]].]]
The Abhyas is launched from a mobile launcher with the help of two 68 mm booster rockets manufactured by [[Munitions India Limited]] (previously [[Ordnance Factory Board]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=HAL gets order for aerial target system from ADE |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2021/dec/18/hal-gets-order-for-aerial-target-system-from-ade-2396791.html |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=18 December 2021}}</ref> The twin rocket boosters helps in providing the initial acceleration until the small turbojet engine starts to sustain high [[Subsonic aircraft|subsonic]] speed.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO successfully conducts flight test of indigenously developed High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) Abhyas |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-test-of-indigenously-developed-high-speed-expendable-aerial-target-heat-abhyas/843174 |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=TNN |publisher=Times Now News |date=23 December 2021}}</ref> At the end of its launch phase the burnout booster rockets are jettisoned. Thereafter, the main gas-turbine engine powers the vehicle during cruise phase.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vijainder.sawfnews.com/Articles/70364.aspx |title=Abhyas High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) |access-date=2013-02-19 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411183506/http://vijainder.sawfnews.com/Articles/70364.aspx |archive-date=2013-04-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Abhyas can fly at speed of 180 meter per second and cover 5 km altitude.<ref name=":3" />

====Flight testing====
DRDO conducted successful flight test of ABHYAS- High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) from ITR [[Balasore]] in [[Odisha]] on 22nd September 2020. Two demonstrator vehicles were successfully test flown.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO conducts second successful flight-test of missile target vehicle Abhyas |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdo-conducts-second-successful-flight-test-of-missile-target-vehicle-abhyas-6607006/ |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The Indian Express |date=23 September 2020}}</ref> During this test, Abhyas cleared all the parameters of evaluation set by the Indian Armed Forces which included 5 km flying altitude, vehicle speed of 0.5 mach, endurance level of 30 minutes and 2G turn capability.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO conducts successful flight test of ABHYAS – Know all the features |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-abhyas-know-all-the-features/656444 |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=TNN |publisher=Times Now News |date=22 September 2020}}</ref>

===Transportation & storage===
The Abhyas drone has a dedicated box for its transportation and storage (2570 mm × 710 mm × 415 mm) made of [[Expanded polyethylene|Expanded Polyethylene]] (EPE) with [[Cross-linked polyethylene]] (XLPE) foam material inside. It is weather proof, drop and vibration proof and static load-tested.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Azam|first=Tanweer|date=2020-09-23|title=ABHYAS flight-tested successfully: Here's how DRDO's drone will help Indian armed forces|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/abhyas-flight-tested-successfully-heres-how-drdos-drone-will-help-indian-armed-forces-2311700.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref>

==Usage==
Abhyas's [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) as well as its visual and [[infrared signature]]s can be augmented to simulate a variety of aircraft for [[anti-aircraft warfare]] practices and testing of [[surface-to-air missile]] (SAM) systems. It can also function as a jammer platform and decoy. The HEAT system is utilized to do away with the post-launch recovery mode for [[Indian Navy]], which is time-consuming and difficult in a scenario as the sea.<ref name=":3" />

==See also==
*[[DRDO Ulka]]
*[[DRDO Fluffy]]
*[[DRDO Lakshya]]

===Comparable target drones===
* [[Northrop BQM-74 Chukar]]
* [[Denel Dynamics Skua]]
* [[Meggitt Banshee]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqR4zXYG-PE Flight test of Abhyas]
*[http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/2013/02/express-exclusive-drdo-developing-high.html DRDO developing high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) drone Abhyas]
*[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lt9o3lE1k30/URgI81GNlzI/AAAAAAAAD60/e10Z6ktudRk/s1600/ADE's%20Abhyas%20PTA%20.jpg DRDO Abhyas Specifications]
{{commons category}}

{{Portal bar|India|Aviation}}

{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}}

[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]]
[[Category:Military equipment of India]]
[[Category:DRDO aircraft|Kapothaka]]

DRDO Abhyas

2022-10-20T17:32:09Z

2405:201:E021:4981:99C7:AEC9:F159:C12C: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

{{Short description|Aerial target drone}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name=DRDO Abhyas
|image=DRDO Abhyas successfully flight test from Interim Test Range, Chandipur on 22 October 2021.jpg
|caption=DRDO Abhyas successfully flight test from Interim Test Range, Chandipur on 13 May 2019.
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type=[[Unmanned Aerial Vehicle]]
|manufacturer=[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
|designer=[[Aeronautical Development Establishment]]
|first flight= 23 June 2012
|introduced=
|unit cost=
|variants with their own articles=
}}
|}

'''DRDO Abhyas''' is a high-speed [[target drone|expendable aerial target]] (HEAT) being built by the [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) for the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 September 2020|title=DRDO successfully tests Abhyas: What is it and why is it important for India's air defence mechanism?|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-successful-tests-abhyas-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important-for-india-s-air-defence-mechanism/656888|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Times Now News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ABHYAS |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/abhyas |website=Defence Research and Development Organisation |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:DRDO Abhyas 01.jpg|thumb|DRDO Abhyas test flight on 23 December 2021.]]
As of January 2013, the proof of concept and pre-project trials were completed. The first experimental launch without the main [[turbojet engine]] of the Abhyas was held at the [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]] on 23 June 2012 to check the launch and configuration capability. The gas turbine engine has been identified and integrated on the Abhyas airframe and its test run with the aircraft fuel system and s-airtake has been completed. The project was sanctioned with an initial DRDO funding of ₹15 crore. [[Aeronautical Development Establishment]] (ADE) will carry out 15 technology demonstrators (TDs) till 2015.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=M|first=Anantha Krishnan|date=19 February 2013|title=DRDO developing high-speed target drone Abhyas|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/feb/19/drdo-developing-high-speed-target-drone-abhyas-451687.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> After the acceptance of the prototypes or TDs by the [[Indian Armed Forces]], serial production will start. The Indian Defense Services have also revealed a combined global tender projecting the requirement of 225 HEAT drones.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=13 May 2019|title=DRDO conducts successful flight test of ABHYAS drone|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-abhyas-drone/418202|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-26|website=Times Now News|language=en}}</ref> Abhyas can be used as aerial target for missile systems. DRDO successfully test fired Abhyas from [[Integrated Test Range]], Odisha on 13 May 2019. The test was conducted to check low altitude flight capability with [[radar altimeter]] in loop demonstration in autonomous flight mode.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Negi|first=Manjeet|date=22 October 2021|title=DRDO successfully tests high-speed expendable aerial target Abhyas in Odisha|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-successful-flight-test-abhyas-odisha-1868083-2021-10-22|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-26|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

On 23 December 2021, DRDO successfully flight tested Abhyas from [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]]. A locally developed [[data link]] was proved along with demonstration of high subsonic speed trajectory at a very low altitude and long endurance.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight Test of Indigenous Expendable Aerial Target 'Abhyas' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-test-of-indigenous-expendable-aerial-target-abhyas-4587422.html |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=New18 |date=23 December 2021}}</ref> Abhyas uses [[Inertial_navigation_system#MEMS_gyroscope|MEMS gyroscope]] based [[inertial navigation system]] for guidance and a flight control computer linked to ground station for autonomous operation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=23 December 2021|title=DRDO successfully conducts flight test of HEAT Abhyas|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-test-of-heat-abhyas/articleshow/88459964.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-24|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Manufacturing ===
HAL on 17 December 2021, secured order for manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing and supply of DRDO Abhyas from ADE. The order will be completed under Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) with a private sector industry. This order marked the beginning of series production of the platform.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Negi |first1=Manjeet |title=HAL bags DRDO supply order for ABHYAS target platform |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hal-bags-drdo-supply-order-abhyas-target-platform-1889046-2021-12-17 |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=PTI |publisher=India Today |date=17 December 2021}}</ref> The per unit cost of DRDO Abhyas including the launcher is ₹40 lakh.<ref name=":3" /> HAL at DefExpo-2022 received Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) / Production Agency (PA) certificate for ABHYAS from DRDO on 20 October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2022 |title=PM Modi unveils HTT-40, HAL’s indigenous trainer aircraft |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/oct/20/modi-unveils-htt-40-hals-indigenous-trainer-aircraft-2509965.html |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> 

==Design==
The fuselage for the Abhyas was designed by adopting the [[DRDO Lakshya]] tow body.<ref name=":1" /> The fuselage consists of five sections, namely the [[nose cone]], equipment bay, fuel tank bay, air intake bay and tail cone.
The material for the nose and tail cones are made up of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), whereas the material of the equipment bay, air intake bay and fuel tank are made up of an aluminum steel [[alloy]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=SV|first=Vikas|date=2019-05-13|title=ABHYAS successfully flight tested|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/abhyas-successfully-flight-tested-2890896.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=One India|language=en}}</ref> The wings and tail plane of the Abhyas have been derived from the Lakshya by downsizing them, however the wings of the Abhyas are positioned on the upper-side of the body whereas the Lakshya has under-body wings. For propulsion it is fitted with a gas-turbine engine weighing 19 kg, having a thrust of 25 kg, with an endurance of 30–45 minutes that can cover distance of 400 km. Abhyas is [[GPS]]-enabled, has an on-board flight control computer and a miss-distance indicator. It is also designed for autonomous flight with the help of an [[autopilot]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2021-10-23|title=DRDO successfully tests high-speed expendable aerial target ABHYAS|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/drdo-successfully-tests-high-speed-expendable-aerial-target-abhyas-11634946776645.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Mint|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Sagar |first1=Pradip R |title=Abhyas: A drone or a destroyer? |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2019/09/02/abhyas-drone-that-acts-as-decoy-aircraft-subsonic-missile.html |access-date=26 December 2021 |publisher=The Week |date=2 September 2022}}</ref> The radar cross section is increased 50 times to emulate a [[fighter aircraft]].<ref name=":3" />

===Flight Profile===
[[File:DRDO Abhyas 04.webm|thumb|DRDO Abhyas launched from [[Chitradurga Aeronautical Test Range]].]]
The Abhyas is launched from a mobile launcher with the help of two 68 mm booster rockets manufactured by [[Munitions India Limited]] (previously [[Ordnance Factory Board]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=HAL gets order for aerial target system from ADE |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2021/dec/18/hal-gets-order-for-aerial-target-system-from-ade-2396791.html |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=18 December 2021}}</ref> The twin rocket boosters helps in providing the initial acceleration until the small turbojet engine starts to sustain high [[Subsonic aircraft|subsonic]] speed.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO successfully conducts flight test of indigenously developed High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) Abhyas |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-successfully-conducts-flight-test-of-indigenously-developed-high-speed-expendable-aerial-target-heat-abhyas/843174 |access-date=26 December 2021 |agency=TNN |publisher=Times Now News |date=23 December 2021}}</ref> At the end of its launch phase the burnout booster rockets are jettisoned. Thereafter, the main gas-turbine engine powers the vehicle during cruise phase.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vijainder.sawfnews.com/Articles/70364.aspx |title=Abhyas High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) |access-date=2013-02-19 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411183506/http://vijainder.sawfnews.com/Articles/70364.aspx |archive-date=2013-04-11 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Abhyas can fly at speed of 180 meter per second and cover 5 km altitude.<ref name=":3" />

====Flight testing====
DRDO conducted successful flight test of ABHYAS- High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) from ITR [[Balasore]] in [[Odisha]] on 22nd September 2020. Two demonstrator vehicles were successfully test flown.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO conducts second successful flight-test of missile target vehicle Abhyas |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdo-conducts-second-successful-flight-test-of-missile-target-vehicle-abhyas-6607006/ |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=ENS |publisher=The Indian Express |date=23 September 2022}}</ref> During this test, Abhyas cleared all the parameters of evaluation set by the Indian Armed Forces which included 5 km flying altitude, vehicle speed of 0.5 mach, endurance level of 30 minutes and 2G turn capability.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO conducts successful flight test of ABHYAS – Know all the features |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/drdo-conducts-successful-flight-test-of-abhyas-know-all-the-features/656444 |access-date=17 December 2021 |agency=TNN |publisher=Times Now News |date=22 September 2022}}</ref>

===Transportation & storage===
The Abhyas drone has a dedicated box for its transportation and storage (2570 mm × 710 mm × 415 mm) made of [[Expanded polyethylene|Expanded Polyethylene]] (EPE) with [[Cross-linked polyethylene]] (XLPE) foam material inside. It is weather proof, drop and vibration proof and static load-tested.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Azam|first=Tanweer|date=2020-09-23|title=ABHYAS flight-tested successfully: Here's how DRDO's drone will help Indian armed forces|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/abhyas-flight-tested-successfully-heres-how-drdos-drone-will-help-indian-armed-forces-2311700.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref>

==Usage==
Abhyas's [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) as well as its visual and [[infrared signature]]s can be augmented to simulate a variety of aircraft for [[anti-aircraft warfare]] practices and testing of [[surface-to-air missile]] (SAM) systems. It can also function as a jammer platform and decoy. The HEAT system is utilized to do away with the post-launch recovery mode for [[Indian Navy]], which is time-consuming and difficult in a scenario as the sea.<ref name=":3" />

==See also==
*[[DRDO Ulka]]
*[[DRDO Fluffy]]
*[[DRDO Lakshya]]

===Comparable target drones===
* [[Northrop BQM-74 Chukar]]
* [[Denel Dynamics Skua]]
* [[Meggitt Banshee]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqR4zXYG-PE Flight test of Abhyas]
*[http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/2013/02/express-exclusive-drdo-developing-high.html DRDO developing high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) drone Abhyas]
*[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lt9o3lE1k30/URgI81GNlzI/AAAAAAAAD60/e10Z6ktudRk/s1600/ADE's%20Abhyas%20PTA%20.jpg DRDO Abhyas Specifications]
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{{Unmanned aerial vehicles of DRDO}}

[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of India]]
[[Category:Military equipment of India]]
[[Category:DRDO aircraft|Kapothaka]]