 |
| Astra all aspect, active homing air-to-air BVR missile maiden air launch on May 4, 2014. Photo Credit: DRDO |
India successfully conducted the maiden air-to-air test of its Astra all aspect, beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile on Sunday, May 4, 2014.
The missile was launched from an IAF Su-30MKI at a Naval range in the western sector. The test met all mission objectives. The release of the missile was captured by side and forward looking high speed cameras; the separation occurred exactly as per the simulation.
 |
| Scale model of Astra air-to-air missile at DRDO pavilion at Aero India 2013 |
The missile was launched against a simulated target during the test on Sunday. According to DRDO chief, Avinash Chander, the missile would be launched against a real target shortly.
"Many more trials are planned and will be conducted to clear the launch envelope. Weapon integration with ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft will also be done in the near future," Chander said.
 |
| Fish-eye view of the Astra air-to-air BVR missile leaving its Su-30MKI launcher during its maiden air launch on May 4, 2014. Photo Credit: DRDO |
HAL carried out Astra related modification on the testbed Su-30MKI along with IAF specialists.
In 2013, the Astra missile underwent rigorous testing on Su-30MKI in the captive mode to validate avionics integration and evaluate the missile's seeker.
DRDO is already working on a Mk-2 variant of the Astra missile with grater range; it would be tested by the end of 2014
IDP Sentinel members can get additional details abut the missile at the link below
No comments:
Post a Comment