Akash Missile Successfully Test Fired: Positive Step for India’s Defence System
Akash Missile Successfully Test Fired: Positive Step for India’s Defence System
India has achieved success in two rounds of trials of the indigenously developed surface to air Akash missle. The successful test firing of this missile took place at the Integrated Test Range at Chadipur in Odisha. This sophisticated surface to air missile was test fired twice from launch complex 3 of the ITR in the afternoon. Both trials were fully successful. The entire exercise was part of a user trial by the Indian Air Force.
Each missile aimed for a toe body supported by Lakshya or the Pilotless Target Aircraft. For each trial, the missile shot targets at definite altitudes over the sea. Akash is a medium range surface to air defence system developed by our talented scientists at the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). This is part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
The air force version of the missile has already been inducted. However, the missile’s version for the Indian Army is in the final stages of induction. This missile has a strike range of 25 km. It can carry warheads of heavy tonnage weighing 60 kg or below. The air force version of this missile can target an aircraft at a distance of 30 km. It has a battery which can track and attack targets simultaneously. In order to neutralize aerial targets such as cruise missiles, air to surface missiles and fighter jets, Akash missile can be used. It is comparable to the MIM-104 surface to air missile of the US defence system.
The two rounds of trials of this indigenously developed surface to air missile is a major achievement for our defence systems. Akash can target objects at altitudes as high as 18000 metres. It can be armed with warheads for destroying aircrafts or warheads from ballistic missiles during combat. Akash is powered by battery comprising four 3D phased array radars and 4 launchers capable of carrying up to 3 missiles each. This missle has a high explosive, pre-fragmented warhead and it can a proximity fuse.
This missile system is fully mobile and it can protect moving vehicles and tanks. The launch platform of this missile is used for wheeled and tracked vehicles both. This missile has been designated as an air defece surface to air missile which also has the potential for initiating missile defence. This missile provides air defence coverage for an area of up to 2000 square km.
The Indian military has placed a total of $5.2 billion orders of this missile.
This missile is an all weather area air defence weapon for defending our country against medium range air targets at high, medium or low altitudes. This missile system can also neutralize multiple targets in the air from different directions at one single point in time. The system is fully automated and it operates in an autonomous manner.
The weapon system of this missile consists of radar networks and control centres. Reliable operations are another positive feature of this missile system. Data from numerous sensors can be added into a single whole for the commander. Legacy and futuristic radars can also be integrated by this system. This missile system is also equipped with advanced battle-field management software. This is very essential for assessing the threat and pairing of targets or other missiles.
This missile system also had an inbuilt simulation facility and self testing. The missile has state of the art integral ramjet rocket propulsion system. It has a digital autopilot which ensures stability and good levels of control. The Akash surface to air missile is now capable of being inducted. This surface to air missile is a major achievement for India’s DRDO and associated partners. It is also a milestone for our country.
The missile has command guidance through the entire duration of the flight. This missile has a launch weight of 720 kg. The diameter of this missile is 35 cm and it is 5.78 metres long. This missile travels at supersonic speeds of March 2.5. This amazing missile system is similar in design to the SA-6 with 4 ramjet inlet ducts mounted between the wings. With the development of this missile system, India’s defence system is now reaching new heights. This is welcome given that expanding our defence capabilities is absolutely essential.
