Akash missile successfully tested

India test fires Akash missiles

Ques: India on 28 January 2016 test fired its indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missile having strike range of-

(a) 25 kilometers
(b) 250 kilometers
(c) 750 Kilometers
(d) 9 kilometers

Ans (a)

Related facts:

  • India on 28 January 2016 test fired its indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missileas part of a user trial from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.
  • Three rounds of test were carried out by Indian air Force (IAF) personnel aiming at para-barrel targets.
  • Akash missile is powered by Ramjet-rocket propulsion system which renders thrust for the missile to intercept the target at supersonic speed without any retardation.
  • The missiles, with a strike range of 25 km and capability to carry warhead of 60 kg.
  • This is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
  • 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.
  • Compared with the American MIM-104 Patriot, the surface-to-air missile system, Akash has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
  • The missile was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in July 2015.

Reference:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-test-fires-akash-missiles/article8163440.ece