Akash-NG

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the older ramjet powered missile, see Akash (missile).

Akash-NG
Akash-NG missile test on 25 January 2021 (cropped).jpg
Akash-NG maiden test launch.
TypeMedium range Surface-to-air missile system
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service2023 (planned)[1]
Used byIndian Air Force (planned)
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Organisation
Designed2021
ManufacturerBharat Dynamics Limited
Bharat Electronics Limited[2]
Specifications
WarheadFragmentation
Detonation
mechanism
Optical proximity fuze
EngineDual-pulse solid rocket motor[1]
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
70 km (43 mi)[3]
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with two way datalink
Terminal: Active radar homing

Akash - New generation (IAST: Ākāśa "Sky") abbreviated as Akash-NG is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).

This missile is a successor to the Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements such as a Dual-pulse solid rocket motor,[1] a canisterised launcher and an AESA Multifunction targeting radar to improve its probability of kill with a smaller ground operations and logistics footprint.[4]

The missile uses an Ku-band Active radar seeker[1] which was revealed to the public during Aero India 2021.

Development & Description[]

The development of the Akash-NG (New Generation) was approved in September 2016 with a funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹574 crore or US$76 million in 2020).[5] Akash-NG will have an improved reaction time and higher level of protection against saturation attacks. The second stage will use dual-pulse solid rocket motor which is lighter instead of air-breathing solid ramjet engine present in the earlier Akash and Akash-1S missiles to increase the overall range from current 40 km (25 mi) to 70 km (43 mi) while also reducing the weight of the platform and the footprint of the launch platform, an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and optical proximity fuze will improve the effectiveness of the missile against targets with low radar cross-section.[6][4]

Testing[]

  • Maiden Test : Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the first test of the missile on 25 January 2021 from Launching Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha at about 2:30 pm against an electronic target.[3]
  • 2nd Test : Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Air Force successfully conducted the 2nd test of the missile on 21 July 2021 from Launching Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha at about 12:45 PM against an electronic target.[7]
  • 3rd Test : Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully test-fired the Akash-NG surface-to-air missile air defence system off the coast of Odisha in Balasore at 11:45am IST on 23rd July, 2021. The test was carried out amidst inclement weather conditions proving the all-weather capability of the weapon system. The flight test has validated the functioning of complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed RF Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system. [8]

Operators[]

 India

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d Jha, Saurav (8 February 2021). "Developing Any Kind Of Missile Is Not Much Of An Issue For DRDO Anymore: Satheesh Reddy". Delhi Defence Review. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  2. ^ "DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG". DNA India. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  3. ^ a b Rout, Hemant Kumar. "Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile". pib.gov.in. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  5. ^ "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
  6. ^ SV, Vikas (4 December 2018). "Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities". oneindia. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  7. ^ "DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG". DNA India. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  8. ^ "DRDO conducts successful flight test of Akash-NG". PIB India. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
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