Article Posted on : - Dec 10, 2014

Pinaka Missile launchers.

BALASORE, ODISHA (PTI): An advanced version of the indigenously developed Pinaka Mark-II rocket was successfully test fired on Tuesday from a defence base in Odisha using a multi- barrel launcher.

The tests were conducted from the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur firing range No.2, about 15-km from here, defence sources said.

"Four rounds of extended range, Mark-2 version of Pinaka rockets with more than 60-km range were successfully tested on Tuesday," PXE director, R Appavu Raj, told PTI, adding that "some more rounds of test will be conducted in the next four days".

The sources said that the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO conducted the tests with logistical support from the PXE labs.

Pinaka, the unguided rocket system meant to neutralise large areas with rapid salvos, has undergone several tough tests since 1995. It has been inducted into the army and the present trials were conducted with some improvements.

The advanced version Mark-II rocket with a range of more than 60-km and capable of acting as a force-multiplier, was developed to supplement artillery guns, the sources said.

The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system would give the army an edge in low-intensity conflict situations, they said.

With a battery of six launchers, the Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds and can neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq.km. The system's capability for incorporating several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can destroy solid structures and bunkers, the sources added.