Friday, May 27 2005 15:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Balasore: India's multi-barrel rocket system 'Pinaka', now in the advanced stage of development, underwent a successful trial at the 'Proof and Experimental establishment' at Chandipur, 15 km from Balasore today (May 27, 2005), defence sources said.

The sophisticated Pinaka, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995, is an area weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery gun.

"The first phase of user trials has been successfully completed by the Indian army, which has suggested some improvements on which the Research and Development unit of the defence is working now", the sources said.

This system's quick reaction time and high rate of fire gives the army an edge during low intensity war like conditions, the sources said.

The unguided rocket system, which was test-fired in Balasore, was meant to neutralise a bigger geographical area with its rapid salvo of rockets.

Having a range of 39 km, Pinaka could fire a salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds. One salvo each (12 rockets) fired from the battery of six launchers could neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km at a time.

Its capacity of being fitted with different types of warheads rendered it deadly for the enemy as it could even destroy their solid structures and bunkers, the sources said.