Multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka test-fired

BALASORE: For the second consecutive day, India's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher ( MBRL) weapon system, ' Pinaka' was successfully test fired today from a defence base at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from here.

"Three rounds of Pinaka rockets were successfully tested today. Four rounds of trial were conducted yesterday," a defence official said.

'Pinaka', which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, is already inducted into the armed forces. Today's test was conducted by the personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment ( ARDE) Pune unit at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2 at Chandipur, they said.

"The MBRL, capable of acting as a force-multiplier, shall gradually replace the current artillery system in the country," said a senior official.

The sophisticated 'Pinaka' is an area weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery gun at a range beyond 30 km. Its quick reaction time and high rate of fire gives an edge to the army during low-intensity warlike situation, he said.

The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise bigger geographical area with rapid salvo of rockets. With a range of 40 km, 'Pinaka' can fire salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, sources said.

One salvo each (12 rockets) from the battery of six launchers is capable of neutralising at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.

The system's capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy their solid structures and bunkers, a defence official said.