[V.Narayan]

Akash NG, medium range SAM test fired twice.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indi...issile-2493250

India on Friday successfully test-fired for the second time its New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG), a surface-to-air missile defence system. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the flight-test from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the Odisha coast at 11:45 am. This was the second test firing of the missile within two days after the first was conducted on July 21. The test was carried out against a high-speed unmanned aerial target which was successfully intercepted by the missile. The flight test has validated the functioning of complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed RF Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system. The test was carried out amidst inclement weather conditions to test the all-weather capability of the weapon system. With this Akash-NG has been test fired three times in 7 months. This indicates rapid progress.

Another small step in the right direction for our air defences.

Reports in the public domain indicate that the Akash-NG has a range of 70 to 80 kms versus the 30 to 40 kms of the base Akash and Akash-1S. This it is reported is achieved by its pulsed rocket motor. A pulsed rocket motor is one where it operates on a sprint and cruise cycle to extend range and have the ability to sprint & accelerate on the last homing leg.

Jai Hind.

[V.Narayan]

In a month India tests 3 different kinds of missile based weapons


https://www.rediff.com/news/report/d...n/20211103.htm
https://affairscloud.com/drdo-iaf-fl...-successfully/
https://www.indiatoday.in/india-toda...754-2021-10-31

In October-November India successfully tested three rather different but very useful weapons:-

The Agni-V ballistic missile which once deployed will put the whole of China under range from Central India thus obviating the need for placing SRBMs {Short Range Ballistic Missiles} in the vulnerable North East. A much needed signal to an increasingly belligerent and risk-foolish China.

The Glide Bomb - a 50 to 150 kms range glide bomb that glides to the target on strength of the kinetic energy imparted to it by its launch platform {an aircraft} and then uses passive, active or laser guidance of some sort to get to where we want it. Think of it as a unpowered missile - lower cost, lower signature.

An air-launched long range anti-runway missile with a range of ~100 kms. Almost the most difficult and dangerous job in establishing air dominance is to destroy the runways of the enemy from which it can deploy its fixed wing fast combat jets. The other is the destruction of SAM sites or their fire control & detection systems. It is like putting your head into a shark's mouth in order to pull out its teeth. A weapon like this with the desired accuracy and available in large numbers at an affordable cost is invaluable to us given the two hot fronts we face. The missile is said to have satellite based navigation and an electro-optical aiming for the final homing run.

Given that our Air Force has been under funded and under resourced, for a very long time, by a long line of second rate politicians & bureaucrats and given the fool hardy sabre rattling by an insecure Xi Jinping it is heartening to witness this progress in India.

Jai Hind.

[V.Narayan]

S-400 Triumf Surface to Air missile air defence system to start arriving in India. First squadron to be operational in early-2022

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/russ...a-govt-2610128
https://www.hindustantimes.com/video...353226859.html
https://english.newstracklive.com/ne...1192295-1.html
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/russ...livery-2407506

Amid risk of US sanctions under its notorious CASTAA legislation India is to receive the first consignment of the S-400 Triumf air defence system in two weeks just ahead of Putin’s visit in early December. The S-400 is a sophisticated long range air defence system to protect our vulnerable areas in the North and the East. Excerpts from the first post below.

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

In terms of a qualitative and fundamental shift in air defence capability, in my opinion, this is one of the most significant steps taken after induction of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI 18 years ago and the deployment in c.1969 of the first SAM sites of the IAF along the western border.

The mobile S-400 system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ballistic and cruise missiles within a range of 400 km, at an altitude up to 30,000 metre s(100,00 feet). It can track 100 airborne targets, including super fighters such as the American built F-35, and engage six of them simultaneously.

The S-400 system, which can be deployed within five minutes, integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and a command & control centre, and is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence. It is responsible for defending Moscow.

The S-400 uses four missiles to fill its performance envelope: the very-long-range 40N6 (400 km), the long-range 48N6 (250 km), the medium-range 9M96E2 (120 km) and the short-range 9M96E (40 km). The S-400 was described by The Economist in 2017 as "one of the best air-defence systems currently made".

Photo Source: Vitaly Kuzmin, Wikipedia

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

S-400 Triumf Surface to Air missile air defence system to start arriving in India. First squadron to be operational in early-2022

A more interesting development:

Russia exploring market for S-500 missile system; all eyes on India
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com...w/87688003.cms

Sources said detailed discussion over S500 and S550 would be carried out during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December this year.

Phoren publication too carries this report:
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/bu...-system-195841

From Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-500_missile_system

[AlphaKilo]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

A more interesting development:

[b]...S-500...S550

! OFF TOPIC !
So when is the S63 AMG coming?

Why would we even think about S-500? When the 400 already caused so much international trouble for us?!

[jayakumarkp]

Originally Posted by AlphaKilo

! OFF TOPIC !
So when is the S63 AMG coming?

Why would we even think about S-500? When the 400 already caused so much international trouble for us?!

Coming to S-500, the only answer seems to be to counter the Hypersonic ones from China? If today China has it, tomorrow it would be pakistan.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by AlphaKilo

Why would we even think about S-500? When the 400 already caused so much international trouble for us?!

You have the answer here below:-)

Originally Posted by jayakumarkp

Coming to S-500, the only answer seems to be to counter the Hypersonic ones from China? If today China has it, tomorrow it would be Pakistan.

The process of discussion has to start today so that 3 years* from now the installation can commence. Between Deng Xiaping and Hu Jintao {c.1980 to 2013} we faced a China which while building its strength chose to be statesman like in its foreign policy towards us. Now with Uncle Xi we have the most belligerent world leader of a large country since Uncle Adolf H - literally. And he is on our Northern Border and his Sancho Panza on our Western one. Xi would love nothing more than to - (A) conquer Taiwan; (B) give India a resounding military slap (C) chase USA away from the South China Sea and the Western Pacific. Militarily speaking we live in troubled times. Never before has our imbalance with China been so great. This is the result of 20 years of dragging and scratching between roughly 1990 and 2010.

*I started this thread 3 years ago when the S-400 deal was signed. That's how long it takes to commence squadron service of an in service weapon. The S-500 will take 5 years maybe. The only language Xi Jinping understands is the size of our lathi.

[V.Narayan]

Pinaka Rocket ER (Extended Range) tested successfully

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pina...-fired-2646493

The Pinaka ER version with a range out to 60 kms was tested successfully by the Indian Army over 3 days. The Pinaka is a Multi Rocket Launch system that ripple fires 12 large warhead rockets in 44 seconds to saturate enemy positions. The indigenously developed Pinaka has been in service for about 20 years having been first tested in the Kargil War when it was still under development. It is an example of a successful Indian developed locally manufactured weapon platform.

The rocket can be fitted with warheads to suit the need of the situation - high explosive fragmentation, incendiary, anti-personal, anti-tank, mine laying, cluster munitions etc. This improves the system versatility.

It is heartening to see indigenous weapon development being pushed at pace these days. We need it with the belligerence on our borders.

{Photo Source -Ministry of Defence}

[AlphaKilo]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Pinaka Rocket ER (Extended Range) tested successfully

..

How did they achieve the range extension? By making way for more fuel and larger rocket? (this means redesigning the transport vehicle and launch system etc) or was it something else?

One general question, in such upgrade programs, how to do they manage the old inventory? I know how it is done for aircrafts and other machinery but never imagined something like this could be done for missiles or rockets.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by AlphaKilo

How did they achieve the range extension? By making way for more fuel and larger rocket? (this means redesigning the transport vehicle and launch system etc) or was it something else?

Thank you for your very pertinent question.

The overall outer dimensions of the missile would be unchanged especially the diameter. Range can be improved through many means. I would not know which means was used in this case. Range can be increased by - (i) superior rocket fuel; (ii) superior aerodynamics; (iii) better range enhancing ballistic trajectory; (iv) re-designing the internals to squeeze our more space for rocket fuel; and finally (v) after the rocket has burnt out using the technique of base bleed* to reduce the after body drag.

Also at the very design stage of Pinaka-I the rocket tube of the TEL {Transporter-Erector-Launcher} could have been designed to be longer than the minimum with a shoe fitted for Pinaka-I and the full length used for Pinaka-II. Pinaka Mk-II is indeed 12 inches longer. So this last item is a sure thing. I'm sure there are other routes to increasing range which other more knowledgeable members can describe. What little I know from my arm chair readings is that the Mk-II of every weapon is though about while designing the Mk-I.

One general question, in such upgrade programs, how to do they manage the old inventory? I know how it is done for aircrafts and other machinery but never imagined something like this could be done for missiles or rockets.

The old and new inventory would be used side by side but not in the same TEL.

*For the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with base bleed.....

As a high speed projectile {missile, bullet, cannon shell} flies through the air at a very high speed about a quarter to a third of the drag is caused by the low-pressure area left behind the projectile attenuated by its blunt base. Base bleed is a technique that reduces this drag. A tiny gas generator is fitted at the rear most part of the projectile that fills the vacuum in the area behind the projectile with an inflow of gas thus dramatically reducing the drag. The lessened turbulence also improves the ballistic trajectory of the projectile actually improving accuracy for an unguided rocket like Pinaka. Base bleed can add~20% to range

Hope this helps answer your question.

[V.Narayan]

New generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P tested for second time

https://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...le37984273.ece

Excerpts...

New generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P was successfully tested from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha at 11.06 a.m. on Saturday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said. This is the second test of the missile. The first test took place in June last.

“Various telemetry, radar, electro-optical stations and down range ships positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile trajectory and parameters. The missile followed text book trajectory meeting all mission objectives with high level of accuracy,” a DRDO statement said.

Agni-P is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system and has a range of upto 2000 km. This second flight-test had proven the reliable performance of all the advanced technologies integrated into the system, the DRDO stated.

Improved parameters
DRDO officials termed Agni-P as a new generation advanced variant of Agni class of missiles with improved parameters, including manoeuvring and accuracy. Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving the storage and ease of handling.

Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability, which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. Agni-V, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, had been tested several times and validated for induction.

In the last few years, India has operationalised its submarine-based nuclear launch capability, completing the nuclear triad. This is especially important given India’s stated No-First-Use policy while reserving the right of massive

At this time it is unclear from information in the public domain where the Agni-P fits in, in our land based nuclear delivery suite given that the 5000 kms range Agni-5 is in full service/almost in full service. Given that along with Taiwan India faces the most real threat of a nuclear attack from rogue states like our Western neighbour it is only practical that we develop and deploy credible retaliation capability. That is the only stick our neighbours understand.

I have been following the development and indigenization of India's weapon suites in all three forces since the mid-1970s with the passion of an amateur. From the mid-1960s to the late 1970s we had a burst of local license production and indigenous improvements. But after that, with the exception of the Navy it went into a long period of stagnation crippled by over ambitious & under-funded projects. Now in the last decade and more especially since circa 2015 our defence forces are getting a much needed injection of imported and home grown weapons and equipment like never before since the 1960s.

Photo Source -Financial Express

[AlphaKilo]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

...
The overall outer dimensions of the missile would be unchanged especially the diameter. Range can be improved through many means. I would not know which means was used in this case. Range can be increased by - (i) superior rocket fuel; (ii) superior aerodynamics; (iii) better range enhancing ballistic trajectory; (iv) re-designing the internals to squeeze our more space for rocket fuel; and finally (v) after the rocket has burnt out using the technique of base bleed* to reduce the after body drag.
...

Hope this helps answer your question.

Yes indeed. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Aerodynamics, the perks of going fast in a planet with dense enough atmosphere .

If they are unguided, as my knowledge goes, a simple trajectory (ballistic or otherwise) is performed and the drop zone is chosen. Such artillery shells have impact fuses, right?

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by AlphaKilo

If they are unguided, as my knowledge goes, a simple trajectory (ballistic or otherwise) is performed and the drop zone is chosen. Such artillery shells have impact fuses, right?

Yes. A trajectory of an unguided artillery munition is always ballistic by definition. The fuze can be impact or proximity for an airburst a few metres above the terrain. The Pinaka war head can be simple high explosive, high explosive pre-fragmented, anti-tank bomblets, anti-personnel mine dispersal or incendiary or practise.

[srini1785]

^^

I have a noob question:

How much does metallurgy of the outer surface affect the overall performance of the missile?.

I was told that at hypersonic speeds, the temperature gradient just a few micrometers above the outer shell affects to a large extent the drag experienced.

[AlphaKilo]

Originally Posted by srini1785

^^

...
How much does metallurgy of the outer surface affect the overall performance of the missile?.

...hypersonic speeds...

A lot. Hypersonic or otherwise, it is absolutely critical to get the composition of alloys right to a very high precision level. Any impurity at atomic level or fractures at microscopic level can lead to a catastrophic failure of the whole system. Faster one goes, the higher the need for more highly thermal resistant alloy needed. As the speed increases, the drag also increase 1/2*density*Cd*U^2*A (Drag force). The drag coefficient is also influenced by the mach number (speed of an object with respect to speed of sound), so faster an object travels, the higher the resistance it faces. This means, higher temperatures will be created at critical points of contact (not going into the maze of supersonic shocks and stuff, yet). For the sake of simplicity, speed is directly proportional to resistance which is directly proportional to temperature. So, it is absolutely critical that the shell or housing for such high speed components are made out of materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and structural stress, yet be light enough.

Good example is the airframe of an SR-71 blackbird and that of MiG-25 Foxbat.