Balasore: "Lakshya", the indigenously-developed Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA), was successfully test-fired from the Chandipur intermediate test range (ITR), about 13 km from Balasore, today (Feb 5, 2004).

It has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2000. But the trial was undertaken with an improved engine developed by DRDO, official sources said.

The PTA was test-flown at about 12:45 hours (IST) from the ITR launch complex Number 2 and was witnessed by senior Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists and officials.

With this successful user's trial, the test on the aircraft is coming to a close, the sources said.

Lakshya, a sub-sonic reusable aerial target system, is remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air-borne and air defence pilots for weapon engagement.