Yagnasri wrote: ↑29 Jan 2024 13:59
One observation/question of mango man Astra is said to be having some 110 KM range. Astra-based SAM was initially said to be in the 40 Km range. It is logical as it will be launched from land and will not have the momentum of the air-launched AAM. But suddenly, we hear press reports that instead of 40 KM, its range can be up to 80 Km. How is that logically possible if the same propulsion and engine are used? A lot of energy will be lost initially in the land-based launch. If it really has a range of 80Km, then does it mean the original AAM, i.e. Astra Mk1, has more than 110 Km range?
The VL-SRSAM is based on the Astra missile and the range is given as 30-40 Kms only. It is not quoted as 80kms.
The Akash-NG is not based on the Astra MK-1 and has a dual pulse motor, maybe very similar to the MRSAM. DRDO has developed the dual pulse rocket motor for the MRSAM and it is being manufactured in India. Hence, it would most likely be the case that the Akash-NG would be using the same rocket motor.
I don't know if we have an agreement with our yahudi brothers to not develop an exact replica of the MRSAM missile or not.
For the MRSAM project, the radar and the missile seeker tech has come from the Israelis and the dual pulse rocket motor if from DRDO.
We can have our own fire control radar now and RF-seekers have been developed in India. In fact now we have developed AESA based RF seekers.
The Akash-NG most probably has the same rocket motor as the MRSAM, but deliberately the range of the Akash-NG is not being stated unequivocally.
Also, strangely the Akash-NG has an inclined launcher, as opposed to a vertical launcher. India does not have a problem with vertical launchers and in fact the VL-SRSAM which is being developed simultaneously has a vertical launcher. The QRSAM has an inclined launcher.
This might be to have slightly different characteristics as compared to the MRSAM.
Another point to remember is that Israel already offers its Barak-8 for exports, whereas India has not offered the standalone MRSAM system for exports to anyone.