'Akash' test fired from ITR for third time in a row

Balasore, Orissa, Dec 15 (UNI) The medium range surface-to-air missile 'Akash' was successfully test-fired for the third consecutive day today from the Integrated Test Range(ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from here.

According to ITR sources, the missile, considered one of the major milestones in the country's integrated guided missile development programme, was test-fired at 1510 hrs.

Prior to that, Mierch, a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA), was test flown from the ITR and the Akash missile hit an object in midair, dropped by the Mierch.

Scientists of the Defence Research Development Organisation(DRDO) and the ITR witnessed the test flight of 'Akash', which could be used to counter the anti-ballistic missile and enemy aircraft.

The 650 kg missile has the capacity to carry a warhead of 50 kg payload and uses the integrated two-stage ramjet propulsion technology.

The missile has the advanced booster and ramjet propulsion having a multiple target of handling capability which incorporated state-of-the-art technology. It has undergone several flight tests earlier from the ITR.

UNI