Astra missile

Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=Astra


caption=Artistic image of Astra.
origin= IND
type=Air to Air Missile
used_by=
manufacturer=DRDO
unit_cost=
propellant=
production_date=May 9, 2003
service=
engine=Solid Fuel Rocket
engine_power=
weight=154 kg
length=3570 mm
height=
diameter=178 mm
wingspan=254 mm
speed=Mach 4 +
vehicle_range=80 km head on, 15 km tail chase
90-110 km (15000 m)
44 km (9000 m)
30 km (sea level)
ceiling=66,000 ft
altitude=
filling=15 kg (33 lb) HE fragmentation directional warhead
guidance=Inertial, mid-course update and terminal active radar (15 km)
detonation=Radar proximity fuze
launch_platform=Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas, Mirage 2000 and Mig-29.Indian missiles

Astra [ [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/Astra.html Bharat Rakshak on the Astra missila] ] (Sanskrit: अस्त्रा, Astrā "Weapon") is an active radar homing Beyond visual range air to air missile (BVRAAM) or a so called Beyond Visual Range missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India. This is the first air-to-air missile developed by India; an advanced missile that enables fighter pilots to lock-on and shoot down enemy aircraft 90-120 km away. [ [http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jul/06astra.htm Coming from India's defence unit: ASTRA missile ] ]

In september 2008 Indian scientists developed a path-breaking technology that has the potential to increase the range of missiles and satellite launch vehicles by at least 40%.The enhanced range is made possible by adding a special-purpose coating of chromium metal to the blunt nose cone of missiles and launch vehicles. This would add-up on the stated range.

Development and Trials

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing this advanced beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) to arm the Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000H, MiG-29, Sea Harrier, Su-30MKI, MiG-21 Bison and HAL Tejas fighter aircraft. Astra looks like an elongated Matra Super 530. It uses an in-house developed solid fuel propellant, though DRDO is believed to be looking at rocket/ramjet propulsion similar to that used in its Akash Surface to air missile project. This missile was successfully tested without control and guidance systems on May 9 to May 12, 2003. The missile was again successfully tested on 25 March, 2007.cite web
title = Astra missile test fired from Chandipur
publisher = The Hindu
url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200703251719.htm
accessdate = 2007-03-25] On 27 March the vertical launch of the missile was carried out suggesting the use of the missile as a long range surface to air missile for the Indian Navy to arm its destroyers and frigates and for the Indian Air Force. [ [http://www.thetribuneonline.com/defence.htm Astra test fired again] ] The ground testing of the Astra missile was successful. The missile was successfully tested on September 13, 2008. The missile will intercept the target aircraft at supersonic speed. [ [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200809131340.htm 'Astra' test-fired successfully] ] The test flight of the missile from IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft will be carried out before induction of the missile into service. [ [http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/09/stories/2008090956231300.htm Astra ground testing on Sep 11] ] On 13 sept. 2008 India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed beyond-visual-range ‘air-to-air’ missile Astra in the Chandipur-on-sea area, off the Orissa coast. Initially planned to arm Jaguar, MIG-29 and indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas, DRDO officials are now concentrating that after user's trial, the sleek missile would be integrated with Indian Air Force's front line fighter aircraft like Sukhoi-30 MKIs and Mirage-2000. The single stage, solid fuelled 'Astra' missile "is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR missiles and it is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets," the source added.

Description

The range of Astra is 80 km in head-on chase and 15 km in tail chase. The missile's onboard radio-frequency seeker has been designed in India. It will have an active homing range of 15 km. The missile has a pre-fragmented warhead and is fitted with a proximity fuze. A radar fuze already exists for the Astra, but the DRDO is currently working on a new laser fuze.

Gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/astra.htm Globalsecurity]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MISSILES/Astra.html Bharat Rakshak]
* [http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/17/stories/2004061702730500.htm DRDL to develop Astra missile]