Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher

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A Pinaka Missile launcher.
A Pinaka Missile launcher.

Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher developed by the DRDO for the Indian Army. Development began in 1983. The system has a maximum range of 39-40 km, fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in under 40 seconds, with a beaten zone of 3.9 square kilometres. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility. The entire system consists of a launch vehicle, loader/refill vehicle, and a command vehicle with a battery of six launchers.

Contents

[edit] Details

The Pinaka is a complete MBRS system with six launcher vehicles as a battery with each launcher having 12 rockets. A battery of six launchers can neutralise an area of 1000 m x 800 m. Three Replenishment-cum-loader vehicles, a Loader cum Replenishment vehicle and a Command Post vehicle with a Fire Control computer and the DIGICORA MET radar round out the MBRS system.

[edit] Modes of Operation

Pinaka loader.
Pinaka loader.
Pinaka replenishment vehicle.
Pinaka replenishment vehicle.

The launcher can operate in the following modes:

Autonomous mode. The launcher is fully controlled by a fire control computer (FCC). The microprocessor on the launcher automatically executes the commands received from the FCC, giving the operator the status of the system on displays and indicators.

Stand-alone mode: In this mode, the launcher is not linked to the FCC operator, and the operator at the console enters all the commands for laying of the launcher system and selection of firing parameters.

Remote mode: In this mode, a remote control unit carried outside the cabin up to a distance of about 200 m can be used to control the launcher system, the launcher site and to unload the fired rocket pods from the launcher.

Manual mode: All launcher operations including laying of the system and firing are manually controlled. This mode is envisaged in the situations where the microprocessor fails or where there is no power to activate the microprocessor-based operator’s console.

The Pinaka was tested in the Kargil conflict and proved its effectiveness. Since then it has been inducted into the Indian Army and series production has been ordered. The Pinaka MLRS is stated to be cheaper than other systems. It costs Rs 23 million per system compared to the M270 which costs Rs 195 million.

Salient Features

  • Use of state-of-the-art technologies for improved combat performance
  • Total operational time optimised for shoot & scoot capability
  • Cabin pressurisation for crew protection in addition to blast shields
  • Microprocessor-based fully automatic positioning and fire control console
  • Night vision devices for driver and crew
  • Neutralisation/destruction of the exposed troop concentrations, ‘B’ vehicles and other such soft targets
  • Neutralisation of enemy guns/rocket locations
  • Laying of antipersonnel and antitank mines at a short notice.

[edit] Specifications

  • Range: 7 km - 40 km
  • Rocket Diameter: 214 mm
  • Length: 4 Meters
  • Warhead weight: 100 kg

Warheads:

  • Fragmentation high explosive
  • Incendiary
  • Anti-Tank and Anti-Personnel minelettes
  • Anti-Tank bomblettes

Launcher

  • Based on a Kolos Tatra truck for high mobility. The truck is license manufactured at BEML.
  • The truck features a central type regulation system; the driver can adjust the tire pressure to suit the terrain for optimum mobility.
  • Two rocket pods per launcher, with a total of twelve rockets between them.
  • A total of six launchers per battery.
  • Launchers are NBC protected, have their own computerized fire control system, and automatic positioning system.
  • The Pinaka system and the launchers are designed for shoot and scoot fire missions.
  • A battery of six launchers can neutralize an area of roughly 1000 * 800 meters at 40 Kms range.

Rate of Fire for a complete salvo from a launcher:

  • Approximately 44 seconds.

Salvo Reload time

  • Originally 15 minutes, then reduced to 4 minutes.

CEP

  • 1-2% of range
  • Improved substantially when Trajectory Correction System was incorporated.

[edit] Orders

The Pinaka project has been a significant success for the Indian DRDO and its development partners in developing and delivering a state of the art, high value project to the Indian Army's demanding specifications. Whilst DRDO was responsible for the overall design and development, its partners played a significant role in developing important subsystems and components. They include TATA Power and Larsen & Toubro Ltd. to state owned Ordnance Factory Board, for the rockets as well as other private and public firms [1].

One Pinaka regiment has already been raised [2]. On 29 March 2006, the Indian Army awarded TATA Power's Strategic Electronic Division and Larsen & Tubro's Heavy Engineering Division a contract worth Rs 200 crore (US $45 million), to produce 40 Pinaka MRBLs each. TATA Power declared that it would be delivering the first units, within six months[3].

[edit] Improvements

The Pinaka is in the process of further improvement. Israel Military Industries teamed up with DRDO to implement its Trajectory Correction System (TCS) on the Pinaka, for improving its CEP even further. [4] This has been trialled and has shown excellent results.

[edit] Deployment

The Pinaka will be operated in conjunction with the Indian Army's Firefinder radars and indigenously produced Weapons Locating Radars. The Indian Army is networking all its artillery units together with the DRDO's Artillery Command & Control System, which acts as a force multiplier. The Pinaka units will also be able to make use of the Indian Army's SATA (Surveillance & Target Acquisition) Units which have been beefed up substantially throughout the late 90's, with the induction of the Searcher-1, Searcher-2 and Heron UAVs into the Indian Army, as well as the purchase of a large number of both Israeli made and Indian made Battle Field Surveillance radars (medium & short range). These have also been coupled with purchases of the Israeli LORROS (Long Range Observation and Sighting System) which is a combinational FLIR/ CCD system for long range day/ night surveillance.

Source: Indian Ministry of Defence

[edit] Future Plans

While the Pinaka will not be developed further into a larger system, its success and the experience gained from the program has led the ARDE (DRDO) and its partner organizations, to launch a project to develop a long range MBRS in the class of the Smerch MBRS. With a range of over 100 km, this MBRS is intended to enter service around 2012.

[edit] External links

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