titash wrote:I predict a mix of guidance modes. The active seeker is < 15 km range, and is relatively low powered if jammed. The rajendra is a very high power (relatively) radar and in the absence of ARMs (e.g. small sized raids by 1-2 aircraft or cruise missiles) is actually a very solid option
>13 km. Exact range not specified. And RCS is usually ~2sq mtrs, so 25% more against a loaded fighter from below/sides. This is an Astra sized seeker ported into Akash.
Also, remember, jamming has to be directed at seeker, in how many cases will fighters be directly coming at the missile? It attacks from the flanks, from below.. its not easy to jam at all unless strike package has escort jammers with antenna designed for the task (facing forward, downwards, in a wide swathe) leading SEAD packages to take out the Akash in advance and for that to work, you need to know where the Akash are. IAF can have 3-4 prepared positions and redeploy from peacetime "known positions" at wartime, with decoys at earlier position.
And with MTI, chaff will be ignored as well.
Lets consider: CG + ARH:
Point being the terminal seeker will be turned on ~at half the range. The radar can switch to another target now. So, it increases the radars target capability. Once missile goes active, radar can turn off as well, increasing its survivability.
LOBL mode (if implemented):
Suppose the Akash battery remains silent and launches at ~15km vs low flying targets with missiles going active right off the rails. The radar/Akash battery cannot be targeted by ARMs easily as they stay on only for surveillance.
Third mode: Lets just call it WAG (wise @ss guess) mode. Lob missiles into a "basket" initially determined by 3D surveillance radar and let them guide in on their own, to protect the Rajendra's.