VL-SRSAM

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For the air-to-air variant of the missile, see Astra (missile).

VL-SRSAM
VL-SRSAM being tested from vertical launch system (cropped).jpg
VL-SRSAM being tested from vertical launch system by DRDO.
TypeSurface-to-air missile
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service2022 (2022) (planned)
Used byIndian Navy
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Organisation
ManufacturerBharat Dynamics Limited
Specifications
WarheadHigh-explosive pre-fragmented HMX/PU[1]
Detonation
mechanism
Radio proximity fuze
EngineSolid-propellant rocket
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
50 km (31 mi) - 60 km (37 mi)[2]
Flight altitude15 km (9.3 mi)[3]
Maximum speed Mach 4.5[4]
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Fibre-optic gyro based inertial navigation system with mid-course update via datalink.
Terminal: Active radar homing
Launch
platform
Surface Ship

The Vertical Launch - Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[5] During mid-course flight, the missile uses fibre-optic gyroscope based inertial guidance mechanism while in terminal phase uses active radar homing. With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink. VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships.[6] It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force.[7]

Design[]

VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability. It also includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.[8] VL-SRSAM conceived for area and point-defence role to save naval platforms. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship. The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea skimming anti-ship missiles.[9] As an integrated solution of missile and weapon control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different directions.[10][11]

Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and some private sector industries were involved in the design and development of the missile system as part of Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP).[12][13] VL-SRSAM superseded the cancelled Maitri missile project undertaken jointly by MBDA and DRDO based on the work done on MICA and Trishul.[14]

Testing[]

First test

DRDO successfully test fired two VL-SRSAM on 22 February 2021 at Odisha coast. The maiden launch tested the efficacy of vertical launch system and missile's maximum and minimum range. Both the missile successfully intercepted their target with pin point accuracy.[15]

Second test

VL-SRSAM was successfully tested by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on 7th December, 2021. The launch was conducted from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude. The launch was conducted to validate integrated operation of all weapon system components including the vertical launcher unit with controller, canisterised flight vehicle, weapon control system etc. The missile hit an electronic target at a range of 60 km.[16]

Manufacture[]

DRDO has planned to offload the manufacture of the missile to a private sector company. Making it one of the first mainline weapon platform to be produced by a private industry under the aegis of Atmanirbhar Bharat.[17]

Gallery[]

Operators[]

 India

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Aroor, Shiv. "How India's ASTRA Air-To-Air Missile Is Quietly Killing It". Livefist Defence. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  2. ^ "New 'Made-In-India' Missile Successfully Tested, To Strengthen Navy". NDTV. PTI. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  3. ^ "India has successfully test-fired VL-SRSAM from coast of Odisha: DRDO". Mint. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  4. ^ Bhardwaj, Tarun (17 September 2019). "Deadly weapon! IAF successfully test-fires air-to-air missile Astra from Sukhoi-30 combat aircrafts [sic]". Financial Express. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  5. ^ Rout, Hemant K. "Maiden test of Vertically Launched SRSAM from ITR off Odisha coast likely today". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  6. ^ "DRDO conducts first launch of the VL-SRSAM". The Week. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  7. ^ Feb 22, PTI / Updated; 2021; Ist, 22:33. "DRDO successfully launches VL-SRSAM twice | India News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 February 2021.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Kulkarni, Sushant (11 December 2021). "Explained: What is the vertical launch surface to air missile that India has successfully test-fired?". The Indian Express. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  9. ^ "Navy's Surface-To-Air Missile Test-Fired, Can Hit Sea-Skimming Targets". NDTV.com. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  10. ^ "DRDO successfully launches Surface to Air Missile capable of neutralising aerial threats". Zee News. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  11. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (22 February 2021). "Maiden test of Vertically Launched SRSAM from ITR off Odisha coast likely today". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  12. ^ "DRDO conducts first launch of the VL-SRSAM". The Week. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  13. ^ "DRDO opens up missile production partnership for Indian private sector". The Times of India. 6 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  14. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (23 February 2021). "DRDO conducts successful flight test of VL-SRSAM". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  15. ^ "Successful Launches of VL-SRSAM Missile System" (Press release). PIB. 22 February 2021.
  16. ^ "Successful Flight Test of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile" (Press release). PIB. 7 December 2021.
  17. ^ Negi, Manjeet (6 April 2021). "Private firms allowed to partner up with DRDO in missile development, production". India Today.
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