Two rounds of the indigenously developed Pinaka rockets were successfully test-fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRl) at the Defence-base at Chandipur near here on Wednesday as part of the routine training programme.
The tests were conducted by personnel from the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit, at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur.
The MBRl, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, has been developed to supplement artillery guns. Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system gives an edge to the Army during a low-intensity conflict situation.
The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise large areas with rapid salvos. The Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, sources said, adding that a battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sqkm. The system’s capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers.
Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, has already been inducted into the armed forces.
“A second generation Pinaka Multi Rocket system having advance system -- The Pinaka Mark II Multi Barrel Rocket launcher System -- in its development stage had undergone successful trials in the Chandhan area in Pokhran field firing ranges in western Rajasthan in July. The rocket is expected to be pressed into service very soon after the trials of the advanced system, said Defence sources.