Akash missile test fired for second consecutive day

BALASORE (ODISHA): For the second day today, India's indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near here.

"Two rounds of test of the Akash missile were conducted today," Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO) officials said.

The missiles targeted unmanned air vehicle (UAV) 'Banshee' and a para barrel target, they said.

Similar trial of the sophisticated missile had been conducted yesterday from the same test range.

The missiles, with a strike range of 25 km and capability to carry warhead of 60 kg, were test fired from the launch complex-3 of the ITR, the officials said.

Akash is a medium range surface-to-air anti-aircraft defence system developed by the 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 up to a range of approximately 25 km.