Helina

Why in News?

• Helina, the helicopter-launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile, has completed all trials and the process for issuing of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by the Army has started.

About Helina

• Helina is a third-generation fire-and-forget class ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) mounted on an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
• It has a minimum range of 500 metres and a maximum range of 7 kilometres
• The Helina is a helicopter-launched version of third-generation anti-tank guided missiles (the Nag missile system).
• Dhruvastra is the Indian Airforce version of Helina.

About Nag Missile:

• Nag is a third-generation; fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile developed by DRDO to support both mechanized infantry and airborne forces of the Indian Army.
• It is an all-weather condition with day and night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500m and a maximum range of 4 km.
• Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms. The land version is currently available for integration on the Nag missile carrier (NAMICA).
• DRDO has developed nag Missiles under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).

About IGMDP:

• IGMDP is a defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles.
• The programme was managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in partnership with other Indian government political organisations.
• The project started in 1982–83 under the leadership of Abdul Kalam to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology. It was approved by the Government of India in 1983 and completed in March 2012.
• The five missiles developed under this program are:
  • Prithvi: Short-range surface to surface ballistic missile.
  • Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges, i.e., Agni (I, II, III, IV, V).
  • Trishul: Short-range low-level surface to air missile.
  • Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
  • Akash: Medium range surface to air missile.

About Anti-tank guided missile:

• An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), anti-tank missile, anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) or anti-armor guided weapon is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily armored military vehicles.
• ATGMs range in size from shoulder-launched weapons, which can be transported by a single soldier, to larger tripod-mounted weapons, which require a squad or team to transport and fire, to vehicle and aircraft mounted missile systems.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following statements are correct regarding Helina - Anti- Tank guided missile (ATGM) ?

1. It has a maximum range of 500 kilometres

2. It can be launched from a helicopter.

3. It is designed and developed indigenously by DRDO.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer