India successfully tests Helicopter-launched anti-tank missile 'Helina' from Odisha
What's the story
India test-fired its helicopter-launched version of one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons from the Odisha coast today. Helina, the helicopter-launched version of the Nag anti-tank guided missile with a hit range of 7-8 km, was launched from an Army chopper. The weapon system was tested for its full range at 12.55 pm near the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Balasore. Details here.
Launch
Helina, a version of Nag, has been developed by DRDO
During the trial, the Helina was released smoothly from the launch platform, following which the missile tracked the target all through its course in order to strike with high precision. The missile has been developed by the Delhi-headquartered Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Helina, which is structurally different from Nag, is also considered as all weather top attack missile.
Features
Helina among most-advanced anti-tank weapons, guided by IIR
Helina is one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world, defense sources said. It is guided by an infrared imaging seeker (IIR) operating in the lock-on-before-launch mode and helps in further strengthening the defense capabilities of the country. All parameters of the flight test were monitored by the telemetry stations, tracking systems and the helicopters deployed by the Army.
Information
Helina was successfully test-fired from Pokhran last year
Helina was first tested in 2011. On July 13, 2015, three round trials of Helina were conducted at a firing range in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. Helina was also successfully test-fired from Rudra helicopter at Pokhran test range on August 19 last year.