The Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), a key Defence establishment, located at Chandipur-on-sea, observed its 124th Raising Day here.
“With the beginning of testing of 12 pound shrapnel from the Chandipur range 123 years ago, the PXE has transformed into as a world class dynamic test and evaluation centre of armament stores,” said PXE Director DK Joshi on the occasion.
He said the PXE laboratory which has been carrying out proofing of arms and ammunitions round the year recently conducted test of two newly developed arm and charge systems, such as an Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAG) and a Bio-Modular Charge System (BMCS).
“The ATAG, a military gun, developed by the Arm Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, bears several unique features. The artillery gun of 155 mm caliber is fully electrically operated while its range is between 45km to 48 km. The ATAG has already been tested and certified by the PXE and further is being tested in the Pokharan range. After its field’s satisfactory test, the gun would be produced for Army. Similarly, the BMCS developed by the DRDO is already being tested and certified,” he said.
The PXE range has been the corridor for development of major DRDO armament projects and more than a thousand personnel both civilians and service of all ranks work in harmony to achieve a set of objectives, he said, adding the range made a beginning on March 2, 1894 with proof testing of 12 pounder shrapnel shell.