Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Akash missile successfully test-fired

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Nov 30, IRNA -- `Akash`, the indigenously built 
surface-to-air missile was test-fired for the second time in four 
days from the integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea, about 
15 kms from Balasore, Orissa. 
The multi-target missile was fired from a mobile launcher Tuesday 
morning. 
The missile was last test-fired from the ITR on November 26. 
`Akash` was aimed at a target attached to `Lakshya`, the 
pilotless target aircraft which was test-flown from the ITR about 25 
minutes earlier, the sources said. 
The missile, which has a range of 27 km, uses an integral ramjet 
rocket propulsion system and has a low reaction time. 
With a 700-kg launch weight, Akash can carry a warhead of 60 kg 
and operates in conjuction with the Rajendra surveillance and 
engagement radar being developed by the Electronic Research and 
Development Establishment, they said. 
The radar is capable of tracking 64 targets and guides up to 12 
missiles simultaneously. 
The missile, part of the country`s Guided Missile Development 
Programme, is being developed by the DRDO and has undergone a 
number of trials, the sources added. 
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