Anti-jamming capability of Astra missile successfully tested
Scientist from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently have successfully tested crucial anti-jamming capability of the Astra missile.
During the trials missiles ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) features to overcome any jamming was successfully evaluated. This test was conducted after the missile’s RF seeker and other electronic components were sought to be jammed in the earlier trials.
With some more trials to be carried in future including air launch trial with a warhead, the missile will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2015.
About Astra missile
- Astra missile is indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is one of the smallest weapon systems developed by it.
- It is radar homing missile fuelled by single stage solid fuel and has payload capacity of 15 kg conventional explosives.
- It is air-to-air beyond-visual-range (BVR) all-weather missile that can be launched from different altitudes.
- It possesses Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) with range of 60-km plus that makes it one of the most reliable in its class of weapon systems.
- It is capable of engaging and destroying highly maneuverable supersonic aerial targets and can destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speed of 1.2 Mach to 1.4 Mach.
- It can engage targets in head-on up to 80 km and tail-chase up to 20 km modes. It can reach up to altitude of 110 km when fired from an altitude of 15 km.
- DRDO and Indian Air Force is looking to integrate the missile with fighter aircraft including Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
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Month: Current Affairs - December, 2015