Continuing the development of Artillery Rocket Systems, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired extended-range version of indigenously developed Pinaka rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
Context
Continuing the development of Artillery Rocket Systems, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired extended-range version of indigenously developed Pinaka rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
About the Enhanced Pinaka Rockets
- The enhanced range version of the Pinaka Rocket System can destroy targets at distances up to 45 km.
- The rocket system has been developed jointly by Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) with manufacturing support from M/s Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur.
- The development of the Enhanced Pinaka system was taken up to achieve longer range performance.
Pinaka Rocket System
- Pinaka is a multibarrel rocket launch (MBRL) system used by the Indian Army.
- It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Pinaka integrates state-of-the-art technologies for delivering superior combat performance.
- The development of Pinaka commenced in 1986 at a Pune-based DRDO facility, known as Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
- DRDO was responsible for the overall design and development.
- The performance and firing capabilities of the launcher were presented in June 1996.
- The phase two trials began in July 1998.
- The combat capabilities of Pinaka MBRL were tested during the Kargil war in June 1999.
- The maiden Pinaka MBRL regiment was set up in February 2000.
- The Pinaka system is based on the 8×8 vehicle.
- Each battery is composed of six launcher vehicles, six loader-cum replenishment vehicles, and two command post vehicles.
- Each launcher vehicle carries two pods, housing a total of 12 rockets.
- PinakaMK-I rocket has a maximum range of 38 km with different types of warhead and now the enhanced version has a range of 45 km.
- Pinaka Mk-II rocket has a maximum range of 60 km.
Guided Pinaka Rocket System
- Free flight Pinaka Rocket was converted into high precision-guided Pinaka Rocket with the help of a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) kit developed by RCI.
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