India's Tejas LCA successfully test fires Derby beyond visual range missile

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World Defense & Security News - India
 
 
India's Tejas LCA successfully test fires Derby beyond visual range missile
 
India's indigenously-made Tejas Light Combat Aircraft LSP4 on May 11, 2017, 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. 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.
     
An IAF Tejas LCA fighter jet successfully test fired Derby BVR missile
(Credit: Aeronautical Development Agency)
     
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.

The test was conducted on a Manoeuvrable Aerial Target at the Interim Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The sensors at ITR also tracked the target and missile.

A safe separation was followed by missile guidance towards RADAR acquired target. 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 LCA aircraft for FOC.

Designed by the Israel-based company, the Derby missile is an active radar homing missile featuring a range of 50 km and a max speed of Mach 4. It is fitted with a 23kg warhead. The missile can operate in lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) modes.