Tungsten Alloy Military and DRDO Akash Surface to Air Missile System

The Akash Weapon System architecture is based on a Group Headquarters and a number of batteries. The system is customized on tracked or wheeled chassis to provide area air defense against multifarious air treats to mobile, semi-mobile and static vulnerable forces and areas. The Akash air defence group sanitizes a large volume of air space over the combat zone. The system can be operated either in the autonomous mode or in the Group Mode. The Akash Group consists of surveillance radars, Control Centres, phased array tracking and missile guidance radars, launchers and ground support equipment.

Surveillance Sensor (3 D CAR) is capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets upto a range of 150kms and altitude of 18 kms. It provides coordinates in three dimensions of upto 200 targets to the Group Control Centre (GCC) through secure communication links. The data is used to cue the weapon control radar.

Control Centers at the group (GCC) and the battery (BCC) have ruggedised computers where real time air picture from various sensors is integrated and data is processed. Decision support software carries out threat

analysis and generates options for commanders. Automated target assignment and launch commands are generated for optional engagement in kill Zone.

C 4 I software specially designed to meet Indian defence requirements, provides fusion of air pictures from various sensors, automatic tracking of air targets, designation of track numbers to different targets, identification of friend or foe, automatic assignment of target to GW batteries, automatic selection of launcher and decision support system for commander for launch and control of missiles. This feature also drastically reduces the requirement of manpower for operation of the system as the complete operations from target detection to engagement are hands free. The advanced battle management software has been extensively field tested under realistic combat development conditions using multiple live targets. The system can also be integrated with legacy or futuristic radars and networks.

Multifunction phased array radar variants have been configured on BMP and T-72 based tracked vehicle. The tracking and missile guidance radar configuration consists of a slewable phased array antenna of more than 4000 elements, spectrally pure TWT transmitter, two stage superhetrodyne correlation receiver for three channels, high speed digital signal processor, real time management computer and a powerful radar data processor. The system has multiple target handling capability from any direction. Each radar can simultaneously engage four targets and guide eight missiles in ripple mode. The radar has advanced ECCM features.

Akash launcher carries three ready to fire Akash missiles. It is interfaced with BCC via line or radio, is fully automatic and remotely controllable, has a microprocessor controlled electromechanical servo system and is capable of checkout and auto launch of the missiles. It has its own built in GTE power source and can also be operated by DC power from housed DC batteries.

The surveillance radar, launcher and control centre have been configured on T-72 and low bed trailer (Wheeled) chassis. Significant customization to user requirements has been incorporated. Akash surface-to-air missile has a launch weight of 720kg, diameter 350mm and a length of 5.8m. Its integral Ram Rocket propulsion provides all the way thrusting to a range of 25-30 km with a velocity of 600-700m/s from 1.5 km onwards. The Ram jet system enables powered intercept, high maneuverability, much higher terminal velocities, high average speed, lesser reaction time, lower flight time and better engagements of receeder targets vis-à-vis boost coast type of missiles. It also has wider no escape zones. The digital autopilot and guidance system are microprocessor based.

The missile has all the way command guidance for full range of operation. The missile uses state-of-art integral ram jet rocket propulsion system and the onboard digital autopilot ensures syability and cintrol. Electro-pneumatic servo actuation system controls cruciform wings for quick response, and thermal batteries provide onboard power supply. The Radio Proximity Fuse has advanced signal processing features. Together with the prefragmented warhead and safety arming mechanism, a high kill probability of maneuvering targets flying upto 600m/s is achieved. The missile has number of safety and abort features ensuring its safe handling and operations. The missiles do not require any maintenance in the field as it is fully integrated in the factory.

Akash Ground Support system is designed for high reliability and maintainability. The system has built in diagnostics and checkout systems with card level fault diagnostics and field replacement. The system has built in simulator for operators training.