Ulka (Sanskrit: meteor or fire-brand) is an air-launched expendable target drone of India.
Description
It has been developed by DRDO's laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). Ulka was earlier simply known as MT (Missile Target). It has been designed to be launched from subsonic or supersonic aircraft by means of an ejector release unit. It performed missions between 50 m to 13,000 m altitude at speeds ranging from 0.7 to 1.4 Mach with a rocket motor. It is able to simulate the speed and altitude characteristics of approaching, receding or crossing of a variety of aircraft using false radar signatures. It is used for defensive training of surface-to-air missile crews against anti-ship missiles and for development testing and evaluation of air defense systems. It can be air-launched by a variety of aircraft. It is the first Indian aerial vehicle to incorporate a canard configuration. It has been succeeded by Lakshya PTA.