Akash Series Surface to Air Missile System
- Thread starter Aashish
- Start date
Several programs are reaching close to user assisted trial/ production stage iin the next 3-4 years. NG is one of those, VLSRSAM is another. The latter particularly should give good choice in case IAF is interested. A VL system can be applied in many ways during situation like this.
We should also be looking at a low-cost short-range CRAM missile based on the QRSAM/VLSRSAM to deal with saturation attacks. Perhaps an upscaled version of Solar Industries' Bhargavastra system might do the job as well.
Unlikely , numbers in ~ 2000-2500 range for single service. Double it for both IA and IAF. Batch wise induction hence refurb work is also batch wise after shelf life is over, 10 years.
We have to understand the practical bit, it serves a greater shock if during need of the hour you find your stock missiles are not passing the 5 phase QT check done before use. This is the SOP followed. Every single missile has its own logbook and the respective unit has to fill in the details and get signed by the Officer in charge of that unit. During integration work, company provides the shelf life date hence if lru failure, they are to replace the part under amc.
[pics from Akash NG pressentation]
So what is the 5 phase check process followed during development/integration ? it is explained. Now during operational use it would be more convenient if the entire process could be digitalised. Hence now the missile cluster have developed the fully digital state of the art missile checkout system unit. Brahmos got one, Akash got also, all future missile systems will have such custom made unit installed in every operational base that house the missiles. The pre launch activity becomes much easier by connecting with the checkout system and clearing all circuit actuators pcb everything digitally.
Things like this is why it takes so much time for every project but our missile cluster have come through ages and now capable of delivering absolute top notch systems all designed in house.
1500 missiles with IAF for the first 8 squadrons bought in 2 batches, unknown numbers for the third batch of 7, possibly around 1500 as well. 2000 missiles for the first IA batch of 2 regiments, possibly the same for the 2nd batch too. So about 7000 missiles.
That's 100+ missiles per IAF battery and 160+ per IA battery.
Of course, the true inventory can be more than that as well.
MRSAM launcher with 8 missiles.
Akash NG launcher with 6 missiles
These types of sams maximise their range by following a ballistic trajectory & then gliding onto the targets from above.
This requirement of slewing the missile in a particular direction has resulted in Akash NG launcher's capacity being reduced from 8 missiles to 6 missiles. But, the ranges these sams work in will be 50km+. There should be no need to slew these missiles in particular direction, as they will just go up. There will be no direct interception at such large ranges. That job will be handled by low range sams like QRSAM.
Why was Akash NG launcher designed in such a way?? or why was such a req put forth for Akash NG?? & not for MRSAM??
Akash NG launcher with 6 missiles
These types of sams maximise their range by following a ballistic trajectory & then gliding onto the targets from above.
This requirement of slewing the missile in a particular direction has resulted in Akash NG launcher's capacity being reduced from 8 missiles to 6 missiles. But, the ranges these sams work in will be 50km+. There should be no need to slew these missiles in particular direction, as they will just go up. There will be no direct interception at such large ranges. That job will be handled by low range sams like QRSAM.
Why was Akash NG launcher designed in such a way?? or why was such a req put forth for Akash NG?? & not for MRSAM??
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Even the official sources quote different range figures, command guided version was always said to be SRSAM 25km, sometimes 30 km per their figure. Also used NG firing pic 
Brazil halts negotiations with India for Akash missile, turns to European alternative with longer range
Brazil has reportedly stopped talks with India regarding the Akash missile system. Instead, Brazil is now considering a deal with MBDA for its EMADS. The decision came despite India offering several defence platforms. Brazil's shift is due to EMADS' longer range and proven performance. The...
Brazil halts negotiations with India for Akash missile, turns to European alternative with longer range
Brazil has reportedly stopped talks with India regarding the Akash missile system. Instead, Brazil is now considering a deal with MBDA for its EMADS. The decision came despite India offering several defence platforms. Brazil's shift is due to EMADS' longer range and proven performance. The...economictimes.indiatimes.com
Akash NG is not yet ready
Present Akash has lesser range than EMADS
Should not have offered in first place.... We ourselves need to replace Akash with NG fast.
One thing I have noticed is that our missiles instantaneous speed right after launch are significantly slower compared to advanced foreign systems, even in the case of quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAMs), which are supposed to engage threats within very short timelines........slower initial acceleration could be due to conservative propulsion designs, use of lower-energy propellants + structural limitations of the airframe........this shortcoming directly affects missile’s performance in time-critical scenarios and limits its effectiveness against modern, high-speed targets..... this issue needed to be addressed fast.......improvements in propulsion technology + structural robustness to deliver higher initial thrust without compromising reliability or safety is a must.
Akash may be a proven system but it suffers from a dated image as it is based on 1970s-era SA-6 Gainful. Imo Mk1/S should be canisterized or ported over to a tube launcher similar to the QRSAM/Akash-2.
Some airframe improvements or weight reduction (including optimization of the warhead weighing 60kg!) should be considered.