Tejas successfully test-fires BVR missile

Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas' on Friday demonstrated its air to air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile firing capability by successfully test-firing the Derby missile to destroy the target, an official statement said.

The air-to-air missile was fired in the radar-guided mode in the test conducted on a Manoeuvrable Aerial Target at the Interim Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The sensors at ITR also tracked the target and missile.

"The missile launch was performed in lock on after launch mode for a BVR target in the look down mode and the target was destroyed," the statement said.

The objective of the test was to assess the Derby integration with Tejas' on-board systems including the avionics, fire-control radar, launchers and missile weapon delivery System and to verify its performance.

A safe separation was followed by missile guidance towards the radar-acquired target. The flawless launch was demonstrated with all on-board systems performing satisfactorily and the missile scored a direct hit on the target with complete destruction of it, the statement said.

"The test firing achieved all its planned objectives. The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on LCA aircraft for FOC (final operational clearance)," it said.

--IANS

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