India has completed the developmental flight Trials of the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM).
A total of seven successful trials were conducted over the Bay of Bengal, against the Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft from 11-14 September.
The missile were fired from Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet against the PTA in various flight regimes. The missions included engagement of target at very long range, engagement of high manoeuvring target at medium range and multiple launches of missiles in salvo to engage multiple targets.
All the sub-systems including the indigenous RF Seeker performed accurately, meeting all the mission parameters and objectives. Two missiles were also launched in the combat configuration with warhead and the targets were neutralized.
The missile was developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while the integration on to the aircraft was carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Powered by a smokeless rocket motor, the 154 kg Astra carries a 15 kg warhead and can engage target at a maximum range of 75 km, while shorter range version has a range of 44 km.
A total of seven successful trials were conducted over the Bay of Bengal, against the Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft from 11-14 September.
The missile were fired from Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet against the PTA in various flight regimes. The missions included engagement of target at very long range, engagement of high manoeuvring target at medium range and multiple launches of missiles in salvo to engage multiple targets.
All the sub-systems including the indigenous RF Seeker performed accurately, meeting all the mission parameters and objectives. Two missiles were also launched in the combat configuration with warhead and the targets were neutralized.
The missile was developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while the integration on to the aircraft was carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Powered by a smokeless rocket motor, the 154 kg Astra carries a 15 kg warhead and can engage target at a maximum range of 75 km, while shorter range version has a range of 44 km.
