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Akash is a Surface-to-Air Missile System currently in service with the Indian Army and IAF. It was jointly developed by DRDO and other PSUs. It is a medium-range missile capable to intercept aerial targets up to 30 Kms. The Missile can be launched from both tracked and wheeled platforms. After the initial success of the Akash missile, DRDO is developing Akash NG Missile.
Propulsion
Akash is a two-stage SAM Missile. Initial Propulsion of Akash Missile is Solid Rocket Motor Booster. After the initial motor burnout, the ramjet-rocket propulsion system provides sustained thrust for the missile throughout its flight until interception. The use of a ramjet propulsion system enables sustained speeds without deceleration throughout its flight. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5.
Control and Guidance System
An on-board guidance system coupled with an actuator system makes the missile maneuverable up to 15g loads. The Missile is guided towards the target using an Inertial Navigation System and Onboard Tracking Seekers. For pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mounted on the mid-body. For roll control, four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons are mounted before the tail. The Guidance and Control of the Missile are controlled by a ground-based Battery Control System.
Radar
Akash Missile System Radar is A passive electronically scanned array (PESA). Akash has a multifunction radar, capable of surveillance, tracking, and engaging low radar cross-section targets. Radar can track up to 64 targets and attack up to 12 of them. Long-range target acquisition is performed by the 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR), which is a long-range surveillance radar that can track up to 200 targets in Track while Scan mode (detecting, tracking, and processing) in three dimensions at a range of 180 km.
New Developments
Akash NG System uses an Active electronically scanned array Radar. Akash NG System has Dual-pulse solid rocket motor. The Range of the Akash NG Missile is 40-70 Km. DRDO also developed Akash 1S and Akash Prime (Akash P) Missiles. It is currently deployed under the Indian Army and Indian Airforce.
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