Akash SAM System
Drdo has completed the development of the Akash Sam System. The Indian Air force was satisfied with the performance of Akash after extensive flight trials and has decided to induct the weapon system. Orders for two squadrons have been placed. This is the first order of an indigenous tactical missile by the Indian Armed Forces.
More orders are expected, as the IAF phases out its Pechoras and as the Indo-Israeli JV to develop a MRSAM (Medium Range SAM) for the IAF has been put on hold, while a similar program for the Indian Navy proceeds unimpeded.
In December 2007, the Indian Air Force completed user trials for this missile. The trials, which were spread over ten days were declared successful after the missile hit the target on five occasions. Multiple targets handling capability of Akash weapon system was demonstrated by live firing in C4I environment. Before the ten day trial at chandipur, ECCM Evaluation tests were carried out at Gwalior Air force base and mobility trials were carried out in Pokhran. The IAF had evolved the user Trial Directive to verify the Akash's consistency. The following trials were conducted: Against low flying near range target, long range high altitude target, crossing and approaching target and ripple firing of two missiles from the same launcher against a low altitude receding target.Following this, Indian Air Force announced that it would initiate induction of 2 squadrons of Akash. Some reports state that a Squadron has 18 batteries. This is incorrect, as shown by IAF Orbats and Pictures of the Akash squadron configuration. A squadron has a standard of 2 batteries with each battery capable of engaging 4 targets simultaneously, and hence the IAF order adds up to some 100 missiles (with reloads). More orders are expected as the Air Force moves to replace its retiring SA-3 Pechora systems.It is reported that Malaysia has shown interest in purchasing Akash missile system.
Each missile is expected to have starting costs below US$ 500,000, i.e. under Rs.20 million, which is less than half the cost of similar Western missiles which usually cost between US$ 1.2-1.5 million (Rs. 50-60 million) each.It is expected that this cost will further decrease due to the economies of scale achieved as production ramps up.
The missile is guided by a phased array fire control radar called 'Rajendra' which is termed as Battery Level Radar (BLR) with a tracking range of about 60 km. It can track 64 targets in range, azimuth and height and guide eight missiles simultaneously towards 4 targets. The Rajendra derivative on a BMP-2 chassis and to be used by the Indian Air Force is known as the Battery Level Radar -II whereas that for the Army, is based on a T-72 chassis and is known as the Battery Level Radar-III.
A single Akash missile has an 88% Probability of kill. Two missiles can be fired, five seconds apart, to raise the Probability of Kill to 98.5%.
Long range target acquisition is performed by the 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR), which is a long range surveillance radar that can track 150 targets in Track while Scan mode at a range of 180 km.
The Akash is unique among surface-to-air missiles in that it utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, which provides thrust for the missile throughout its entire flight. "Because this missile has an integrated ram-rocket, maneuverability is highest. The engine is 'on' throughout the flight. The thrust is on till the missile intercepts the target," explained Prahlada. Most other surface-to-air missiles, including the U.S. Patriot and the Russian S-300 series, use solid-fuel rocket propulsion.
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India is upgrading 20 SA-3 systems with Polish package.
The minimum range of SA-3 is 3.5 kms & max is 35kms, min engagement altitude 100mts & max is 18000mts.
Akash Sam has a max range of 27-30 kms & can engage target flying as low as 20 mts.It is highly resistant ECM & very difficult to jam.
Question -1. Why only 16 launchers have been ordered[100 missiles along with radars & other systems] .....?
2. Is India ready to export the Akash Sam System...?
3. Is it sufficient of protecting Air bases & other assets by only 16 launchers..?
MRSAM project with Israel is moving on smoothly.The missile has a max range of 70kms & max alt of 18000mts.
Maitri LLQRM (Low Level Quick Reaction Missile): DRDO is engaged in the joint development of Maitri with MBDA.Range & Max altitude similar to SPYDER. Min engagement alt is speculated to be around 8-10 mts
SPYDER SAM syatem - India has placed an order for 18 launchers.Max range 15 kms & Max Alt = 9000mts. Min engagement alt = 20mts
........... if u check out the no of bases of Iaf, nearly 70-80 Akash Sam launchers are required......
Just my imagination - If a base is protected by 2 Barak-2[MRSAM] launchers, 2 Akash Sam launchers, 2 Maitri Launchers & IGLA manpad's along with TOR M1 & Thungska it would b a nightmare for the pak & chinese aircraft's to penetrate this air defence network.
Add More info & post your opinion......
