Balasore (Odisha): A demonstration trial of India`s indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher weapon system, `Pinaka` was today conducted in presence of personnel from the Indian Army and scientists at a defence base, about 15 km from here. "Four rounds of test-firing were conducted during the trial," defence sources said.
`Pinaka`, an unguided rocket system and an area weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery guns at a range beyond 30 km, is capable of acting as a force-multiplier, they said. The demonstration of `Pinaka`, which has undergone several tough tests since 1995 and is in an advance stage of development, took place at Chandipur-on-sea at the Proof Experimental Establishment by Army and scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation, the sources said.?
It was meant to neutralise a large geographical area with a rapid salvo of rockets. With a strike range of 40 km, `Pinaka` could fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, they said. One salvo each of 12 rockets from a battery of six launchers could neutralise a target area of 3.9 sq km at a time, they said.
Its quick reaction time, accuracy and high rate of fire gave an edge to the armed forces during low-intensity warlike situations, the sources said.
The system`s capability to incorporate several types of warheads made it deadly for the enemy as it could destroy solid structures and bunkers, they added.
PTI