DRDO successfully launches Pinaka rockets
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Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced on 25th June for successful test-firing of indigenously developed Pinaka rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) on June 24-25 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off Odisha coast.
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Twenty Five advance version of Pinaka rockets were successfully launched against targets that were present at different ranges. Pinaka rocket can destroy the targets upto a range of 45 km. Telemetry, Radar and Electro Optical Tracking System deployed by ITR and Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) tracked the rocket and associated articles.
The upgraded rocket system was developed together by the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with manufacturing assistance from Economic Explosives Ltd in Nagpur in 1986. This development of the Pinaka defense system was done to achieve longer range performance of the rocket.
The DRDO also successfully test-fired four enhanced range versions of indigenously developed 122mm Caliber rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher on June 25 from the same Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. These rockets achieved complete mission objectives. They can destroy targets up to 40 km. They were also tracked by same instruments as used in Pinaka rocket system.
These rocket systems were also jointly developed by the Pune-based ARDE and HEMRL. It will replace the existing 122mm Grad rockets.
Pinaka is a multibarrel rocket launch (MBRL) system used by the Indian Army. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Pinaka integrates state-of-the-art technologies for delivering superior combat performance.
The combat capabilities of Pinaka MBRL were tested during the Kargil war in June 1999.
Pinaka was designed to replace the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems of the Indian Army. It is a multifaceted system integrating high energy propulsion, sub-munition warheads, servo-controlled launcher configuration and fire control computer.
