Akash (missile)
Akash (Hunterian: Akash, lit. 'Sky') is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Surveillance and Fire control radar, tactical control and command center and missile launcher are developed by Bharat Electronics (BEL), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Larsen & Toubro. The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 45 km (28 mi) away. It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles. It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
| Akash | |
|---|---|
Latest variant, Akash Prime missile being fired from a mobile launcher | |
| Type | Mobile Surface-to-air missile system |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2009-present |
| Used by | Indian Army Indian Air Force Armenian Armed Forces See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
| Unit cost | ₹2.5crore (US$500K) |
| Produced | 2009–present |
| No. built | 3,500 missiles till 2011 |
| Variants | Akash 1S, Akash Prime, Akash-NG |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 720 kg (1,590 lb) |
| Length | 578 cm (228 in) |
| Diameter | 30 cm (12 in) - 35 cm (14 in) |
| Warhead | High-explosive, fragmentation |
| Warhead weight | 60 kg (130 lb) |
Detonation mechanism | Radio proximity fuze |
| Engine | Solid booster with air-augmented rocket and ramjet sustainer motor |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 25 km (16 mi) - 30 km (19 mi) |
| Flight ceiling | 20 km (66,000 ft) |
| Flight altitude | 18 km (59,000 ft) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 1.8 to 2.5 |
Guidance system | Mid-course: Command guidance with datalink Terminal: Active radar homing |
Launch platform | T-72 or BMP-2 chassis or Tata Motors Heavy Mobility Trucks |
| Transport | BEML–Tatra or Tata Motors Heavy Mobility Vehicle |
An Akash battery comprises a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar and four launchers with three missiles each, all of which are interlinked. Each battery can track up to 64 targets and attack up to 12 of them. The missile has a 60 kg (130 lb) high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead with a proximity fuse. The Akash system is fully mobile and capable of protecting a moving convoy of vehicles. The launch platform has been integrated with both wheeled and tracked vehicles. While the Akash system has primarily been designed as an air defence SAM, it also has been tested in a missile defense role. The system provides air defence missile coverage for an area of 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi). The Indian military's combined orders of the Akash, including radar systems (WLR and Surveillance), have a total worth of ₹28,800 crore (US$4 billion). As per Ministry of Defence (MoD) Report 2018, existing order of Akash saved ₹34,500 crore of foreign exchange for India on imports.