The Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[5] During mid-course flight, the missile uses fibre-optic gyroscope based inertial guidance mechanism while in terminal phase uses active radar homing. With lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock on after launch (LOAL) capability, the missile receives mid-course update via datalink. VL-SRSAM intended to replace older Barak 1 surface to air missile system onboard Indian Navy warships.[6] It will also be used as short range air defence system for Indian Air Force.[7]
VL-SRSAM | |
---|---|
Type | Surface-to-air missile |
Place of origin | India |
Service history | |
In service | 2022 |
Used by | Indian Navy |
Production history | |
Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
Specifications | |
Mass | 170 kg (370 lb) |
Length | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
Diameter | 178 mm (7.0 in) |
Wingspan | 508 mm (20.0 in) |
Warhead | High-explosive pre-fragmented HMX/PU[1] |
Detonation mechanism | Radio proximity fuze |
Engine | Solid-propellant rocket |
Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 80 km[2] |
Flight altitude | 16 km (52,000 ft)[3] |
Maximum speed | Mach 4.5[4] |
Guidance system | Mid-course: Fibre-optic gyro based inertial navigation system with mid-course update via datalink. Terminal: Active radar homing |
Launch platform | Surface Ship |
VL-SRSAM is based on Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missile with four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that provide aerodynamic stability. It also includes additional jet vane driven thrust vector control to enable quick reaction time on vertical launch and smokeless exhaust.[8] VL-SRSAM conceived for area and point-defence role to save naval platforms. Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can hold forty missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration carrying eight missiles each for hot launch that can be installed in an arrangement of multiple launch systems based on availability of space on the ship. The missile is for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges, including fighter aircraft and sea skimming anti-ship missiles.[9] As an integrated solution of missile and weapon control system (WCS) with 360° interception capability, it can detect and engage threats from different directions. Although plan was to develop short range air defence missile, VL-SRSAM achieved a range of 50 km making it a medium range air defence system. The missile is said to be fitted in destroyers, frigates, corvettes and aircraft carriers.[10][11]
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and some private sector industries were involved in the design and development of the missile system as part of Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP).[6][12] VL-SRSAM superseded the cancelled Maitri missile project undertaken jointly by MBDA and DRDO based on the work done on MICA and Trishul.[13]