Akash-NG
Akash - New generation (IAST: Ākāśa "Sky") abbreviated as Akash-NG is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).
| Akash-NG | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) Akash-NG maiden test launch. | |
| Type | Mobile Surface-to-air missile system |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2022- |
| Used by | Indian Air Force (planned) |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Defence Research and Development Organisation Bharat Dynamics Limited |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | fragmentation |
Detonation mechanism | Optical proximity fuze |
| Engine | Dual-pulse solid rocket motor |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 70 km (43 mi)[1] |
Guidance system | Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with two way datalink Terminal: Active radar homing |
This missile is a successor to the Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements such as a Dual-pulse solid rocket motor, a canisterized launcher and an AESA Multifunction targeting radar to improve it's probability of kill with a smaller ground operations and logistics footprint.[2]
The development of the Akash-NG (New Generation) was approved in September 2016 with a funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹544 crore or US$76 million in 2019).[3] Akash-NG will have an improved reaction time and higher level of protection against saturation attacks. The second stage will use dual-pulse solid rocket motor which is lighter instead of air-breathing solid ramjet engine present in the earlier Akash and Akash-1S missiles to increase the overall range from current 40 km (25 mi) to greater than 80 km (50 mi) while also reducing the weight of the platform and the footprint of the launch platform, an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and optical proximity fuze will improve the effectiveness of the missile against targets with low radar cross-section.[4][2]
DRDO successfully conducted the first test of the missile on 25 January 2021 from Launching Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha at about 2.30 pm against an electronic target.[1]
See also
References
- Rout, Hemant Kumar. "Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
- "Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile". pib.gov.in. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
- "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
- SV, Vikas (4 December 2018). "Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities". oneindia. Retrieved 17 November 2019.