Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft successfully demonstrated an Air-to-Air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile firing capability by releasing Derby Air-to-Air BVR missile in RADAR guided mode.
Key Fact
- The objective of the test was to assess the Derby integration with aircraft systems on-board Tejas including the aircraft avionics, fire-control radar, launchers and Missile Weapon Delivery System and to verify its performance.
- test was conducted on a Manoeuvrable Aerial Target at the Interim Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
- The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on LCA aircraft for Final Operational Configuration.
What is BVR?
Targeting an object beyond the visual range of the pilot. The pilot actually see the target, on radar or by other artificial means. Beyond-visual-range missile (BVR) is an air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that is capable of engaging at ranges of 20 nmi (37 km) or beyond. This range has been achieved using dual pulse rocket motors or booster rocket motor and ramjet sustainer motor.
Derby BVRAAM
- Derby (Alto) is a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM).
- It is developed by Israeli defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to meet the combat needs of the armed forces.
- It is integrated onto a variety of fighter aircraft such as F-5, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Gripen E and Mirage
- Capable of engaging aerial threats from short ranges and near-beyond visual range.
- Powered by a rocket motor, the Derby missile has a speed of Mach 4 and can hit targets at a range of up to 50km.
Tejas Aircraft
An indigenous fighter aircraft jointly developed by Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is the smallest lightweight, multi-role, single-engine tactical fighter aircraft in the world and is being developed in single-seat fighter and twin seat trainer variants for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Source : Pib
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