ASTRA: Air to Air missile

Article Posted on : - Nov 03, 2009

The Astra missile programme is headed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The goal of this programme is to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an indigenously-designed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile to equip the IAF’s Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Su-30MKI and the future Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

This indigenous missile is intended to have performance characteristics similar to the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12), which currently forms part of the IAF’s missile armoury.

The missile is 3.8 metres long and is said to be configured like a longer version of the Super 530D, narrower in front of the wings. Astra uses a HTPB solid-fuel propellant and a 15 kg HE (high-explosive) warhead, activated by a proximity fuse. Although designed to use a locally-developed solid fuel propellant, DRDO is also looking at rocket/ramjet propulsion to provide greater range and enhanced kinematic performance.

The missile, which has strike range of 25 to 40 km, uses a terminal active radar-seeker and a mid-course internal guidance system with updates to track targets.

The missile has a maximum speed of Mach 4+ and a maximum altitude of 20 km. The missile can reportedly undertake 40 g turns close to sea level, when attacking a manoeuvring target.

Specifications

First test: May 9, 2003
Length: 3570 mm
Body Diameter: 178 mm
Wing Span: 10 in (254 mm)
Launch Weight: 154 kg.
Warhead: 15 kg pre-fragmented directional.
Fuze: Radar Proximity (laser proximity to follow).
Guidance: Inertial midcourse with data-linked updates, active-radar terminal homing.
Propulsion: Solid rocket motor.
Maximum altitude: 20 km (66,000 ft)
Minimum altitude: sea level
Range: 80 km head on, 15 km tail chase.