Question: Indigenously developed Astra is a-
(a)BVR Air-to-Air Missile
(b) BVR Land-to-Air Missile
(c) BVR Land-to Land Missile
(d) BVR Air-to-water Missile
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- On 26 September 2018 successful test of the indigenously built missile Astra was done by Indian Air Force from Su-30 aircraft from Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.
- Astra is the first indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) of length 3.8m, diameter 178mm, and weight 154 kg.
- It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Features of Missile:
- It is intended to engage and destroy aerial targets with high maneuverability and supersonic speeds.
- The missile’s advanced air combat capabilities allow it to engage multiple high-performance targets.
- It is the best in class weapon system and has undergone more than twenty developmental trials.
- The Mk-I variant of the Astra missile was first tested in May 2003, from the Interim Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha.
References:
http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1547472
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/astra-beyond-visual-range-bvr-air-to-air-missile/