‘Akash’ test-fired for second time

For the second time in five days, defense scientists test-fired ‘Akash’, India’s surface-to-air missile, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, about 15 km from here on Wednesday. The multi-target missile blasted off at about 1.40 pm just 20 minutes after the test flight of the pilot less target aircraft (PTA) from the range.

Defense sources said, aiming at a moving target attached to the PTA, the missile was fired from a mobile launcher. The indigenously developed Akash’s upgraded version has a strike range of 25 km with an effective ceiling of 18 km. It has been developed as part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The missile was successfully tested on November 30 last year while carrying a live warhead for the first time. The 5.6 meter long sleek missile has a launch weight of 700 kg and can carry a warhead of 60 kg. The missile is crucial to India’s air defense program as it will be used to counter ballistic missiles and enemy aircraft. The sophisticated missile, which uses an integral Ramjet Rocket Propulsion System and has low reaction time, operates in conjunction with the indigenously built Rajendra Surveillance and Engagement Radar being developed by the Hyderabad-based Electronic Research and Development Establishment. The radar is capable of tracking 64 targets and guiding up to 12 missiles simultaneously. Compared to the US-made Patriot, ‘Akash’ has better features. It is totally mobile and can be launched from a battle tank, sources added.

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