Context
Continuing the development of Artillery Rocket Systems, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired extended-range version of indigenously developed Pinaka rocket from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
About the Enhanced Pinaka Rockets
- The enhanced range version of the Pinaka Rocket System can destroy targets at distances up to 45 km.
- The rocket system has been developed jointly by Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) with manufacturing support from M/s Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur.
- The development of the Enhanced Pinaka system was taken up to achieve longer range performance.
Pinaka Rocket System
- Pinaka is a multibarrel rocket launch (MBRL) system used by the Indian Army.
- It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Pinaka integrates state-of-the-art technologies for delivering superior combat performance.
- The development of Pinaka commenced in 1986 at a Pune-based DRDO facility, known as Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
- DRDO was responsible for the overall design and development.
- The performance and firing capabilities of the launcher were presented in June 1996.
- The phase two trials began in July 1998.
- The combat capabilities of Pinaka MBRL were tested during the Kargil war in June 1999.
- The maiden Pinaka MBRL regiment was set up in February 2000.
- The Pinaka system is based on the 8×8 vehicle.
- Each battery is composed of six launcher vehicles, six loader-cum replenishment vehicles, and two command post vehicles.
- Each launcher vehicle carries two pods, housing a total of 12 rockets.
- PinakaMK-I rocket has a maximum range of 38 km with different types of warhead and now the enhanced version has a range of 45 km.
- Pinaka Mk-II rocket has a maximum range of 60 km.
Guided Pinaka Rocket System
- Free flight Pinaka Rocket was converted into high precision-guided Pinaka Rocket with the help of a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) kit developed by RCI.
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