Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme: Difference between revisions

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==Akash Missile System==

[[image:Akash3.jpg|thumb|250px|Right|Akash Missile]]

{{Infobox_Missile|

'''Akash''' ([[Sanskrit]] for Sky, sometimes spelt''meaning'' '''AakashSky''') is undera developmentmedium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of [[India]]'s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and [[DRDO]] to achieve self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles.

name=Akash|

Function=Surface to Air Missile|

Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile. It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.8 metres. It has a range of 25 km. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching a maximum of 2.5 Mach. It can reach an altitude of 18 km. Its warhead weighs 55 kg. It is propelled by a solid fuelled booster stage. The missile has a terminal guidance system capable of working through [[electronic countermeasures]]. Features include capability of attacking multiple targets, and use of [[ramjet]] propulsion system that enables maintanence of required speeds without deceleration, unlike the Patriot missiles. <ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/11/stories/2005121102871000.htm The Hindu] article ''dated'' [[11 December]] [[2005]], ''accessed'' [[18 October]] [[2006]].</ref> The missile is supported by a multi-target and multi-function [[phased array]] fire control [[radar]] called '[[Rajendra Radar|Rajendra]]' with a range of about 60 km. <ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/akash.htm Global Security.Org] article ''accessed'' [[18 October]] [[2006]].</ref>

Contractor=[[DRDL]]|

Unit_cost= |

Deployment=Unknown|

Engine=solid-fueled rocket motor|

Launch_mass=700 [[kilogram|kg]] |

Length=Unknown|

Diameter=Unknown|

Wing_span=unknown|

Speed= Mach 2.8-3.5 |

Range= 27 km|

Flying_altitude= 15,000 m|

Warhead= 60 kg|

Guidance=Inertial with mid-course command updates from Radar.<br>semi-active radar seeker for terminal phase.|

Fuzes= Doppler radar proximity/contact fusing|

}}

'''Akash''' ([[Sanskrit]] for Sky, sometimes spelt '''Aakash''') is under development as part of [[India]]'s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and [[DRDO]] to achieve self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles.

===Concept===

The missile is based heavily on the SA-6 and is claimed that Rajendra is similar to the 30N6 Flap-Lid B engagement radar, used by the S-300 ATBM system. The Akash's first flight occurred in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997. Operational tests and evaluations are currently ongoing and the missile is expected to enter service with the army and air force only in 2003. Officials have said that the missile will also undergo user trials with the Army for integration with the S-300PMU-1 anti-tactical ballistic missile systems, of which the Army has purchased an unspecified number, as well as with AEW aircraft. Plans exist for a navalised version in VLS mode.

===Missile===

Akash is a mobile area defense medium-range 27-30 km SAM, and can engage targets from treetop level to 18,000 meters. The missile weighs 700 kg, and power by a solid rocket booster stage, followed by a [[ramjet]] engine. The warhead, with a lethal radius of 20 meters, weighs 60 kg. The missile has a terminal guidance system capable of working through [[electronic countermeasures]].

<br>

Design of the missile is much similar to [[SA-6]] with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mouted on mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons are mounted before the tail.

While the missile meant for the Army can be launched from tracked vehicles such as battle tanks, the Air Force version can take off from wheeled vehicles. Three ready-to-fire Akash missiles can be carried in a battle tank. The missiles can take off in different directions and destroy multiple targets. Akash can be deployed by rail, road or air. The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997. Operational tests and evaluations were completed in 2006 and the missile is expected to inducted by the end of [[2006]]. <ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/30/stories/2006013001391400.htm Business Line] article ''dated'' [[30 January]] [[2006]], ''accessed'' [[18 October]] [[2006]].</ref>

===Radar===

The missile system’s fire control [[radar]] is a multi-target and multi-function [[phased array]] radar called '[[Rajendra Radar|Rajendra]]' with a range of about 60 km.

===Tests and Deployment===

It is being developed further to increase its speed, altitude and range to 60 km.

<br>

The missile system has been through several trials at the Interim Test Range<!--Interim, or ingegrated as below--> (ITR) in [[Chandipur]], [[Orissa]], and had, until recently, only met with moderate success. In November 2004, however, trials conducted with a live warhead and active terminal radar navigation achieved repeatable performance against test targets. In 2005, the Akash underwent systems and integration testing, firing a target drones, from the Integrated Test Range at [[Chandipur]], [[India]].

==Trishul Missile System==