Defense Research and Development Organization has developed the Pinaka Rocket System. Pinaka Mark II missile, an updated version of the Pinaka missile system, has been successfully flight tested in Chandipur in the state of Orissa.
Highlights
The maximum range of Pinaka is 40km for the Mark I and 60km for the extended version of the Mark I. In 2019, the 90km range was successfully tested. It can launch 12 HE missiles at the same time. This takes only 44 seconds. (Technically, Pinaka can launch a volley of 12 HE missiles. The salvo will fire at the same time). Pinaka is mounted on Tatra trucks. Pinaka was first used during the Kargil War.
The weapon system is equipped with a state-of-the-art guidance system supported by advanced navigation and control systems. The Pinaka Mark II missile will be incorporated with control, navigation and guidance system to extend range and improve accuracy. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System operates the navigation system of the missile.
Technical Details of the Pinaka Rocket System
Pinaka is an MBRL (Multi Barrel rocket launcher) system. Each Pinaka battery consists of 6 transport vehicles. Each rocket has 12 missiles. In addition, each battery has six charging vehicles, two command post vehicles with a fire control computer and DIGICO RAMET radar. A single, fully charged battery can neutralize an area of ??1,000m x 800 meters. The Indian Army typically uses batters that include 72 missiles (that is, six fully loaded rockets) and a full battery. All 72 missiles can be launched in 44 seconds. This is possible with the help of a fire control computer. In addition, each launcher has a computer that works autonomously. This is useful when the launcher is separated from the other five vehicles during the war.
Features of Pinaka
The total uptime of the Pinaka system is optimized for the shoot-and-scoot feature. There is room pressurization to protect the crew. It also comes with an explosion-proof shield. It’s completely automatic. Uses microprocessor-based positioning and fire control. It holds a night vision device. This system can neutralize the position of enemy guns and missiles. This system can lay anti-personnel land mines and anti-personnel land mines in a short time.
Ongoing Project
DRDO has partnered with the Israeli military industry to develop Pinaka’s orbit correction system.
How is the Pinaka system operated?
The Pinaka system is typically used in combination with the Indian Army’s Swati weapons tracking radar and fire tracking radar. Currently, about seven regiments of Pinaka are drafted into the Indian Army. About 126 aircraft carrier units are working with 7 regiments. Each regiment has 18 rockets.
This system can operate in Autonomous Mode under which the Fire Control Computer (FCC) controls the launcher. The Standalone mode is not linked to the FCC operator. The console operator issues all commands and selects firing parameters. In the Remote mode it can carry the remote control up to a distance of 200 meters. The remote control controls the launcher, launch system, and unloading of the launched rocket capsule from the carrier. In the Manual mode all operations are controlled manually.