LCA Tejas successfully test-fires air-to-air beyond visual range missile

Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft, on Friday 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.

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) in Chandipur, Odisha. The sensors at ITR also tracked the target and missile.

"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 Ministry of Defence said.

The test firing achieved all its planned objectives. The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on LCA aircraft for final operational clearance.