AKASH MISSILE

Content

Introduction

Development

Description

System

Operators

Introduction Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air

missile defense system developed by theDefenceResearch and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO), Ordnance Factories Boar

The missile system can target aircraft up to 30 kmaway, at altitudes up to 18,000 m. d and BharatElectronics(BEL) in India.

A nuclear warhead could potentially give the missilethe capability to destroy both aircraft and warheadsfrom ballistic missiles.

Development The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in

1990, with development flights up to March 1997.

Two Akash missiles intercepted two fast movingtargets in simultaneous engagement mode in 2005.3-D Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) group modeperformance is also fully established.

The Akash Missile Development cost of ₹ 1,000crore($200 million), including the project sanction of ₹ 600crore ($120 million), is 8-10 times lower than the costof similar system developments in other countries.

Description

Akash is a surface-to-air missile withan intercept range of 30 km.

It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of35 cm and a length of 5.78 metres.

Akash flies at supersonic speed, reachingaround Mach 2.5.

It can reach an altitude of 18 km and can be firedfrom both tracked and wheeled platforms.

The Akash carries an onboard radio-proximityfuse.

System Each Akash battery consists of four self-propelled

Launchers (3 Akash SAMs each), a Battery LevelRadar - the Rajendra, and a Command post(Battery Control Centre).

Two batteries are deployed as a Squadron (AirForce), while up to four form an Akash Group (Armyconfiguration).

Communications between the various vehicles area combination of wireless and wired links. Theentire system is designed to be set up quickly andto be highly mobile for high survivability.

Operators

India Indian air force - 8 Akash Squadrons

(1,000 missiles)

IndianArmy - with modifications - 2 Akash

Regiments (2,000 missiles)

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