Naxatra News
Balasore: Another crucial missile test, AAD interceptor, was postponed following a reported 'malfunction' in the missile sub system, days after a scheduled trial of submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) K-15 was put off over the same reason.
Defence sources said the test of advanced air defence (AAD) interceptor missile has been deferred till next month due to an early detection of fault in the missile system. It was planned to be tested today from a defence base off the Orissa coast.
''Scientists spotted the malfunction when the missile was being assembled. This led them not to take any further risk of conducting the trial overlooking the fault, which they feared could result in a failure of the mission,'' said a source, declining to pinpoint the exact fault.
A similar planned test of AAD was put-off twice in mid-March 2010 and the mission was aborted due to some technical snags in the sub-system of the missile.
This is the fifth time that the DRDO will test its interceptor missile. Yet to get a formal name, this hypersonic interceptor missile is only called 'AAD' and is meant to be used in 'endo-atmospheric conditions'.
The missile has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and its own radar.
According to DRDO Chief VK Saraswat the missiles will work in tandem to ensure a hit probability of 99.8 per cent. He declined to comment on the postponement of AAD.
Sources said while the induction of the AAD system into services is expected in 2012, two new anti ballistic missiles that can intercept IRBM/ICBMs are being developed.
''These high speed missiles are being developed to intercept ballistic missiles with a strike range of 5000 km,'' it stated.
''Besides, the exo-atmospheric interceptor missile will now be called Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) instead of Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and will intercept at an altitude of 150 km, compared to the earlier 50 km,'' the source added.
Balasore: Another crucial missile test, AAD interceptor, was postponed following a reported 'malfunction' in the missile sub system, days after a scheduled trial of submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) K-15 was put off over the same reason.
Defence sources said the test of advanced air defence (AAD) interceptor missile has been deferred till next month due to an early detection of fault in the missile system. It was planned to be tested today from a defence base off the Orissa coast.
''Scientists spotted the malfunction when the missile was being assembled. This led them not to take any further risk of conducting the trial overlooking the fault, which they feared could result in a failure of the mission,'' said a source, declining to pinpoint the exact fault.
A similar planned test of AAD was put-off twice in mid-March 2010 and the mission was aborted due to some technical snags in the sub-system of the missile.
This is the fifth time that the DRDO will test its interceptor missile. Yet to get a formal name, this hypersonic interceptor missile is only called 'AAD' and is meant to be used in 'endo-atmospheric conditions'.
The missile has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and its own radar.
According to DRDO Chief VK Saraswat the missiles will work in tandem to ensure a hit probability of 99.8 per cent. He declined to comment on the postponement of AAD.
Sources said while the induction of the AAD system into services is expected in 2012, two new anti ballistic missiles that can intercept IRBM/ICBMs are being developed.
''These high speed missiles are being developed to intercept ballistic missiles with a strike range of 5000 km,'' it stated.
''Besides, the exo-atmospheric interceptor missile will now be called Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) instead of Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and will intercept at an altitude of 150 km, compared to the earlier 50 km,'' the source added.
