Astra successfully test-fired
May 09, 2003 14:16 IST
India on Friday achieved a milestone in its missile development programme when scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully test-fired the indigenously developed air-to-air missile Astra at the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, 15km from Balasore, defence sources said.
A prototype of the sleek missile was test-launched from a ground based fixed launcher with the help of a booster engine at about 0015 IST from launch complex number two of the ITR, the sources said.
Astra is considered a new system in India’s guided missile development programme.
Powered by solid propellant, the missile has a striking range of 25 to 40km.
More trials are in the offing with one being scheduled within the next two days, they said.
The trial was witnessed by top DRDO scientists from Hyderabad and those at the ITR.
Thought that it was going to be of a longer range than just 40 km. Does anyone know with who India is colaborating on this one. Heard it was the French. How good will it be compared to the missiles in the market.?
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May 9, 2003 at 11:40 am