Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs)

LETHALFORCE

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some reports claim China has 30 ICBM's?? Chinese still have not confirmed a positive SLBM test?? Even Russians failed Topol SLBM-Bulava about 12 times before succeeding recently.
 

trackwhack

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In fact, of the nearly 50 ballistic missiles that China has armed with Megaton nukes, 30 are of range under 5500 KM. Guess who these are aimed at?
 

trackwhack

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India's MIRV is tested. We already put up 7+ satellites using 1 rocket.
While its true to some extent, the additional capability of re-entry and accurate targeting has not been demonstrated. We must move out of a mode of simulated deterrence to demonstrated deterrence, both with missiles as well as warhead yields. We are basing our deterrence on computer simulations and theory. Even the A5 when tested will not be MIRV'ed. A MIRV A5 is 3 years away from testing and 6 years away from deployment. Not good at all.
 

LETHALFORCE

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While its true to some extent, the additional capability of re-entry and accurate targeting has not been demonstrated. We must move out of a mode of simulated deterrence to demonstrated deterrence, both with missiles as well as warhead yields. We are basing our deterrence on computer simulations and theory. Even the A5 when tested will not be MIRV'ed. A MIRV A5 is 3 years away from testing and 6 years away from deployment. Not good at all.
This will be more of a timing/political decision. The news has to deliver the biggest bang for the buck. For all we know we may already have it and just waiting for the right time?
 

nrj

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While its true to some extent, the additional capability of re-entry and accurate targeting has not been demonstrated. We must move out of a mode of simulated deterrence to demonstrated deterrence, both with missiles as well as warhead yields. We are basing our deterrence on computer simulations and theory. Even the A5 when tested will not be MIRV'ed. A MIRV A5 is 3 years away from testing and 6 years away from deployment. Not good at all.
I agree with demonstrated deterrence part.

However Indian MIRV tech is not just on computer or theory. Desi MIRV is practical. Its no joke to put satellite in exactly specific orbit on pre-determined co-ordinates.

DRDO has to develop its own technique. Hence first A5 will not have MIRV.

Deployment & testing timeframe are decided on threat perception levels.
 

LETHALFORCE

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India & MIRV Technology ~ INDIAN DEFENSE NEWS BLOG


India & MIRV Technology




All these discussions have one basic premise and that is: one missile would deliver one nuclear warhead. India's nuclear triad: a delivery system for nuclear missile from an aerial platform, ship/land based platform or a submarine also essentially caters for one nuclear warhead per one missile launch. However, all this could change and the debate on 'quantifying' nuclear deterrence would have to take an additional parameter into consideration in near future and that is India's MIRV (multiple independently targetable



re-entry vehicles) capabilities. India's Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) is proposing to develop a new strategic weapon technology called MIRV.





MIRV technology is not a new technology. Rather it is a technology of the 1960s and was first developed by the US, followed by USSR. MIRV is a set of nuclear weapons carried on a single missile (intercontinental or submarine launched ballistic missile). This technology allows striking several targets in a single launch. During the launch the main rocket of this system pushes the set of warheads up in the atmosphere. Each warhead strikes a target separately. The launch of such missile constitutes firing a missile having multiple stages. During its ballistic path every stage gets separated at a predetermined time after the launch. Along with every stage one or more warheads get fired. A four stage missile could fire eight to ten warheads on the targets. For a standard launch normally 60 seconds after the launch the first stage separates and other two or three stages separate roughly with an interval of 60 seconds each.




The post boost vehicle which separates from the missile prepares for re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. During all these maneuvers, warheads get fired after a gap of few seconds at pre-identified targets. The exact technology of firing sequence and how it actually happens has, for obvious reasons, always been kept a secret by states possessing this technology.


For better understanding, parallels could be drawn from the multiple satellite launches undertaken by few states with a single launch vehicle. There have been cases where around eight to ten satellites have been launched in one go. The major difference is that these satellites are positioned in different orbits in space while in case of MIRV the warheads re-enter the earth's atmosphere and fire on the target. The system is designed in such a fashion that the damage caused by several small warheads could be much more than that caused by a single warhead.






There are reports that now India's premier defence research organization DRDO is validating technologies towards testing MIRV. According to DRDO officials, the platform for re-entry vehicles would be dissimilar from their earlier successful designs used in Agni series of missiles. It appears that they are testing a more modern technology.

Another challenge for the Indian scientists would be to design and develop a guiding system with a high degree of accuracy. Some are of the opinion that MIRV technology need not be viewed only with a nuclear backdrop and even conventional warheads could be placed onboard of such missile. It also needs to be noted that India is yet to prove its ICBM capabilities and is expected to test 5,000-km-range Agni-V missile shortly.


MIRV testing has received a significant amount of criticism too. This technology is known for reducing the impact of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks agreement (SALT). SALT talks about limiting the number of missiles but with MIRV the issue of number of missiles becomes irrelevant since a single missile can carry many warheads and cause significant destruction. Also, this technology reduces the importance of a missile defence shield. This is because such systems are capable of addressing only one missile threat at a time.
Possession of MIRV technology is expected to boost India's defence preparedness. DRDO's willingness to invest in this technology clearly indicates that India's missile programme has matured considerably. Coming years would see greater Indian investment in micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), nano-sensors, nano-materials and advanced information technology tools.
Such investments would be essential for creating reliable and robust but highly accurate systems like MIRV. This technology would certainly boost India's nuclear deterrence capabilities. It also needs to be appreciated that the technologies developed for MIRV would find direct or indirect applicability in various other fields of defence too.


THE PROOF of INDIAN CAPABILITY:

First, India's progress in launch vehicle technology is evident in the following areas: First, the launch capacity of India's launch vehicles has increased. India began to develop launch vehicles in 1963 and made substantial progress in launch vehicle technology in the 1980s. Its launch vehicle technology matured in the 1990s. Later, India improved its PSLV launcher to enhance its launch capacity. Today, it is developing a more powerful launch vehicle, GSLV-MK3, which can deliver a payload of 4 tons to the geostationary transfer orbit and a payload of 10 tons to the low earth orbit. It will develop a cryogenic upper stage for its GSLV launcher and accelerate its research on air-breathing engines and reusable launch vehicles. Reusable launch vehicles, which can help reduce the costs of space transportation, will further increase India's launch capacity.


Second, India is a player in the international commercial launch market. It became the world's fifth commercial launch service provider when it put an Italian satellite into space with its PSLV launcher in April 2007. Its GSLV-MK1 launcher, on which it takes only $15,000-$16,000 to send 1 kg of payload to the geostationary transfer orbit, is competitive in the international market. The ISRO said India would take 10 percent of the international commercial launch market in the next five years due to its stable performance, multi-satellite launch capacity and low launch costs.
Third, India has gained an initial command of some basic technologies of the multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle (MIRV). India put a cluster of 10 satellites into orbit on a PLSV launcher in April, becoming the fifth country to be able to launch more than one satellite on a single launch vehicle after the United States, Russia, the European Space Agency and China.

Multi-satellite launch technology and MIRV technology share some similarities, and a mastery of the former can pave the way for the latter. India is expected to gain a complete command of MIRV technology in 15 to 20 years. This technology will enable it to use a single launched missile to strike several targets.

Fourth, India has forged ahead with its research on intercontinental missiles. India now possesses short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and is developing long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Indian defense experts said it would not be difficult to convert PSLV launchers to intercontinental ballistic missiles. India has test-fired its Surya missile, whose range is close to an intercontinental missile. Its Ministry of Defense also has disclosed that the country is speeding up research on intercontinental missiles. All these moves provide evidence to India's improving intercontinental missile technology.


VK Saraswat, DRDO's Chief Controller of Missiles and Strategic Systems, told Business Standard in May 2008 that DRDO is working on a 5,000kme range Agni-5 missile, with multiple warheads (MIRVs) that can maneuver and send out decoys to confuse enemy anti-missile defenses.

In October 2008, ASL Director Avinash Chander told Business Standard:

"We have made major progress on the MIRVs in the last two years."

MIRV technology is very similar to the multiple satellite launch technology that ISRO has mastered and repeatedly demonstrated using its PSLV launcher. However, warhead separation requires a higher degree of accuracy than satellite separation. MIRV is effective only when accuracy of the individual warheads is high, allowing relatively small warheads to be targeted at widely dispersed targets.

MIRVed missiles deployed on nuclear submarines represent a potent second strike capability in support of a no first use nuclear doctrine like the one embraced by India.
 

sayareakd

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cross post from Agni V thread

Indian MIRVs as shown slide at AeroIndia.

Shot at 2012-01-05[/IMG]
 

sesha_maruthi27

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GUYS DO WATCH THIS, VERY EXCITING.......


After seeing this I think the AGNI V being MIRV is not a rumor....
 
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LETHALFORCE

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http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/2012/01/club-class-india-now-eyes-icbm-agni-6.html


[h=1]India now eyes ICBM Agni-6, even as A-5 readies to spit fire[/h]





Bangalore: India's big bang missile Agni-5 is moving towards the strike-zone carrying new technologies as a stepping stone for futuristic killer-missions. But, silently yet another story is being scripted for Agni-6, India's club-class Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Range: In excess of 6,000 km!
Notwithstanding what happens with the A-5 launch, sources tell that the missile scientists are already looking at newer possibilities in making future strike meaningful and menacing. "There are many more areas in long range missiles where future work can happen. Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV), manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV) considerably lighter weights using all composite structure with high energy propellant, the intelligent counter measures against BMD (ballistic missile defences), reducing radar cross-sections are some of them," sources said.
But, military experts point out that the Defence Reserach and Development Organisation (DRDO) will have to travel some distance before achieving the MIRV\MaRV capabilities. "Good to hear we are on track but it is a very complex
technology. It's worth the wait and see when A-5 will be finally inducted into the Services, with what features and in what numbers. Range and accuracy are first two primary factors one should watch for," a warhead specialist with Indian Army told Express.
Avinash Chander, Chief Controller, R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems), DRDO, told Express over the phone from New Delhi that his team has definitely taken stock of the road ahead. "Future systems may carry different types of payloads such as high energy weapons. All these technology developments are within the horizon. Further systems whenever planned, will have some of these (read as MIRV\MarV) features," Avinash said. However, he refused to comment on Agni-6.
To a query on the factors that have influenced during A-5 development, Avinash, the brain behind the missile, said that India needs a platform which has the range to cover its emerging area of influence. "It also needs high mobility, safety and accuracy. A-5 provides a state-of-the-art weapon, an amalgam of multiple front-end technologies and capabilities. Along with A-4, it represents the new generation of Agni series. It also provides a strategic depth enabling its positioning deep within our country where it has much higher survivability," he said adding: "It also enables launch from anywhere with very short reaction time which makes it extremely difficult to deny its usage by any hostile intervention by the enemy."
When asked about the possible launch date of A-5, Avinash said: "We are on course. These are all highly technology-intense missions. The launch campaign will officially begin in the middle of the month. These are first-time developments and there will be some uncertainties."
V G Sekaran, Director, Advanced System Laboratories (ASL), says that the confidence of going for a project like A-5 came from DRDO's matured work-cluture. "Today we are not shying away from taking risks and our enthusiasm comes with age, experience, fearlessness and the freedom to explore. Agni-5 will be a new chapter as we enter a different class of missile field," Sekaran said.





 

LETHALFORCE

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Agni-V launch soon: DRDO

Agni-V launch soon: DRDO

Agni-V, the 5,000-km version of the nuclear capable missile, is in the final phase of testing and is soon set for launch, a senior DRDO official said here today.

"Agni-V is in the final phase of testing. I cannot predict the exact date of its launch, but it will be launched shortly," Chief Controller R and D (Missiles and Strategic Systems) at DRDO, Avinash Chander, said.

He was addressing a press conference at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory to mark the conclusion of its year-long golden jubilee celebrations,

Agni-V, touted as India's most ambitious strategic missile, will follow last year's test of the country's most advanced surface-to-surface missile Agni-IV.

The three-stage Agni-V and the two-stage Agni-IV are poised to add credible deterrence against countries which have missiles like the 11,200-km Dong Feng-31A, Chander said.

Agni-V will feature Multiple Independently-Targeted Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) with each missile being capable of carrying 3-10 separate warheads.

To a question, Chander said "we have Rs 20,000 crore worth production orders for Akash missile."

"By 2020, India will be among the leading countries in the missile development," he said.
 

LETHALFORCE

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http://expressbuzz.com/nation/as-agni-5-takes-aim-india-eyes-icbm/351830.html

As Agni-5 takes aim, India eyes ICBM


BANGALORE: India's big bang missile Agni-5 is moving towards the strike-zone carrying new technologies as a stepping stone for futuristic killer-missions. But silently, yet another story is being scripted for Agni-6, India's club-class Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Range: in excess of 6,000 km.
Notwithstanding what happens with the A-5 launch, sources say missile scientists are already looking at newer possibilities in making future strikes meaningful and menacing. "There are many more areas in long-range missiles where future work can happen. Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV), manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV) which are considerably lighter using all-composite structure and intelligent counter measures against BMD (ballistic missile defences) are some of them," sources said.
But military experts point out that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will have to travel some distance before achieving the MIRV/MaRV capabilities. "It is a very complex technology. It's worth waiting to see when A-5 is finally inducted into the Services, with what features and in what numbers. Range and accuracy are factors one must watch for," a warhead specialist with the Indian Army told Express.
Avinash Chander, Chief Controller, R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems), DRDO, told Express over phone from New Delhi that his team has taken stock of the road ahead.
"Future systems may carry different types of payloads such as high energy weapons. Further systems whenever planned, will have some of these (read as MIRV/MarV) features," he said.
On the factors that have influenced A-5 development, Chander, the brain behind the missile, said India needs a platform which has the range to cover its emerging area of influence.
"It also needs high mobility, safety and accuracy. A-5 provides a state-of-the-art weapon, a mix of front-end capabilities," he said.
On the launch date of A-5, he said: "The launch campaign will officially begin in the middle of the month."
 

LETHALFORCE

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Agni-V launch soon: DRDO

Agni-V launch soon: DRDO

Agni-V, the 5,000-km version of the nuclear capable missile, is in the final phase of testing and is soon set for launch, a senior DRDO official said here today.

"Agni-V is in the final phase of testing. I cannot predict the exact date of its launch, but it will be launched shortly," Chief Controller R and D (Missiles and Strategic Systems) at DRDO, Avinash Chander, said.

He was addressing a press conference at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory to mark the conclusion of its year-long golden jubilee celebrations,

Agni-V, touted as India's most ambitious strategic missile, will follow last year's test of the country's most advanced surface-to-surface missile Agni-IV.

The three-stage Agni-V and the two-stage Agni-IV are poised to add credible deterrence against countries which have missiles like the 11,200-km Dong Feng-31A, Chander said.

Agni-V will feature Multiple Independently-Targeted Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) with each missile being capable of carrying 3-10 separate warheads.

To a question, Chander said "we have Rs 20,000 crore worth production orders for Akash missile."

"By 2020, India will be among the leading countries in the missile development," he said.
 

LETHALFORCE

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As Agni-5 takes aim, India eyes ICBM | MIRV | MaRV | The New Indian Express

As Agni-5 takes aim, India eyes ICBM


BANGALORE: India's big bang missile Agni-5 is moving towards the strike-zone carrying new technologies as a stepping stone for futuristic killer-missions. But silently, yet another story is being scripted for Agni-6, India's club-class Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Range: in excess of 6,000 km.
Notwithstanding what happens with the A-5 launch, sources say missile scientists are already looking at newer possibilities in making future strikes meaningful and menacing. "There are many more areas in long-range missiles where future work can happen. Multiple independently-targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV), manoeuvring re-entry vehicles (MaRV) which are considerably lighter using all-composite structure and intelligent counter measures against BMD (ballistic missile defences) are some of them," sources said.
But military experts point out that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will have to travel some distance before achieving the MIRV/MaRV capabilities. "It is a very complex technology. It's worth waiting to see when A-5 is finally inducted into the Services, with what features and in what numbers. Range and accuracy are factors one must watch for," a warhead specialist with the Indian Army told Express.
Avinash Chander, Chief Controller, R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems), DRDO, told Express over phone from New Delhi that his team has taken stock of the road ahead.
"Future systems may carry different types of payloads such as high energy weapons. Further systems whenever planned, will have some of these (read as MIRV/MarV) features," he said.
On the factors that have influenced A-5 development, Chander, the brain behind the missile, said India needs a platform which has the range to cover its emerging area of influence.
"It also needs high mobility, safety and accuracy. A-5 provides a state-of-the-art weapon, a mix of front-end capabilities," he said.
On the launch date of A-5, he said: "The launch campaign will officially begin in the middle of the month."
 

LETHALFORCE

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Indian-developed technology to boost range of missiles and protect re-entry vehicles news



Bangalore: Agni III, which is India's longest-range missile with a capability of striking targets 3,500 km away, may now have an extended range of around 5,000 km thanks to a unique solution discovered by Indian scientists at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) here. The technology will increase the range of not just missiles but also other satellite launch vehicles.

The technology also has the exciting possibility of reducing the risk of occurrence of a Columbia space shuttle-type of tragic accident.

The enhanced range of an Indian re-entry vehicle or missile will now be due to a special-purpose coating of chromium metal applied to the blunt nose cone of missiles and launch vehicles, for which international patents have been sought for by the team of IISc scientists (See: Indigenous technology to increase range of Indian missiles by a third)

The prestigious IISc is celebrating its centenary this year.

''Objects such as missiles fly at hypersonic velocities which are more than five times the speed of sound and encounter atmospheric drag because of friction. The chromium coating works by adding temporary heat and pushing the stagnating gas away to create an easier path,'' G Jagadeesh, an assistant professor at the IISc here said.

The findings of the IISc team, which also includes Vinayak Kulkarni of IIT (Guwahati) and GM Hegde, E Arunan and KPJ Reddy, have been reported in the latest issue of the Physics of Fluids journal published by the American Institute of Physics.

Laboratory experiments have shown that atmospheric drag because of the coating fell by 47% and Jagadeesh said a ''conservative estimate'' was that this would result in range going up by at least 40%.

''The measurements show about 47% reduction in the drag coefficient for a 60° apex angle blunt cone in a Mach 8 flow of 3.4 MJ/kg specific enthalpy,'' reads an extract from the article in the journal.

Scientists say the breakthrough also has potential to avert disasters of the type that struck space shuttle Columbia in 2003, which resulted in the death of seven astronauts, including Indian-born astronaut Kalpana Chawla. The shuttle burned out as it was re-entering the earth's atmosphere as there were problems it's thermal protection system.

The special-purpose coating developed at the IISc could likely replace the tiles and panels which currently protect orbiters against extreme heat during re-entry into the atmosphere.

''The coating evaporates once the object has re-entered the atmosphere. This novel method is path-breaking because additional energy is not required to reduce drag; objects which travel into space need to carry a much lower fuel load,'' Jagadeesh said.
 

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