- Akash Weapon System, already in service with the IAF, was refurbished with the IR seeker to the satisfaction of the user.
Akash Series Surface to Air Missile System
- Thread starter Aashish
- Start date
Army to get ‘enhanced’ Akash missiles
MUMBAI, MAY 4
The Akash surface-to-air missile defence system is once again in the news with the Army looking to order another batch, despite having previously discarded the idea in favour of Israel’s quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles (QR-SAMs).
Confirming that a new order is in the works, a Defence Ministry official said the missiles would be “greatly enhanced” to perform to their fullest capability.
Capabilities
“Akash can fly at supersonic speeds, ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5, and engage aerial targets up to a range of 30 km. The kill probability of the missile is 88 per cent and can be increased to 98.5 per cent by launching a second missile after five seconds of launching the first. These features will enhance the system,” said the official. The indigenous missile was officially inducted into the Indian Army in 2015. Though the Army initially planned to add additional Akash batteries, repeat instances of the system not meeting operational requirements as it failed mobility tests, led the Army to announce in 2016 that it would not order any more batteries.
Ministry order
The decision dealt a body blow to state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which designed and is developing the missile. However, last year, the Defence Ministry cancelled a global tender for surface-to-air missile system in favour of the Akash missile system.
Russia’s Rosonboronexport, Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Swedish Saab were competing for the tender, with decisions weighing in favour of Israel’s QR-SAMs.
At the same time, the ministry also allocated $2.8 billion for the procurement of two regiments of the Akash missile systems for the Indian Army. A regiment has 240/288 launchers and 625/750 missiles.
Developed under the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP), which also involved the development of the Nag, Agni and Trishul missiles, as well as the Prithvi ballistic missile, the Akash missile has an indigenous content of 96 per cent.
“Last year, Akash was tested successfully with an indigenous seeker for the first time. This has given us the confidence to make any type of surface-to-air missile,” said a DRDO official, pointing out that it is the first indigenous weapon system developed by the DRDO to get production orders worth more than ₹25,000 crore.
As of now, 8/8 squadrons of Akash missile systems have been delivered and inducted into the IAF. “All Akash systems are independently operated by the IAF and the Army,” the official said.
Army to get ‘enhanced’ Akash missiles
MUMBAI, MAY 4
The Akash surface-to-air missile defence system is once again in the news with the Army looking to order another batch, despite having previously discarded the idea in favour of Israel’s quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles (QR-SAMs).
Confirming that a new order is in the works, a Defence Ministry official said the missiles would be “greatly enhanced” to perform to their fullest capability.
Capabilities
“Akash can fly at supersonic speeds, ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5, and engage aerial targets up to a range of 30 km. The kill probability of the missile is 88 per cent and can be increased to 98.5 per cent by launching a second missile after five seconds of launching the first. These features will enhance the system,” said the official. The indigenous missile was officially inducted into the Indian Army in 2015. Though the Army initially planned to add additional Akash batteries, repeat instances of the system not meeting operational requirements as it failed mobility tests, led the Army to announce in 2016 that it would not order any more batteries.
Ministry order
The decision dealt a body blow to state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which designed and is developing the missile. However, last year, the Defence Ministry cancelled a global tender for surface-to-air missile system in favour of the Akash missile system.
Russia’s Rosonboronexport, Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Swedish Saab were competing for the tender, with decisions weighing in favour of Israel’s QR-SAMs.
At the same time, the ministry also allocated $2.8 billion for the procurement of two regiments of the Akash missile systems for the Indian Army. A regiment has 240/288 launchers and 625/750 missiles.
Developed under the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP), which also involved the development of the Nag, Agni and Trishul missiles, as well as the Prithvi ballistic missile, the Akash missile has an indigenous content of 96 per cent.
“Last year, Akash was tested successfully with an indigenous seeker for the first time. This has given us the confidence to make any type of surface-to-air missile,” said a DRDO official, pointing out that it is the first indigenous weapon system developed by the DRDO to get production orders worth more than ₹25,000 crore.
As of now, 8/8 squadrons of Akash missile systems have been delivered and inducted into the IAF. “All Akash systems are independently operated by the IAF and the Army,” the official said.
Army to get ‘enhanced’ Akash missiles
Akash NG : A Look at What India's Next Generation SAM Could Be
September 23, 2018
Confident with the success of Akash-1 missile system DRDO is now moving full steam ahead with the development of the highly advanced Akash-NG i.e. Akash-Next Generation. In May 2018, L&T's 'milestone ceremony' gave us a glimpse of new Akash missile. Using that poster we created 3D images of Akash-NG SAM. Since we had to extrapolate the upper section of the missile, proportions might be slightly mismatched, but I think 3D-rendering gives us an idea of how the actual thing would look like.
No, that's not Barak-8! Ok, fins probably should have been at mid-body section.Two black stripes on the front section indicate inert training round.
The Akash-NG missile has a cylindrical body with four cropped delta fins at mid-body and four tail fins. Second stage air-breathing solid ramjet engine has been ditched in favor of lighter dual-pulse solid rocket motor. The new propulsion system will increase the range of the missile to 50km+. Akash-NG has six major components- radome, indigenous active RF seeker, RF/Laser proximity fuse, pre-fragmented warhead, electromechanical actuation, and dual-pulse rocket motor.
The new model has substantial improvement in missile performance. The Akash-NG will not only have greater range but also the advanced signal processing and guidance system which will improve missile's reliability and performance at extremes of engagement envelope and in a dense electronic jamming environment.
Akash-NG missile canister
Another plus point is that Akash-NG will utilize a canister-based launch system. Since the new model appears to be considerably lighter and less bulky than its predecessor, a single launcher unit is expected to carry six hermetically sealed missile canisters. Canister-based launch system would provide much longer shelf life and reliability. It also reduces overall deployment time. Akash-1 missiles are also stored in sealed canisters but they have to be mounted on launcher rails without the canister, which makes reloading a time-consuming task.
Akash-NG SAM on display.LRDE High Power Radar replica in the background
( HPR doesn't have any connection with the Akash-NG missile system)
According to unconfirmed reports, Akash-NG will feature an AESA Multi-Function Radar(MFR). The Addition of MFR will afford the Akash missile system capabilities it never had before. MFR will combine functions (search, track and fire control) of three different radars in one single unit. The use of AESA radar versus older PESA Rajendra radar allows for a much higher sensitivity and reliability. MFR combined with enhanced command and control system will improve overall processing and target handling capability which means that Akash-NG will have a faster reaction time and a higher level of protection against saturation attacks. It has increased the number and types of target Akash can engage. In addition to intercepting incoming PGMs, cruise missiles, and aircraft, the new SAM will also be able to destroy short-range rockets and ballistic missiles.
In networked air-defence environment, Akash-NG will work with Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
September 23, 2018
Confident with the success of Akash-1 missile system DRDO is now moving full steam ahead with the development of the highly advanced Akash-NG i.e. Akash-Next Generation. In May 2018, L&T's 'milestone ceremony' gave us a glimpse of new Akash missile. Using that poster we created 3D images of Akash-NG SAM. Since we had to extrapolate the upper section of the missile, proportions might be slightly mismatched, but I think 3D-rendering gives us an idea of how the actual thing would look like.
No, that's not Barak-8! Ok, fins probably should have been at mid-body section.Two black stripes on the front section indicate inert training round.
The new model has substantial improvement in missile performance. The Akash-NG will not only have greater range but also the advanced signal processing and guidance system which will improve missile's reliability and performance at extremes of engagement envelope and in a dense electronic jamming environment.
Akash-NG missile canister
Akash-NG SAM on display.LRDE High Power Radar replica in the background
( HPR doesn't have any connection with the Akash-NG missile system)
According to unconfirmed reports, Akash-NG will feature an AESA Multi-Function Radar(MFR). The Addition of MFR will afford the Akash missile system capabilities it never had before. MFR will combine functions (search, track and fire control) of three different radars in one single unit. The use of AESA radar versus older PESA Rajendra radar allows for a much higher sensitivity and reliability. MFR combined with enhanced command and control system will improve overall processing and target handling capability which means that Akash-NG will have a faster reaction time and a higher level of protection against saturation attacks. It has increased the number and types of target Akash can engage. In addition to intercepting incoming PGMs, cruise missiles, and aircraft, the new SAM will also be able to destroy short-range rockets and ballistic missiles.
In networked air-defence environment, Akash-NG will work with Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
A Barak-8 without dual pulse motors will only hit a range of 35Km.
What's more interesting is the SFDR based SAM, which will give us better capability than Akash-1S all the way out to 300Km.
Wait for some more time and you will know the real and correct range of Akash-NG.
If the Akash NG has a single pulse motor, it will only hit 50Km. But with dual pulse motors, it will hit 150Km. If the NG comes with dual pulse motors, which it likely will, then we won't have the need for more Barak SAMs for the IA and IAF than already contracted. We can even make a boosted version with 200Km range by adding a new booster stage. I just hope it also has quick reaction capability.
The way I see it, DRDO is doing their best to undermine all missile imports by making a better direct competitor. We got the BMD, then the QRSAM to compete with the SPYDER and now Akash NG competing with the Barak.
BARAK -8 has technology transfer deal and will be indigenised instead of replaced with Akash. Akash is meant for short range defence of 50km with 40km being NEZ. Akash is a form of guaranteed defence to stop enemy planes from coming insise the area.
Akash NG will be same missile as Akash with upgrades in motor, airframe, fuel and RF seeker. We don't want 200km Akash as the whole point is to have guaranteed strike with RAMJET engine.
Why do you think India has rejected intermediate range missiles from Russia and Israel? Could it be possible the NG is a vertically launched missile which uses its new trajectory profile to intercept and increase range?
Initial Akash was designed on the same principles as that of SA-2/3. But later we learnt better tricks and the NG version comes with some extremely advanced tricks.
AFAIK, we are going for 40 batteries of the Barak for the IA in 5 regiments and 18 batteries for the IAF in 9 squadrons.
While the IA may not need any more for now, the IAF will probably need 9 more squadrons, which can be the Akash NG instead. But then IAF is also inducting less Barak than they need because they believe the S-400 will fill the remaining gap.
So we are relying on both Russia and Israel for intermediate missiles.
Python V/Derby/9M96E - 15Km/35Km/40Km
Barak8/9M96E2/ER - 100Km/120+Km/150Km
The NG is VL. So it would be a direct competitor to the Barak 8 and ER.
But let's not forget that dual pulse motors are pretty expensive. The NG can end up with a regular motor if the idea is to stay low cost, and with a 50Km range, it could fill the capability gap between Akash Mk1 and Barak 8. I'm waiting for official confirmation for this. Hopefully in Feb, we will know more.
This missile should get a new name for obvious reasons.
My most eagerly awaited SAM is the SFDR.
It can fulfil all our needs from QRSAM to SRSAM to MRSAM to LRSAM with just one form factor.
Akash was never a a missile with rocket propulsion. It had ramjet propulsion from very first day. But we used it in inclined launch. Have a look at what is called an Umbrella. The horizontal range increases with increase in vertical plain. With new and more powerful booster, NG will go well beyond what Barak-ER could as it has ramjet propulsion. Just remember, about five years back when you said that Brahmos has a range of 290Kms, I had told you that it has a range of over 750kms.
Lastly, why has India not opted for 150km range missiles of S-400? Barak is surely not an option. Which missile fits it? 35kms is vertical range or horizontal range? Is AkASH-NG a part of BMD and so called endo missile is actually an exo missile and the so called exo missile an ASAT?
Akash NG uses solid rocket motors, not ramjet. It apparently has dual pulse solid rocket motors, like Barak 8.
The ramjet version for SAMs will be SFDR.
I wouldn't know about that. But Akash Mk1 is also capable of BMD, but only against SRBMs. So it is capable of Tactical BMD functions.
Here is source that says that akash NG is same missile as Akash but with improvement internally:
DRDO working on Akash 1S and Akash NG – Indian Defence Research Wing
About Barak-8, Indian LRSAM and MRSAM is intended to be fully made in India. The name has been changed but the missile will be indigenised. The missile is already made by India except for the seeker and MFSTAR radar. The seeker has been indigenised (India already has RF seekers) and MFSTAR will also be indigenised.
The Akash NG form factor is that of a missile with solid rocket. It has no inlets for the ramjet.
Same source with a different tune.
Akash-NG Poster shows Radical new design different from Previous gen Akash: Report – Indian Defence Research Wing
Akash-NG will feature next generation dual pulse solid propulsion and indigenous Active radar seeker, laser proximity fuse and will have enhanced range of 35-50 km and will come in canisters mounted on a road-mobile platform providing the advantage of higher reliability, longer shelf life, less maintenance and enhanced mobility.
Don't bother about the range mentioned. If the Akash has dual pulse, it will comfortably reach 150Km range. But it's no longer ramjet.
You are confusing "Indian designed and developed" and "indigenous". They don't mean the same thing.
The T-90 is now made indigenously, which means squat in terms of IP. So you should be looking at who owns the IP, and which R&D house was involved in the development of the IP.
In Barak's case, the entire system was designed in Israel, with the exception of the DRDO designed motor. This means Akash NG is our equivalent of the Barak 8.
So we already had confirmation last year that the Akash NG will have dual pulse motors.