Astra missile launch goes successful

HAL has integrated the Astra missile on Su-30MKI aircraft

Astra, India’s first indigenous beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile integrated by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft was successfully launched on Thursday from Chandipur, Odisha.

“The launch is an important milestone in enhancing the armament capabilities of the Su-30MKI aircraft. HAL played a vital role in this project in designing and developing the modification scheme for integration of the missile with aircraft navigation, aiming and weapon systems. The HAL has also designed the Flight Test Instrumentation for data acquisition from aircraft sensors and online telemetry of aircraft data for real-time monitoring of aircraft handling qualities,” said T Suvarna Raju, Chairman, HAL.

The task was carried out by the HAL with support of the Indian Air Force, DRDO and other agencies, said a statement from HAL.  

Prior to the live launch, rigorous Captive Flight Tests (CFTs) were carried out by the IAF with support of from HAL. The CFT trials were carried out in three phases to assess the aero-structural and mechanical integrity for carriage; validation of Weapon Control System and its electrical and avionic interfaces with missile; and performance of missile system in transmission and reception mode of missile seeker respectively. The first live launch was carried out on May 4, 2014.

According to HAL, this is yet another step in it’s endeavours towards achieving self-reliance and realising the ‘Make-in-India’ theme with the DRDO as its key partner in fulfilling India’s defence needs.