VL-SRSAM test fire from Rajput class.
Hello all,
I remember seeing an image where it was mentioned that our upcoming AD-1 will be better than Aster-30. But aren't we already having MRSAM in similar role except the Pif-Paf. MRSAM is even lighter than Aster-30 and has similar range and performance.
What kind of improvements can we expect from AD-1 over the MRSAM?
I remember seeing an image where it was mentioned that our upcoming AD-1 will be better than Aster-30. But aren't we already having MRSAM in similar role except the Pif-Paf. MRSAM is even lighter than Aster-30 and has similar range and performance.
What kind of improvements can we expect from AD-1 over the MRSAM?
Altitude, better acceleration and range. AD-1 is part of BMD phase 2. So its not a regular SAM.
A better comparison would be with Aster 30 Block 1NT and Block 2 BMB versions.
Block 2 will not be developed separately. It will part of Europe's TWISTER program.
So, if they are planning to use Block 1NT for BMD then can they achieve both air defence as well as BMD from the same missile? Can it be achieved? If yes then we might see AD-1 having naval applications as well on our future capital ships.
What @Ashwin said.
Besides, let's not forget that no Indian customer has as yet ordered or even shown interest in the Barak-8ER variant - which is what is comparable to Aster-30. We only have the standard 70-90km Barak-8 in both Land & Ship-based versions. Kinematics-wise, its inferior to Aster-30 by a considerable margin due to lack of the add-on solid booster.
The Aster, at least as far as the Block 1NT goes, can never be a very good BMD platform on its own. It's mostly a stop-gap solution to add a modicum of BMD capabilities to an otherwise AAW-focused system. You need an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR)-based seeker to truly become a theatre-level BMD which is what the American Standard Missile (SM)-series does (and our AD-2). Block-1NT still uses a RF seeker which isn't the greatest when it comes to BMD.
I've no idea if they plan on changing it up on the Block-2.
Bottomline, Block-1NT alone cannot offer you theatre-level BMD capabilities like SM3 does. 1NT is just in the AD-1 class, but it remains to be seen if Block-2 will be something comparable to AD-2 or not. If not, our BMD solution will be much more comprehensive than the Aster.
MRSAM isn't BMD. It can defeat some types of TBMs, like Prithvi, but it can't defeat more advanced threats like the Iskander or PrSM, which require dedicated BMD or S-300/400 class defences. MRSAM is CMD, with some ability to attack short range, slow BMs, like Nasr, Prahar, ATACMS etc, so it's in a different class entirely compared to BMD.
IIR seeker is only useful in space. Inside the atmosphere, you need an RF seeker.
That's what I mean by needing IIR if you want full theatre-level BMD capability.
No midcourse intercept capability = no theatre BMD capability.
Likely used a trajectory that the Barak 8 was capable of intercepting, not necessarily at the Iskander's red lines.
Since it's an export grade version, it will be no different from a Prithvi.
One interesting which I observed that may or may not be true is that the canister which stores the VL-SRSAM is not inserted inside the vertical launcher instead the canister itself becomes the part of the vertical launching system. If you take out the canister then there will be only empty space.
So, I can assume that VLS of VL-SRSAM is actually an empty cage containing 8 launchers joined with a common exhaust duct.
Hope, I made sense.
So, I can assume that VLS of VL-SRSAM is actually an empty cage containing 8 launchers joined with a common exhaust duct.
Hope, I made sense.
Untill we actually see a pic of the module installed, it will be difficult to guess.
Exclusive image of k4 missile.
Deep earth penetrator?
Deep earth penetrator?
Yeah, that is true. But, I tried to observe this model.
Each missile canister is having two hook like things which most probably will be used to pull the canister out and replaced by a new one.
Our VLS implementation is very different from other ones which are in the market.
K4 missile has 6000kms range with 4 MIRVs and 2tons payload....
Now that's some serious payload and range. DRDO comes up with surprises every now and then....
