It is equipped with an active radar seeker.
New Delhi: Astra, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed missile is said to be the one of the deadliest and sophisticated missiles in India’s weapon store. It is an all-weather beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) capable of engaging targets at short-range of 20 km and long-range 340 km.
After successfully testing Astra Mk1 and Mk2, the DRDO developed its next-generation BVRAAM, the Astra Mk3 which will significantly enhance India’s air combat capabilities by incorporating cutting-edge technology and achieving extended engagement ranges.
It is equipped with an indigenous active radar seeker and uses inertial mid-course guidance and active radar homing for terminal guidance. It has been integrated with the Sukhoi 30 Mki, Mirage 2000, LCA, and MiG-29 fighter aircraft.
Now, as per the latest reports, the DRDO is reportedly working on the successor to BVRAAM Astra Mk3 missile which will be even more cutting-edge and superior to the previous variants. It is said to be in the nascent stages and the theoretical reviews are surfacing that suggest that the new missile will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with one of the best weapons in the world.
DRDO has been working on different Solid Rocket Motors for increasing the range of missiles including 3 pulse Solid Motor. Globally, some highly sophisticated missiles use a triple-thrust solid rocket motor design because of its features like multiple phases of thrust production.
The in-progress missile could be fitted with triple-thrust solid rocket motor given their low cost and could potentially be not only reasonably priced but also having other improved features.
The main three phases of thrust production include, Boost Phase, Sustain Phase, and Final Boost Phase. This design allows for improved range, accuracy, and performance apart from programming the missiles to cover even longer distances, providing better control and changing speeds and modifications in the course of the flight.
Over this platform, the DRDO can very likely produce a series of India’s BVRAAM project, very much like the Agni Missile.
Watch out this space for further updates.
