India's Lakshya-2 target drone has completed its 10th flight test, performing the full range of functions required by the nation's armed forces.
In recent tests at the Balasore range of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Lakshya-2 completed a 30min test flight, the DRDO said in a statement.
During the flight, the drone dove from 2,600ft (790m) to 39ft, flew at this altitude for a pre-set time and then performed an automatic climb-out manoeuvre.
"The entire flight was pre-programmed and was successful," the DRDO said. "This was the 10th flight of the Lakshya-2 pilotless target aircraft and this was the first time that the ultimate capability of the Lakshya-2 was demonstrated, achieving all the user's objectives."
The flight was used to test various subsystems in the drone, including changes to the software that governs the Lakshya-2's rudder. The software changes allow the aircraft to fly to pre-designated waypoints while carrying two towed targets.
While in waypoint navigation mode, the drone successfully released one towed target and deployed the other.
The drone was developed by the DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment.
Source: Flight International
