India test fired its indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missile as part of a user trial from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.
Three rounds of test were carried out by IAF personnel aiming at para-barrel targets.
The missiles, with a strike range of 25 km and capability to carry warhead of 60 kg, were test fired.
About Akash
Akash, which aimed at a para-barrel target during the trial, is a medium range surface-to-air anti-aircraft defence system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
Akash is powered by Ramjet-rocket propulsion system which renders thrust for the missile to intercept the target at supersonic speed without any retardation.
It can fly at supersonic speed ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5 and can engage aerial targets upto a range of approximately 25 km.
The missile was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in July 2015. Compared with the American MIM-104 Patriot, the surface-to-air missile system, Akash has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
Current Affairs: 28th January, 2016 Current Affairs Round up December, 2015.
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