The
Akash Weapon System architecture is based on
a Group Headquarters and a number of batteries.
The system is customized on tracked or wheeled
chassis to provide area air defense against
multifarious air treats to mobile, semi-mobile
and static vulnerable forces and areas. The
Akash air defence group sanitizes a large volume
of air space over the combat zone. The system
can be operated either in the autonomous mode
or in the Group Mode. The Akash Group consists
of surveillance radars, Control Centres, phased
array tracking and missile guidance radars,
launchers and ground support equipment.
Surveillance
Sensor (3 D CAR) is capable
of detecting and tracking aerial targets upto
a range of 150kms and altitude of 18 kms. It
provides coordinates in three dimensions of
upto 200 targets to the Group Control Centre
(GCC) through secure communication links. The
data is used to cue the weapon control radar.
Control
Centers at the group (GCC) and
the battery (BCC) have ruggedised
computers where real time air picture from various
sensors is integrated and data is processed.
Decision support software carries out threat
analysis
and generates options for commanders. Automated
target assignment and launch commands are generated
for optional engagement in kill Zone.
C
4 I software specially designed to meet
Indian defence requirements, provides fusion
of air pictures from various sensors, automatic
tracking of air targets, designation of track
numbers to different targets, identification
of friend or foe, automatic assignment of target
to GW batteries, automatic selection of launcher
and decision support system for commander for
launch and control of missiles. This feature
also drastically reduces the requirement of
manpower for operation of the system as the
complete operations from target detection to
engagement are hands free. The advanced battle
management software has been extensively field
tested under realistic combat development conditions
using multiple live targets. The system can
also be integrated with legacy or futuristic
radars and networks.
Multifunction
phased
array radar variants have been configured
on BMP
and T-72
based tracked vehicle. The tracking and missile
guidance radar configuration consists of a slewable
phased array antenna of more than 4000 elements,
spectrally pure TWT
transmitter, two stage superhetrodyne correlation
receiver for three channels, high speed digital
signal processor, real time management computer
and a powerful radar data processor. The system
has multiple target handling capability from
any direction. Each radar can simultaneously
engage four targets and guide eight missiles
in ripple mode. The radar has advanced ECCM
features.
Akash
launcher carries three ready to fire Akash
missiles. It is interfaced with BCC via
line or radio, is fully automatic and remotely
controllable, has a microprocessor controlled
electromechanical servo system and is capable
of checkout and auto launch of the missiles.
It has its own built in GTE power source and
can also be operated by DC power from housed
DC batteries.
The
surveillance radar, launcher and control centre
have been configured on T-72
and low bed trailer (Wheeled) chassis. Significant
customization to user requirements has been
incorporated. Akash surface-to-air missile has
a launch weight of 720kg, diameter 350mm and
a length of 5.8m. Its integral Ram
Rocket propulsion provides all the way thrusting
to a range of 25-30 km with a velocity of 600-700m/s
from 1.5 km onwards. The Ram jet system enables
powered intercept, high maneuverability, much
higher terminal velocities, high average speed,
lesser reaction time, lower flight time and
better engagements of receeder targets vis-à-vis
boost coast type of missiles. It also has wider
no escape zones. The digital autopilot and guidance
system are microprocessor based.
The
missile has all the way command guidance for
full range of operation. The missile uses state-of-art
integral ram jet rocket propulsion system and
the onboard digital autopilot ensures syability
and cintrol. Electro-pneumatic servo actuation
system controls cruciform wings for quick response,
and thermal batteries provide onboard power
supply. The Radio Proximity Fuse has advanced
signal processing features. Together with the
prefragmented warhead and safety arming mechanism,
a high kill probability of maneuvering targets
flying upto 600m/s is achieved. The missile
has number of safety and abort features ensuring
its safe handling and operations. The missiles
do not require any maintenance in the field
as it is fully integrated in the factory.
Akash
Ground Support system is designed for high reliability
and maintainability. The system has built in
diagnostics and checkout systems with card level
fault diagnostics and field replacement. The
system has built in simulator for operators
training.
