Date:09/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/09/stories/2006090911790400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

They are only getting better

Suresh Krishnamoorthy

Seized launchers need skilled handling

They were planned for use against stationary targets, says DGP
Arms seized by police on Thursday had a manual triggering system

Range depends whether are shoulder-fired or mounted on tripods

An explosives expert from State Forensic Sciences Laboratory checking the seized rocket launchers. PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

HYDERABAD: The sheer number of rocket launchers and missiles recovered in Mahbubnagar and Prakasam districts has surprised the State police, but what is important is the fact that to use them, exceptional skill and training are required to ensure that the nitro-glycerine-based gelatine-filled warheads land on the target.

According to Director-General of Police Swaranjit Sen said, the range of arms seized in Mahbubnagar depend on whether they will be shoulder-fired or mounted on tripods and also on the kind of chemicals used as propellants.

The human eye is comfortable up to 150 yards and hence it indicates that the rocket launchers were planned for use against stationary targets like police stations.

The foot-long propellant shaft can hold about 400 grams of chemical.

And if one uses a double-based propellant, a combination of nitro-glycerine and nitro-cellulose, it can effectively carry the warhead up to around 500 metres.

Also, the theory that they were to be used as shoulder-fired weapons is evident from the fact that those seized on Thursday had a manual triggering system instead of the earlier versions that were electrically ignited.

The warhead and propellant shell, the fin covers, trigger guard and the percussion cap are all very finely chiselled on a high-precision lathe machine, giving it the look of a well-made weapon, officers feel.