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 and Bharat Electronics.[3] Private sector firm Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India is involved in Development cum Production Partner programme.[4]
| Akash-NG | |
|---|---|
Akash-NG maiden test launch. | |
| Type | Medium range Surface-to-air missile system |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2023 (planned)[1] |
| Used by | Indian Air Force (planned) |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Designed | 2021 |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited Bharat Electronics Limited Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India |
| Specifications | |
| Rate of fire |
|
| Warhead | Fragmentation |
Detonation mechanism | Optical proximity fuze |
| Engine | Dual-pulse solid rocket motor[1] |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 30 km[2] |
| Flight altitude | 20 km (66,000 ft) |
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,[1] a canisterised launcher and an AESA Multifunction targeting radar to improve its probability of kill with a smaller ground operations and logistics footprint.[5]
The missile uses an Ku-band Active radar seeker which was revealed to the public during Aero India 2021.[1]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2021) |
The development of the Akash-NG (New Generation) was approved in September 2016 with a funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹574 crore or US$72 million in 2020).[6] Akash-NG will have an improved reaction time and higher level of protection against saturation attacks. The second stage uses dual-pulse solid rocket motor which is lighter compare to air-breathing ramjet engine present in the earlier Akash and Akash-1S missiles. It helps in reducing the weight and footprint of the platform. An active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR) improves the effectiveness of the missile against targets with low radar cross-section whereas optical proximity fuze provides excellent anti-electromagnetic interference capability.[7][5]
As per Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, Akash NG has range of 30 km and can operate upto an elevation of 20° to 70° with an azimuth of 360°. Two canister missile stacks take 10 minutes to reload. From target acquisition by command-and-control unit, the system can fire one missile within 10 seconds and in 20 seconds a salvo of three missiles can be fired. The deployment time is less than 20 minutes between transportation and ready-to-fire mode.[8]
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