Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
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The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) is an Indian program for the development of a comprehensive range of missiles, including: the intermediate range Agni missile (Surface to Surface), and short range missiles such as the Prithvi ballistic missile (Surface to Surface), Akash missile (Surface to Air), Trishul missile (Surface to Air) and Nag Missile (Anti Tank). Most of these missiles are in various stages of development and deployment. The Astra Missile is being developed for an Air to Air, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) role. The current President of India, A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, is considered the person responsible for the success of IGMDP.[citation needed]
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[edit] Missiles in Indian history
The use of rockets and missiles by Indians dates back to the 18th century, during the period of Tipu Sultan. During the fight against the British, Tipu Sultan's Army used a number of improvised weapons, which included rockets, to thwart the British invasion.
In the twentieth century, the government of independent India embarked on a number of plans to develop missiles which would strengthen India's defences. In 1958, the government constituted the Special Weapons Development Team which would later become the Defence Research and Development Laboratories (DRDL), to undertake the development of first-generation anti-tank missiles. In the 1970s, the Indian government decided to manufacture anti-tank missiles under license from France. At the same time, DRDL was entrusted with two other projects: Project Valiant, which involved the development of a long-range ballistic missile; and Project Devil, which was aimed at reverse engineering the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile. Both projects were considered failures; Project Valiant was terminated in 1974 and Project Devil met the same fate in 1980. [1]
However, by this time, DRDL had developed the infrastructure and facilities to undertake the design and development of missiles. In 1983, under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Kalam, the Indian government revived the missile program as an Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
The main aim of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program was to develop, a missile in five different categories simultaneously, namely: a short-range surface-to-air missile (codenamed Trishul), a medium-range surface-to-air missile (codenamed Akash), a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (codenamed Nag), a short-range surface-to-surface missile (codenamed Prithvi), and an intermediate-range surface-to-surface missile (codenamed Agni). [2]
There were a number of failures and successes, which led to an expansion of the program in the 1990s, to develop the long range Agni missile, a ballistic missile (codenamed Sagarika), which would be the naval version of the Prithvi, and an inter-continental-ballistic-missile (codenamed Surya).
In 1998, the Government of India, signed an agreement with Russia to design, develop, manufacture and market a Supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile System (codenamed BrahMos). [3]
[edit] Agni Missile System
The Agni missile (from Sanskrit Agnī meaning "Fire", one of the 5 elements of nature) is an IRBM developed under the IGMDP by India. It was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989, and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead. It consists of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range). It is rail and road mobile. It is powered by solid and/or liquid propellants.
Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of missiles. The Agni I has a range of 700-800 km while the Agni-II as a range of 2,000–2,500 km. They are claimed to be a part of the "credible deterrence" against Pakistan and China. The Agni-II can only reach some parts of western China. Right now most of eastern China remains out of range from the Indian missiles.
Agni-III was tested on July 9, 2006 from Wheeler island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa.[1] After the launch, it was reported that the second stage of the rocket had failed to separate and the missile had fallen well short of its target.[2] It can hit strategic targets deep inside China, including Shanghai and Beijing with a strike range of 3,500 km. It falls short of the range of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) which have ranges over 5,000 km. Recent reports suggest that Agni-III missile will be tested again in 2007, with a new type of steel that will help to increase the range to 7000/7500 Kilometers.[3]
The Indian Missile Program has been a largely indigenous one with almost all of the equipment developed by Indian scientists. However it is delayed by some years as more variants of Agni are expected. Some parts of the missile have benefited from India's Space Program.
[edit] Prithvi Missile System
The Prithvi missile (from Sanskrit pṛthvī "Earth") is the tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The Prithvi was India's first indigenously developed ballistic missile. Development of the Prithvi began in 1983, and it was first test-fired on February 25, 1988. It has a range of up to 150 to 300 km. The land variant is called Prithvi while the naval operational variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi II class missiles are codenamed Dhanush (meaning Bow). Both variants are used for surface targets.
The Prithvi is said to have its propulsion technology derived from the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile. Variants make use of either liquid or both liquid and solid fuels. Developed as a battlefield missile, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon.
[edit] Variants of Prithvi
The Prithvi missile project encompassed developing three variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The initial project framework of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program outlines the variants in the following manner. [4]
- Prithvi I - Army Version (150km range with a payload of 1,000kg)
- Prithvi II - Air Force Version (250km range with a payload of 500kg)
- Prithvi III - Naval Version (350km range with a payload of 500kg)
Over the years these specifications underwent a number of changes. While the codename Prithvi stands for any missile inducted by India into its armed forces in this category, the later developmental versions are codenamed as Prithvi II and Prithvi III. The induction of Prithvi I class of missiles happened in 1994 and the armed forces are in the process of inducting the extended range, Prithvi II class of missiles as of 2006.
[edit] Prithvi I
Prithvi I class was a single stage liquid-fuelled surface-to-surface missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 1000 kg, with a range of 150 km. It has an accuracy of 10 - 50 metres and can be launched from Transporter erector launchers. This class of Prithvi missile was inducted into the Indian Army in 1994.
[edit] Prithvi II
Prithvi II class is also a single stage liquid-fuelled missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 1000kg, but with an extended range of 250 kilometres (155 statute miles). It was developed with the Indian Air Force being the primary user. It was first test-fired on January 27, 1996 and the development stages were completed in 2004. The Prithvi II class of missiles are in the process of induction by the Indian Airforce.
[edit] Prithvi III
Prithvi III class (codenamed Sagarika meaning Oceanic) [5] is a two-stage surface-to-surface missile in the developmental stages. The first stage is solid fuelled with a 16 metric ton force (157 kN) thrust motor. The second stage is liquid fuelled. The missile can carry a 1000 kg warhead to a distance of 350 km and a 500 kg warhead to a distance of 600 kilometres and a 250 kilogram warhead up to a distance of 750 kilometres. The design is developed while keeping the navy in mind.
Sagarika will be a nuclear-capable, cruise missile, capable of being mounted in ships or submarines. Considering the upward capability developments, Prithvi class of missiles could be reclassified from short-range ballistic missile to a medium range ballistic missile. The current codename of the operational variant Dhanush could pave way for the new codename Sagarika as Sagarika becomes operational. Dhanush was successfully tested on March 30, 2007. Sagarika will be inducted into the Advanced Technology Vessel being developed for Indian Navy. [6]
There were a number of shortcoming in the initial version of Prithvi missiles namely, High circular error probability (CEP) of around 500 meters and volatility of the liquid-fuelled propulsion system requiring fuelling only just before launching. These shortcomings are being overcome in the latest developmental versions by incorporating of global positioning system (GPS) into the missiles to reduce the CEP to as low as 75 meters and use of solid fuel in the propulsion system.
[edit] Akash Missile System
Akash (in Sanskrit meaning Sky) is a medium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program to achieve self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles.
Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 30km. It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.8 metres. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around 2.5 Mach. It can reach an altitude of 18 km. A digital proximity fuze is coupled with a 55kg pre-fragmented warhead, while the safety arming and detonation mechanism enables a controlled detonation sequence. A self-destruct device is also integrated. It is propelled by a solid fuelled booster stage. The missile has a terminal guidance system capable of working through electronic countermeasures. Features include capability of attacking multiple targets, and use of ramjet propulsion system that enables maintenance of required speeds without deceleration, unlike the Patriot missiles. [7] The missile is supported by a multi-target and multi-function phased array fire control radar called 'Rajendra' with a range of about 60 km. [8]
Design of the missile is much similar to SA-6 with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mouted on mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons are mounted before the tail.
While the missile meant for the Army can be launched from tracked vehicles such as battle tanks, the Air Force version can take off from wheeled vehicles. Three ready-to-fire Akash missiles can be carried in a battle tank. The missiles can take off in different directions and destroy multiple targets. Akash can be deployed by rail, road or air. The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997. Operational tests and evaluations were completed in 2006 and the missile is expected to inducted by the end of 2006. [9]
Official website for Akash SAM www.akashsam.com
[edit] Trishul Missile System
Trishul (Sanskrit for trident) is the name of a short range surface-to-air missile developed by India as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. It has a range of 9 km and is fitted with a 5.5 kg warhead. Designed to be used against low-level (sea skimming) targets at short range, the system has been developed to defend naval vessels against missiles and also as a short range surface to air missile on land. Guidance consists of three different guiding beams, with the guidance handed over progressively to a narrower beam as the missile approaches the target.
According to reports, the range of the missile is 12 km and is fitted with a 15 kg warhead. The weight of the missile is 130 kg. The length of the missile is 3.1 m.
The Indian Government has decided to suspend the Trishul research effort by December 2006.[10] The decision was taken primarily because of the continuing failure of the guidance systems despite years of work, and the agreement with Israel to collaborate on the development of the long range Barak II anti-missile system.
[edit] Nag Missile System
Nag (Sanskrit for "cobra") is India's third generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank missile. It is an all weather, top attack missile with a range of 4 to 7 km.
The missile uses an 8 kg tandem HEAT warhead capable of defeating modern armour including ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) and composite armour. Nag uses Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) guidance with day and night capability. Mode of launch for the IIR seeker is LOBL (Lock On Before Launch). Nag can be mounted on an infantry vehicle; a helicopter launched version will also be available with integration work being carried out with the HAL Dhruv.
Separate versions for the Army and the Air Force are being developed. For the Army, the missiles will be carried by specialist carrier vehicles (NAMICA) equipped with a thermal imager for target acquisition. NAMICA is a modified BMP-2 ICV licence produced as "Sarath" in India. The carriers are capable of carrying four ready-to-fire missiles in the elevatable observation/launch platform with more missiles available for reload within the carrier. For the Air Force, a nose-mounted thermal imaging system has been developed for guiding the missile's trajectory. The missile has a complete fiberglass structure and weighs around 42 kg.
Nag was successfully test fired for the 45th time on March 19, 2005 from the Test Range at Ahmednagar (Maharastra), signalling the completion of the developmental phase. It will now enter production phase, subject to user trials and acceptance by the Indian Army.
Further versions of the missile may make use of an all-weather Milli Metric Wave (MMW) seeker as an additional option. This seeker has reportedly been developed and efforts are on to integrate it into the missile.
[edit] Specifications
Total length: 1.90 m (6.23 ft)
Diameter: 190 mm (7.5 in)
Wingspan: -
Weight: 42 kg (93 lb)
Warhead Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb)
Propellant: Tandem Propulsion solid (Nitramine based smokeless extruded double band sustainer propellant)
Maximum effective range: 4 km (Guidance mode: IIR (Imaging infra-red)), 7 km for air-launched variant
Attack Mode: Lock-on-before-Launch - Top attack
Seeker: IIR cadmium zinc telluride
Single-shot hit probability: 0.77
CEP: 0.9 m R.S
[edit] Astra Missile System
The Astra missile (from the Sanskrit Astrā, meaning "Weapon") is an air-to-air (AA), beyond visual range (BVR) missile under development by India under its Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. This is the first indigenous air-to-air missile developed by India. The range of this missile is 80 km in head-on chase and 15 km in tail chase. This missile was successfully tested without control and guidance systems on May 9 to May 12, 2003. The missile was again successfully tested on 25 March 2007.[11]
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing this advanced beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) for its Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Sea Harrier, Su-30, and the Light Combat Aircraft [LCA]. Astra looks like an elongated Matra Super 530. It uses an indigenously developed solid fuel propellant, though DRDO is believed to be looking at rocket/ramjet propulsion similar to that used in its AKASH SAM project. The missile's onboard radio-frequency seeker has been designed in India. It will have an active homing range of 15 km. The missile has a pre-fragmented warhead & is fitted with a proximity fuze. A radar fuze already exists for the Astra, but the DRDO is currently working on a new laser fuze.
[edit] Specifications
- First test: May 9, 2003
- Total length: 3570 mm (11.7 ft)
- Diameter: 7 in (178 mm )
- Wingspan: 10 in (254 mm)
- Weight: 154 kg (339 lb)
- < 250 kg (550 lb) including launcher
- Warhead :15 kg (33 lb) HE fragmentation directional warhead
- Fuze: Radar proximity fuze
- Propulsion: solid fuel
- Maximum speed: Mach 4 +
- Maximum effective range: 80 km head on, 15 km tail chase, over 100 km (eventually)
- Maximum altitude: 20 km (66,000 ft)
- Minimum altitude: sea level
- Missile g load: 40 g (400 m/s²)
- Target g load: 9 g (90 m/s²)
- Guidance mode: Inertial + mid-course update & terminal active radar (15 km)
- Launch aircraft speed: Mach 0.6 to 2.2
Data is based on handouts and discussion at DRDO stall AERO INDIA 2003 & 05.
[edit] Surya Missile System
Surya (meaning The Sun in Sanskrit and Many Indian Languages) is the codename for the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile that India is reported to be developing. The DRDO is believed to have begun the project in 1994, in concert with other Indian defence agencies and the Indian space programme. Officials of the Indian government have repeatedly denied the existence of the project.
According to news reports, the Surya-1 is an intercontinental-range, surface-based, solid and liquid propellant ballistic missile. It is based upon the PSLV and GSLV space launch vehicles.
Surya is the most ambitious project in India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The Prithvi and Agni have completed development, as have the Trishul, the Akash and the Nag. India is also reported to be developing the Sagarika, a submarine-launched cruise missile with a range of about 300 km.
The Surya-1 and -2 will be classified as strategic weapons, extending the Indian nuclear deterrent force to targets deeper within China. India can only hit a limited number of targets within China, even upon the completion of the Agni-3 missile. The development of a true ICBM would make almost any strategic target within China vulnerable and decrease India’s relative weakness. This would develop a credible deterrent for India against any Chinese aggression.
The Surya-1 will have an expected range of 10,000 km. It reportedly has a length of 40 m and a launch weight of 80,000 kg. As the missile has yet to be developed, the payload and warhead are as yet unknown. It is believed to be a three-stage design, with the first two stages using solid propellants and the third-stage using liquid. The first two stages are believed to be derived from the PSLV's solid fuel rockets. The liquid propellant stage might be derived either from the Vikas rocket engine stages developed for the PSLV through technology supplied by France, or from the Russian supplied cryogenic stage of the GSLV.
The Surya-2 is a longer-ranged variant of the Surya-1. It has a reported range of 20,000 km
The first test flight is expected in 2008, and it is expected to be operationally ready by 2015.
[edit] Reported specifications
- Class: ICBM
- Basing: Surface based and sometimes also used under water in critical conditions
- Length: 40.00 m
- Diameter: 2.8 m
- Launch Weight: 80,000 kg
- Propulsion: First/second stage solid, third liquid
- Warhead Capabilities: 2-3 nuclear warheads of 15-20 kilotons each
- Status: Development / Developed to be tested
- In Service: 2015
- Range:20,000 km Surya-2
[edit] Other developments
The expertise and technology developed through the IGMDP is also used in the new Anti ballistic missile called the Exoatmospheric interceptor system which successfully intercepted a Prithvi-II ballistic missile.[12] India became the fourth nation in the world to acquire such a capability and the third nation to develop it through indigenous effort.[13]
[edit] Notes
- ^ of Indian Missiles, 1947-1970 accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ Indian Missile Facilities - DRDL History accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ BrahMos Website accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ Centre for Non Proliferation Studies Archive accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ Article in The Tribune, dated 7 September 1998, accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists dated September/October 2005, accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ The Hindu article dated 11 December 2005, accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ Global Security.Org article accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ Business Line article dated 30 January 2006, accessed 18 October 2006.
- ^ Government to close down Trishul anti-missile programme. NDTV. Retrieved on 2006-10-17.
- ^ Astra missile test fired from Chandipur. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2007-03-25.
- ^ India fired new interceptor missile in air defence test
- ^ India develops new anti-missile system
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Akash SAM Official website
- Bharat Rakshak
- Bharat Rakshak's page on Trishul
- Trishul Test Fired
- Nag Missile
- [http://www.nti.org/e_research/profiles/India/Missile/1931_4696.html
Missile Chronology 2004-present]
Air-to-air missile (AAM) · Air-to-surface missile (ASM) · Surface-to-air missile (SAM) · Surface-to-surface missile (SSM) · Ballistic missile · Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) · Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) · Anti-ballistic missile (ABM) · Cruise missile · Anti-ship missile (AShM) · Anti-submarine Rocket (ASROC) · Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) · Anti-satellite weapon (ASAT)
List of missiles
Guidance types
Anti-radiation missile · Wire-guided missile · Infrared guidance · Beam riding · Laser guidance · Active radar guidance · Semi-active radar guidance
