‘HELINA’ Anti-Tank Guided Missile
Helina, the Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) which is the Nag missile’s helicopter-launched version was again tested on 12th April 2022. The testing was conducted in the country’s northern high-altitude mountain regions after it was successfully tested on 11th April 2022 in Pokhran’s desert region.
Overview:
- The test was conducted as part of the ongoing user validation trials of this missile’s third-generation ‘fire-and-forget’ class missile.
- This missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- During testing, a simulated tank target was engaged accurately by the missile.
- Scientists of DRDO along with senior Army Commanders witnessed the test.
- This missile has been developed to be integrated with choppers in both the Air Force and the Army.
- Dhruvastra is the name that is sometimes used to refer to the Air Force version of this missile.
Features of the missile
This missile system can be fired during all-weather day and night and can destroy tanks with conventional as well as explosive reactive armour. The missile is able to engage with targets both in the top attack mode and the direct hit mode.
Top Attack Mode
In this mode, the missile climbs sharply after launch, it travels at a certain altitude, and then plunges top of the target.
Direct Hit Mode
In this mode, the missile travels at a lower altitude and directly strikes the target.
Range of the missile
The maximum range of this missile is seven kilometers and it has been developed and designed to be integrated into the ALH’s (Advance Light Helicopter) weaponized version.
Other anti-tank missiles
Other anti-tank missiles have been developed by the DRDO that include Helina MPATGM, the Nag, laser Guided ATGM for MBT Arjun, and SANT (Smart Stand-off Anti-Tank Missile).
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Month: Current Affairs - April, 2022
Category: Defence Current Affairs