India's Akash Missile Best in the World

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India demonstrates sophistication in missile technologies - tracking 64 targets

and guiding 12 killer Akash missiles simultaneously with perfect consistency

and accuracy Sonia Joshi Oct. 4, 2005

Compared to the US-made ''Patriot'', the sources said ''Akash'' had better

features. It was totally mobile and could be launched from a battle tank and

had thrust during its entire flight and the propulsion worked till it hit the

target.

Akash, India's surface-to-air missile, was test fired thrice at the integrated

test range at Chandipur-on-sea, 15 km from here, today.

India’s Akash now is ranked as world most sophisticated in its category and

India has demonstrated Asia’s most sophisticated missile target and guidance

system.

The multi-target missile with a striking range of 25 km was directed at an

object attached to a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) on both occasions, Defence

sources said.

The sleek 5.6 metre long missile, with a launch weight of 700 kg and capability

to carry a warhead of 60 kg, blasted off from a mobile launcher at 12.50 pm.

It was fired at the target for the second time at around 1 o''clock, the sources said.

The test was conducted to prove its consistency during the entire flight, the sources said.

The Army and the Indian Air Force, who would be using the missile, had wanted it

to demonstrate consistency during the entire flight.

The sophisticated missile, which uses an integral ramjet rocket propulsion

system and has low reaction time, operates in conjunction with the indigenously

built Rajendra surveillance and engagement radar being developed by the

Hyderabad-based Electronic Research and Development Establishment (ERDE).

The radar was capable of tracking 64 targets and guide up to 12 missiles simultaneously.

The missile is part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme

(IGMDP) and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation

(DRDO).