Balasore: 'Akash', the indigenously built surface-to-air-missile was test-fired for the second time in four days, from the integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from Balasore today (Nov 30, 2004).

The multi-target missile was fired from a mobile launcher at about 11.57 hrs (IST), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) sources said.

The missile was last test-fired from the ITR on November 26.

'Akash' was aimed at a target attached to 'Lakshya', the pilotless target aircraft, which was test-flown from the ITR about 25 minutes earlier, the sources said.

The missile, which has a range of 27 kms, uses an integral ramjet rocket propulsion system and has a low reaction time.

With a 700 kg launch weight, Akash can carry a warhead of 60 kg and operates in conjunction with the Rajendra surveillance and engagement radar being developed by the Electronic Research and Development Establishment, they said.

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

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