Indian Army version of the Akash surface to air missile (SAM) successfully undergone a series of flight trials in various engagement mod...
Indian Army version of the Akash surface to air missile (SAM) successfully undergone a series of flight trials in various engagement modes, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, clearing its way for induction.
During the trial on Monday, Akash SAM engaged and destroyed a flying target in receding mode, at a distance of 19 km. The target was towed by the indigenous Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA). Earlier trial on 21st Feb, destroyed an approaching target. Few more trials will be conducted in different engagement modes, to ensure system capability and production quality.
The missiles launched during the trials where from the first batch of production model system being produced to equip two regiments of Indian Army. The medium range Akash’ is India’s first indigenously designed, developed and produced air defence system capable of engaging aerial targets upto a distance of approximately 25 kms.
The Akash multi target, multi directional, all weather air-defence system consisting of surveillance and tracking radars, control centres and ground support systems for Indian Army are mounted on high mobility T-72 tank chassis and is designed to enable integration with other air defence command and control networks through secured communication links. Indian Air Force has already deployed Akash batteries to protect its vital airbases in Gwalior, Lohegaon and bases along the Indo-Chinese border, including Tezpur, Bagdogra and Hasimara, replacing the 50-year-old Pechora missile.
Akash SAM uses an integral ram jet rocket propulsion system which provides thrust till it strikes the target and can fly up to a speed of Mach 2.5 and can engage manoeuvring targets like cruise missiles, fighter aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs.
Developed by DRDO, the Army version of Akash is being produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) as the nodal production agency with the involvement of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and a large number of other industries. The total production value of Akash air defence systems cleared for induction by Indian Army and Indian Air force is more than Rs 23,000 crore.
The Akash system is fully mobile and capable of protecting a moving convoy of vehicles. The launch platform has been integrated with both wheeled and tracked vehicles.
