Article Posted on : - Jan 31, 2013

A file photo of 'Pinaka' multi-barrel rocket launcher weapon system.

BALASORE, ODISHA (PTI): 'Pinaka', the country's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) weapon system, was successfully test fired from a defence base at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from here, on Wednesday.

The trial was conducted by the personnel of Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2 at Chandipur as part of a routine test exercise, defence sources said.

'Pinaka', which underwent several tough tests since 1995, has already been inducted into the armed forces.

"These are routine trials and some more rockets are likely to be tested tomorrow," they said.

"Four rounds of rocket test were successfully carried out today," said a defence official adding the MBRL, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, can gradually replace the current artillery system.

The sophisticated 'Pinaka' is a weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery gun at a range beyond 30 km. Its quick reaction time and high rate of fire gives an edge to the army during low-intensity war-like situation, he said.

The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise bigger geographical area with rapid salvo of rockets. With a range of 40 km, 'Pinaka' can fire salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds.

One salvo each (12 rockets) from the battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km, the sources said.

The system's capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy their solid structures and bunkers, they added.