Astra missile tested, Dhanush trial put off

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, Astra is an advanced long-range missile with a solid propellant engine and advanced guidance equipment. It is capable of achieving speeds of around Mach 4. The launch speed was estimated to be 0.6 to 2.2 Mach, the sources said.

Astra was tested from the ITR thrice within a span of four days between May 9 and 12, 2003. The missile has been designed for use with the light combat aircraft (LCA) and is likely to be ready by 2011-12.

Sources said the sleek missile, with a length of 3,570 mm and a diameter of 178 mm, has a launch weight of 154 kg. It is capable of carrying a 15-kg pre-fragmented, high explosive directional warhead.

The anticipated evacuation of people living in villages within a 2.5-km radius of the launch site was not undertaken today as the missile was fired from an angle that did not affect the area. However, the possible testing of the Astra tomorrow from a vertical position would require the evacuation of over 6,100 people from six villages located within a 2.5-km radius of the launch complex at ITR. They will be shifted from their homes early on Sunday morning and taken to four temporary shelters, official sources said.