Article Posted on : - Aug 15, 2008

BALASORE, Orissa (BNS): Pinaka, India's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system was successfully tested on Wednesday at Chandipur-on-sea on the eastern coast of the country. The test was conducted by the Army, the user, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which developed the system.

Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995 and in its advance stage of development, was put to sample trials at the Proof Experimental Establishment (PXE) by army and scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), defence sources said.

"The objective of the trials was to assess its stability in flight as well as accuracy and consistency," a defence official said adding that the MBRL, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, can gradually replace the existing systems.

The first round of trial, conducted at 12.14 pm, yielded the desired results, PXE director Major General Anup Malhotra said.

Pinaka is the first offensive weapon system of the country which is significantly being manufactured in the private sector. The Tatas and Larson and Toubro are making the launchers and most parts of the system.

Pinaka is an area 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 warlike situation.

The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralize 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 neutralize at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.

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.