The Hindu Business Line : Two Astra missiles test fired

BALASORE (ORISSA): Achieving a new milestone, India on Monday successfully test-fired two indigenously developed air-to-air missiles ‘Astra’ in quick succession from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Orissa.

The beyond visual range (BVR) missiles were test-fired from a ground launcher in the launch pad No. 2 of the ITR complex at about 9.45 a.m. and 12.06 p.m., Defence sources said.

Describing both the trials as “successful”, they said the data of the flight test was being thoroughly analysed.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists said Astra was a futuristic missile and it could intercept targets at supersonic speeds between mach 1.2 to 1.4 (mach one is equivalent to 1236 kmph.)

“The tests on the missile’s navigation, control, air frame, propulsion and other sub-system have been validated,” they said.

The complex missile system would undergo some more trials before being made fully operational, they said.

The single stage, solid fuel ‘Astra’ missile “is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR missiles and it is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets,” the Defence sources said. — PTI

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