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From Avi Das'
DRDO's VSHORAD with AMDL (Advanced Man-Portable Data Link), which was supposed to be developed in 2023, is already ready and was test-fired today off the Orissa coast. Right now only its wind tunnel testing was to be on and the field trials were to happen a year from now. This is a one year jump.
From the looks of it, its outer ranges is in excess of 6 km (from the launch video it seemed to go 7 km with ease). The AMDL is being jointly developed by Green Robotics and BEL, and is unique to all MANPADS. It means that the missile can be fired through a network. Which means not only the launcher can be remote from the operator but one can have a network of remote stations which can be triggered by a surveillance platform.
It features a dual band IR seeker (which is supposed to be uncooled) and be guided by a multi-spectral optronics unit (beyond network intelligence). from the looks of it, it hasn't copied any known MANPAD. Its tail fins seem to be maneuverable, while its frontal fins, more mid bodied, are for stabilization. This is the reverse of most MANPADS. It looks bulkier than even Mistral. Which means its weight will be closer to 20 kg. If not more.
It seems to carry substantial more fuel as also have a large enough guidance and warhead section. It's supposed to be a dual-thrust solid propellant rocket engine. The aft section will burn faster and provide it with adequate thrust to reach a high speed. The next section will burn slower, providing it acceleration but also much greater range. It's also supposed to have a Miniaturised reaction control system to aid maneuverability.
It remains to be seen what is its Max altitude. It can't be 3.5 km as was said, cos that would make it inoperable in the Himalayas. From its size, I'd say it is more.
The bigger benefit will be in its spin off. It can be made into a canisterised Point Defence System. Also it will provide aircover to advancing armoured columns, giving them a range much beyond Shilka and given its networked operability, remote AEW can help armoured columns ambush aerial targets. And it is this network centricity which is the key. This would apply to all Indian air defence. From QRSAM to any other.
This is humungous news.
image via Defence Decode.