Pinaka was designed to replace
the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems of the Indian Army.
It is a
multifaceted system integrating high energy propulsion, sub-munition warheads,
servo-controlled launcher configuration and fire control computer.The Pinaka
system is based on the 8x8 vehicle. Each battery is composed of six launcher
vehicles, six loader-cum replenishment vehicles and two command post vehicles.
Each launcher vehicle carries two pods, housing a total of 12 rockets.Each
Pinaka rocket is capable of carrying a 100kg payload for a range of 40km. A
single Pinaka battery can neutralise a surface area of 700m x 500m.
The system
can engage targets with a circular error probability (CEP) of one to two
percent of range.The launch system of Pinaka consists of two pods mounted
side-by-side. Each pod houses six launcher tubes made of E-glass / epoxy
composite materials. The pods are loaded / unloaded into the launcher vehicle
by a loader crane mounted on the replenishment vehicle. The launch system can
fire a salvo of 12 rockets within 40 seconds. The launcher traverses 90° left /
right from the centreline and can elevate up to 55°.The launcher is capable of
operating in autonomous mode, stand-alone mode, remote mode and manual mode.
The fire control computer (FCC) independently controls the launcher in
autonomous mode. The stand-alone mode involves entering the commands into
console by the operator.The remote mode allows the operator to control the
launcher from a distance of about 200m using a remote control unit. The manual
mode is adapted in the event of microprocessor failure and loss of powerDRDO
placed an order with Sagem for Sigma 30 artillery navigation and pointing systems
to equip first two regiments of Pinaka in 2008. "Pinaka integrates
state-of-the-art technologies for delivering superior combat performance."
The deliveries of Sigma 30 systems were concluded in June 2010. The systems were integrated into Pinaka by Tata Power SED and Larsen & Toubro.The Sigma 30 is based on the laser gyro land navigation technology. It was specially designed for high-precision firing of warhead rockets by artillery and rocket launchers.The propulsion is provided by High-Energy Composite (HEC) propellants. The motor tubes made of high intensity steel are seamed with silica-phenolic materials for resisting higher flame temperatures. The optimised nozzle design ensures a very high thrust.The Pinaka launcher system is mounted on the indigenously built TATRA/BEML 8x8 vehicle. The vehicle can carry a payload of 12t. It is equipped with an on-board generator supplying primary power for launcher operations. Other equipment aboard the vehicle includes a microprocessor-based thyristor power unit, a joy stick controller and a manual back-up.
The launcher system comprises
of an indigenously built TATRA 8x8 vehicle with payload of 12 tons. An on-board
generator coupled to the vehicle power take off supplies primary power for
launcher operation. A microprocessor-based thyristor controller is provided for
automatic, fast and accurate laying of launcher in elevation and azimuth. A joy
stick controller is provided near sight bracket. A manual back-up is also
provided. The operating range is 0 to 55 deg in elevation and +90 to -90 deg in
azimuth. The operating speed is 5-6 deg/s and the accuracy is better than 1 m
rad.Two pods, each containing six launcher tubes are mounted side by side on a
cradle. Each launcher tube, which is disposable, is made by filament winding
from E glass/epoxy composite for cost-effective solution. The pods containing
rockets are hermetically sealed after their assembly and check-out in a
factory. They are loaded/unloaded into the launcher vehicle by a loader crane
provided in the replenishment vehicle.
The launcher can operate in the
following modes:
Autonomous mode:
The launcher
is fully controlled by a fire control computer (FCC). The microprocessor on the
launcher automatically executes the commands received from the FCC, giving the
operator the status of the system on displays and indicators.
Stand-alone mode:
In this mode, the launcher is not linked to
the FCC operator, and the operator at the console enters all the commands for
laying of the launcher system and selection of firing parameters.
Remote mode:
In this mode, a remote control unit carried
outside the cabin up to a distance of about 200 m can be used to control the
launcher system, the launcher site and to unload the fired rocket pods from the
launcher.
Manual mode:
All launcher operations including laying of
the system and firing are manually controlled. This mode is envisaged in the
situations where the microprocessor fails or where there is no power to
activate the microprocessor-based operator’s console.
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