VL-SRSAM

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Context:

Recently, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully flight-tested vertical launch short-range surface-to-air missile from Chandipur, off Odisha coast.

Key details

The Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile.

Specifications

• It is based on the design of the Astra missile, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
• Beyond Visual Range (BVR) refers to the distance, usually over 20-30 kilometers, at which a target is too far to be seen with the naked eye and requires advanced tracking systems.
• Length: The missile is 3.93 meters long.
• Weight: 170 kg.
• Fuel: Solid propellant.
• Speed: A maximum speed of Mach 4.5.
• Striking Range: 80 km.
• Altitude Range: The weapon system can reach an altitude of 16 km.
• Warhead: High-explosive warhead filled with pre-formed fragments.
• This warhead is designed to explode when it gets close to a target, using a radar sensor to trigger the explosion at the right moment (radar proximity fuse).

Equipments

• Accuracy: The missile is equipped with a radio frequency (RF) seeker that helps it accurately lock onto its target.
• Navigation: For navigation, it uses an inertial system with a fiber-optic gyroscope to guide it during the middle part of its flight.

Operators

Initially designed for the Indian Navy but now it is being developed for use by the Indian Air Force to protect its air bases.

Capabilities

• The missile is designed to counter various aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and incoming missiles at short ranges.
• It is capable of targeting low-flying, sea-skimming threats.
• A sea-skimming target is an object, like a missile or aircraft, that flies very close to the surface of the water to avoid detection by radar and make it harder to intercept.

Launch platform and storage

• Each Vertical Launch System (VLS) can store up to forty missiles, organized in a twin quad-pack canister setup, with eight missiles in each pack.
• Means that the missiles are arranged in two sets of containers (called canisters), with each set holding eight missiles.
• The missile is designed to be installed on various types of warships, including destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and aircraft carriers.

Must read articles:

Indian Missile System an overview: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/indian-missiles-an-overview

Astra Missile: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/astra-missile

Brahmos Missile: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/brahmos-44

DRDO: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/drdo

Source:

https://www.eurasiareview.com/13092024-the-hunters-gaze-vl-srsams-rf-seeker-never-misses-analysis/#google_vignette

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VL-SRSAM