Light combat aircraft Tejas today “successfully” test fired an air-to-air missile, paving the way for powering the indigenous-built aircraft with missiles having beyond visual range capabilities (BVR).
The test-firing was conducted on a maneuverable aerial target at the interim test range in Chandipur in Odisha.
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The Defense ministry said the objective of the test was to assess integration of the Derby BVR missile with avionics, fire-control radar, launchers and missile weapon delivery system of Tejas.
“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 test firing achieved all its planned objectives. The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on light combat aircraft for FOC (final operational clearance),” it said in a statement.
The sensors at the interim test range tracked the target and the 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 by the ministry said.
(Feature image source : Reuters )