It has been reported that India’s indigenously developed helicopter-launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ has completed all the trials.
The missile is guided by an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode.
Further, it is touted as one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.
Also, a variant of HELINA Weapon System called DHRUVASTRA is also being inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Earlier in 2022, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested at high-altitude ranges as part of user validation trials.
To be noted, the flight test was jointly conducted by teams of scientists from DRDO, the Indian army and the Indian air force.
The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), with the test involving the firing and engaging of a simulated tank target.
Post trials and validation from the army and IAF, the government is poised for induction into the Indian Army.
Furthermore, in continuation to validation trials conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan, it also paves the way for its integration on the ALH.
The HELINA and Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock on Before Launch (LOBL) fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode.
The system has all-weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/
About HELINA
HELINA (Helicopter based NAG) is a third generation fire and forget class anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system mounted on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
The ALH is equipped with 2 Twin launchers, one on either side, carrying a total of 8 missiles.
The system has all weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as explosive reactive armour.
Besides, it can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. HELINA Weapon Systems is being inducted into the Indian Army.
Features
- Range : 500m – Min. and 7000m (Max.)
- Guidance : IIR LOBL
- Attack modes : Top and Direct
- Length : 1946 mm
- Dia : 150 mm
- Weight : 44 Kg
Source: https://bdl-india.in/HELINA
Image Courtesy and Source: https://www.drdo.gov.in/
