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India test-fires rocket-launcher Pinaka

The indigenously-built, multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka was successfully test-fired on Wednesday from the Interim Test Range at Chandipur-On-Sea, about 15 km from Balasore in Orissa.

According to official sources, the Pinaka system, which has a rocket launcher vehicle, command post vehicle and loader cum replenishment vehicle, was test-fired at 1615 hours from the ITR.

The 22 mm and 12 barrel rocket launcher, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is meant as a supplement to the existing artillery system at a range beyond 30 km.

ITR sources said the Pinaka, which was already in the final state of user-trial for the army, hit a target at 22 km.

As a quick reactionary weapon system, it could fire 12 rockets within 24 seconds. With a battery of six launchers, the Pinaka was capable of neutralising a target area of 350,000 sq metres.

UNI

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