News- India recently conducted a successful flight test of the Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from a defense test facility off the Odisha coast. Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.
About Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
- It is an indigenously developed weapon system by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- This quick-reaction missile is capable of neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets.
- It was originally designed for the Indian Navy with a strike range of 40 km, it has now been enhanced to attack targets up to 80 km.
- Additionally, it is being developed for the Indian Air Force to safeguard its air bases.
- Features:
- It has a solid propellant and weighs approximately 170 kg.
- It is capable of reaching Mach 4.5, it can achieve a maximum altitude of 16 km.
- It employs a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance system for mid-course flight, while its terminal phase is guided by active radar homing.
- Designed as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS), it can hold multiple missiles within a twin quad-pack canister configuration.
