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The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted user trials of medium range supersonic Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) ‘Akash’ from a defence base off the Odisha coast on Thursday. Three rounds of the missile were fired within three hours targeting para-barrels.
The missiles were launched from the launching complex-III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea between 11 am and 2 pm. Tests were aimed at gauging the flight consistency and effectiveness of the missile, besides ascertaining the serviceability of the system in various conditions.
A defence official said the mission boosted the air defence shield of the country and re-validated the weapon’s operational efficiency. During the trial, the missiles were aimed at intercepting the floating para barrels at a definite altitude over the Bay of Bengal. The entire flight of Akash was captured by electro-optical tracking systems.
According to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), ‘Akash’ is the only missile of its kind now available in the world. It is a useful weapon for both the Army and the Air Force and the first successful model of the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative.
The armed forces are scheduled to carry out a couple of more tests in the next few days.
Akash’ is a medium-range surface-to-air missile and it can reach targets 30 km away. The 5.8-metre-long sleek missile has a launch weight of 720 kg and can carry a warhead of 50 kg.
The missile is crucial to India’s air defence programme as it will be used to counter ballistic and cruise missiles, enemy aircraft and air-to-surface missiles.
It can handle multiple targets with the help of a digitally coded command and guidance system. It is fuelled by solid propellants. It can also be fired from tracked vehicles. While its land variant was inducted in the Army in May last year, the Air Force version was formally handed over to the IAF in July.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...f-Akash-Missile/2014/08/13/article2377939.ece