Balasore (Orissa): Akash, the indigenously developed surface-to-air missile, was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-On-Sea, about 14 km from Balasore today (Nov 26, 2004), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) sources said.

The sophisticated multi-target missile was test fired from a mobile launcher at about 12.30 hrs (IST). Earlier, Lakshya, the Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA), was test flown from the ITR at 12.10 hrs (IST) pm and Akash was fired at an object attached to the PTA as its target.

The missile has a range of 27 km with an effective ceiling of 15 km, the sources said. It uses an Integral Ramjet Rocket Propulsion System and has a low reaction time.

The sleek missile, with a 700 kg launch weight, could carry a warhead of 60 kg.

Akash operates in conjunction with Rajendra Surveillance and Engagement Radar being developed by Electronic Research and Development Establishment.

The radar is capable of tracking 64 targets and guide upto 12 missiles simultaneously.

The missile, part of India's Guided Missile Development Programme, is being developed by the DRDO and had undergone a number of trials.

The current thrust of the test was on its guidance system, the sources said adding that the development was also aimed at increasing its speed, maximum altitude and extend the range upto 60 km.

Six more rounds of similar trials of the missile could take place shortly, they said.